Press Release-The John Henry Memorial Equine Adoption Fair

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In dear John Henrys memory, ...

NEWS RELEASEContact: Cindy Rullman859-259-4209 ext 209crullmanKENTUCKY HORSE PARK OFFERS ASSISTANCE TOKENTUCKY'S NEGLECTED HORSESLEXINGTON, KY (May 6, 2008) A number of factors have converged to make thisa very difficult year for Kentucky's horses. Equine overpopulation, achallenging economy, and last summer's draught are among the causes ofdistress that have put Kentucky's horses in the national media spotlight."We've all been disturbed by the sight of neglected and starving horses inthe news, and we are determined to do something about it. We're going to putour actions where our hearts are," said John Nicholson, executive directorof the Kentucky Horse Park. He continued, "If everyone who benefits from thehorse industry will pitch-in, it is possible that we could come close toeliminating the problem of unwanted horses in our state very quickly. Theone thing that is not acceptable is for people to know that Kentucky'shorses are in crisis and yet do nothing to help."To that end, on Saturday, June 28, at 6pm, the Kentucky Horse Park will hostthe first annual John Henry Memorial Equine Adoption Fair, named for thepark's beloved racehorse who passed away last Fall. John Henry spent thefirst several years of his life being unwanted, until he came into the handsof a trainer who recognized the value of a horse that the rest of the worldsaw as small, plain, ill-tempered and poorly conformed. John Henry rewardedthose who finally wanted him by earning more than $6 million for them on thetrack.The John Henry Memorial Equine Adoption Fair will find homes for otherunwanted horses by bringing together a number of equine adoptionorganizations to showcase their rescued, adoptable horses. It will alsoraise funds through a silent auction for the Kentucky Horse Council's SaveOur Horses (SOHO) fund, which has already saved the lives of many horses andponies across the state of Kentucky though its emergency horse hotline. Thefund provides financial support for feed and veterinarian care when a goodSamaritan or a county cares for a horse that has been confiscated due to itspoor condition. In addition, the fund is providing an Equine AbuseInvestigation Class to train local officials how to successfully identifyhorses that need help, and how to ensure prosecution when it is warranted.The event will take place during the MidSouth Pony Club Mega Rally at thepark, and in partnership with the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC). The publicis invited, free of charge.Grace Hobbie, Vice Regional Supervisor for the MidSouth Region of the UnitedStates Pony Club, said, "We see this as a great opportunity to help thesemagnificent animals find a loving home. Regardless of how they may look atthe beginning of the relationship, they can turn out to be one of the bestmounts you have ever had."Ginny Grulke, executive director of the KHC observed, "The Kentucky HorsePark's Equine Adoption Fair is just one example of the creative solutions wemust all come up with to find new, safe homes for neglected horses. TheKentucky Horse Council is dedicated to assisting the unwanted horse, and weare proud to work with the Kentucky Horse Park in protecting Kentucky'ssignature animal, to which we owe so much."Nicholson concluded, "We believe the responsibility for the welfare ofhorses falls squarely on the shoulders of every Kentuckian, because everyKentuckian benefits from the horse industry. It is clearly within our powerto fix this. It should be within our hearts as well."For general information on the John Henry Memorial Equine Adoption Fair call859-233-4303; for volunteer information contact Gina Beare at 859-259-4267or gina.beare ; for horse information contact Tracy Walkerat 859-259-4262 or twalker.EDITOR'S NOTE: A high-res photo is available for use with this release, andan ad is available for use as a p.s.a. by emailing crullman.Park Hours and Rates: From March 15 through October 31, the park is openseven days a week. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for children 7-12.Children six and under are always admitted free of charge. Admissionincludes the International Museum of the Horse - In Association with theSmithsonian Institution, the American Saddlebred Museum, and the John HenryMemorial Equine Adoption Fair.-30-