Tennessee Walking Horse In Spotlight
At Kentucky Horse Park

By Sarah Gee
©Voice, August 2005

Opened to the public in 1978, the Kentucky Horse Park is the world’s only park dedicated to man’s relationship with the horses. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, it is a 1200-acre working horse farm that features 50 different breeds of horse. It also includes a breathtaking monument to the great Man O’ War, the International Museum of the Horse, the American Saddlebred Museum, the Hall of Champions, two theatres, a working farrier’s shop, and carriage, trail, and pony rides. On average, the park greets more than 500,000 visitors a year.

Among the 50 breeds featured at this world-class institution is the Tennessee Walking Horse. A talented six-year-old chestnut mare named Sweet Dixie Night represents our great breed. Owned by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association^SM and always a crowd pleaser, Dixie eagerly greets visitors at her stall, displays three perfect gaits in the twice daily parade of breeds presentations, poses for pictures with visitors, and often carries the flag as the park’s official flag horse. Simply stated, our breed could not find a better ambassador for this extremely important venue.

A favorite among the park’s staff, Dixie’s primary handler for the 2005 season has been TWHBEA^SM member Teddi Hibberd. A ten-year walking horse enthusiast, Teddi is enjoying her first season as a Kentucky Horse Park employee. A huge factor contributing to that enjoyment is Dixie, Teddi relates, “Dixie is such a sweet mare. She’s very well trained and she just loves to interact with the visitors. She’s a great credit to our breed. I ride all the gaited horses here at the park but I would have to say that Dixie is my favorite.” Dixie’s other caretakers include Director of Equine Operations R.K. Walker, Tom Hamblin and Shelly Wright of the Equine Operations staff, and Barn Manager Denny Chapman.

Because Dixie has made such a positive impression at the Horse Park, a special breed weekend, October 1-2, 2005, has been designated for the Tennessee Walking Horse. Teddi Hibberd’s mother, Arlene Gray, has organized a special exhibition that will feature all facets of the breed from country pleasure to show performance. Of course, Dixie will have a part to play. Plans also call for an appearance by 2005 WGC The Black Night Shade. Breed enthusiasts including trainers, farriers, and DQPs from the Kentucky Walking Horse Association will be on hand to provide information and answer questions throughout the weekend.
Sweet Dixie Night’s presence at the Horse Park has exposed countless visitors to the very best our breed has to offer. She has spurred interest within the park to the point that the Tennessee Walking Horse will hold the spotlight for an entire weekend at the world’s foremost horse attraction.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a must-see attraction for any horse lover. Visit www.kyhorsepark.com, email info@kyhorsepark.com, or call 1-800-678-8813 for more information.