Saddle up in Lexington

Trace the role ot the horse through 12,000 years of British history in this winning exhibition.

Pawing, snorting, jumping, and whirling, the horse has pranced through time in the United Kingdom as a symbol of strength and beauty. This rich equine heritage has been corralled into a major exhibition at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

"All the Queen's Horses: The Role of the Horse in British History" offers filly fans 450 artifacts and artworks that salute the British tradition of equestrian excellence. More than 12,000 years worth of treasures are represented here, having been gathered from about 70 different collections, galleries, and private owners, including the current royal family.

This special exhibition isn't traveling to other cities. And it also marks a milestone in this Bluegrass attraction's history. "It's our 25th birthday this year at the Kentucky Horse Park," says marketing director Lisa Jackson. "This is the crowning event of our celebration."

And what a celebration it is. Grown-ups and kids alike should be fascinated by a reconstructed burial site containing real bones and artifacts found near Cambridge, England. "It's rare to find a horse buried with a warrior," says Lisa of the artifacts that have been transported to Kentucky.

Other pieces and a selection of 60 paintings make the exhibition a discovery all its own. A special gift shop offers horsey treats too. "We have everything from a $7,000 bronze of a knight on horseback all the way down to pencils and magnets," says Lisa. The wide price range covers china, soaps, and perfumes from Great Britain. You can also buy the exhibition catalog, which pictures and details the items being shown.

"The centerpiece of the exhibit is the Burgundian Bard," says Lisa, referring to Henry VIIFs horse armor. "It's spectacular." So is this equine extravaganza in the heart of the Bluegrass.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2003
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