Over 13,000 People Celebrate Kentucky's Horse Industry on Hats Off Day

A big thanks to the over 13,000 people who attended Hats Off Day: A Day to Celebrate Kentucky’s Horse Industry! The gates opened at 4:00pm to big crowds ready to take advantage of the only free day at the Horse Park all year thanks to Central Bank. Equine businesses from the area provided inflatables, pony rides and other activities for families and people of all ages to enjoy. Many patrons saw, for the first time, how many different national and international equestrian organizations are headquartered at the Kentucky Horse Park and understood that Lexington truly is the Horse Capital of the World.

The day was capped off by the largest attendance ever at the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix. The opening ceremonies for the Grand Prix wowed patrons with a riding display from Lyndsey Jordan and Nikki Levy before Australia’s Got Talent star Dan James performed his incredible Roman Riding routine. The true climax of the night, however, came when Blythe Marano won her first Rood & Riddle Grand Prix in stunning fashion on her favorite mount Urban. The Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix has quickly become one of the premier events in stadium showjumping.