Campus News

UK Continues Its Support of Annual Hats Off Day

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 5, 2011) - Hats Off to Kentucky’s Horse Industry Day is Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Kentucky Horse Park. All Kentuckians are invited for a free afternoon of family fun and educational activities. The University of Kentucky Equine Initiative will be on hand again this year with an educational display and giveaways.

Equine industry leaders host the event to celebrate the horse and its vital role in Kentucky’s past, present and future. More than 13,000 people attended last year’s event.

UK’s Equine Initiative has been involved in the event for the past five years and uses the opportunity to showcase the equine research and affiliated programs happening at the University of Kentucky. UK’s presence this year will include informational booths about forages, economics, coat color genetics and youth programs. Additionally, the UK Art Museum and UK HealthCare-led Saddle Up Safely will be on hand. Participants who check in at each of the educational exhibits will be eligible for giveaways.

This year’s Hats Off Day – presented by Alltech with Official Partners  Rood Riddle Equine Hospital, Hallway Feeds and Spy Coast Farm– kicks off at 4 p.m. with a giveaway of hats from equine businesses (while supplies last), followed by fun, free activities including pony rides, educational booths, and interactive equine stations.  All events take place in and around the outdoor Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. The day’s events conclude with the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix, a premier show jumping competition held annually for the past 25 years.

The Grand Prix also serves as a charity fundraiser for the Kentucky Equine Humane Center and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, raising more than $450,000 for charitable organizations in Kentucky since 2003.  

For more information on Hats Off to Kentucky’s Horse Industry Day, please visit www.hatsoffky.com.