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The International Museum of the Horse, Kentucky Horse Park

Located in Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm with 1,200 acres surrounded by 30 miles of white plank fencing. Dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse, the park features two museums, including the International Museum of the Horse; twin theaters; and nearly 50 different breeds of horses.

In the International Museum of the Horse, the largest of its kind in the world, visitors learn about the 55-million-year history of the horse. Exhibits include a collection of 19th-century horse-drawn carriages and racing vehicles; the “Horse in Sport” gallery, displaying contemporary uses of the horse in competition; and “Calumet Farm: Five Decades of Champions,” which includes 560 gold, silver, and crystal trophies and 35 paintings tracing the racing legacy of Lexington’s most famous horse farm. Changing exhibits of equine art are displayed in the museum’s Special Exhibitions Galleries. The museum also houses the W. Paul Little Cultural and Learning Center.

Visitors to the International Museum of the Horse may also want to check out these attractions at the Kentucky Horse Park:

• the film Thou Shalt Fly Without Wings, shown in the Visitor’s Information Center theater and focusing on man’s relationship with the horse
• the American Saddlebred Museum, which explores that breed’s role in American history
• the Farrier Shop, where the blacksmith exhibits his iron-pounding craft and provides visitors the opportunity to watch the age-old art of horse shoeing
• a display of 24 breeds of horses in the Breeds Barn and the Draft Horse Barn, home of the horses that pull the park’s trolleys
• the Hall of Champions, where the excitement of the racetrack and show ring is brought to life

For more information, contact:

International Museum of the Horse
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 233-4303
toll-free (800) 678-8813
www.imh.org (museum information, current exhibits, education programs, schedules, and tickets
www.kyhorsepark.com (general park information, hours of operations, directions/map, tickets, and special educational rates)

The museum web site also includes information about past and present exhibits and a virtual art gallery. Highlights include Imperial China: The Art of the Horse in Chinese History [www.imh.org/imh/china/]

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