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        <atom:link href="http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/nbsplexingtonnbsp/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Kentucky Horse Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/nbsplexingtonnbsp/</link>
        <description>Read about the latest happenings in the Kentucky horse and equine communities.  Interesting information regarding upcoming shows, events, clinic announcements and more.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Kentucky Horse Park</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ This year marks the 30th anniversary that the Kentucky Horse Park
began operations and welcomed its first visitors to the equine
facility.nbsp; It was the first in the US and as such was uncharted
territory for a new venture to attract persons to KY.nbsp; The Kentucky
Horse Park has become a tremendous attraction for not only Kentucky and
the entire Midwest - but for the world as well.nbsp; The horse park is
booked through the end of 2010.nbsp; And is turns down the opportunity to
host approximately 25 equestrian events a year.

In preparation for hosting the 2010 World Equestrian Games, there is
currently an ongoing $63 expansion project which includes a $49 million
6000 person indoor arena, and a $24 million outdoor facility that will
accommodate 8000-10000 persons.


If you lookat the financial side of things, the Kentucky Horse Park
receives approximately 15 of its budget from the state to subsidize
its very large operating expenses.nbsp; [Care and maintenance for all of
those horses and 1200 acres aint cheap]nbsp; But with an annual budget of
$7.2 million, its not grossly out of line as much as you might expect.nbsp;
And its especially doing well if you compare it to some of the other
horse parks in other states like Florida, Virginia, Georgia, North
Carolina, Connecticut or Indiana.nbsp; Those are almost entirely state
funded facilities - and they simply donrsquo;t compare to the all inclusive
KY Horse Park.nbsp; Over 30 equestrian organizations hold their
headquarters at the KY Horse Park.nbsp; Virtually any style of riding,
indoor / outdoor / covered arena, and breed is represented at the
park.nbsp; Many other horse parks try to lower their expenses by only
offering outdoor arenas w/o covers.nbsp; Sure, its cheaper on the
maintenance side of things, but it really probably lowers the overall
visitor experience to the facility.


Still, even with the state of Kentucky injecting some monies for the
operational side of things, the KY Horse Park does generate overall
positive cash flow for the Lexington metropolitan area.nbsp; Visitors stay
at the hotels, dine at the local restaurants, purchase gas and other
necessities, etc.nbsp; All of which pumps money into the local economy that
wouldnrsquo;t otherwise normally be available.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:45:35 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/paris-kentucky-farm-purchased-by-dubai-ruler.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/paris-kentucky-farm-purchased-by-dubai-ruler.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Paris Kentucky Farm Purchased by Dubai Ruler</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Paris Kentucky farm, Stonerside Stables, has recently been
purchased by a company called Darley, which is owned by Dubai ruler,
Sheikh Mohammed.nbsp; The Paris horse farm was owned by the National
Football Leaguersquo;s Houston Texans owner, Bob McNair.nbsp; Stonerside Stables
has approximately 2000 acres and included in the purchase are
approximately 80 horses that are currently in training at the farm, as
well as 170 broodmares, yearlings and weanlings.


This is the next step of the Dubai ruler to acquire more of an
interest in the horse and horse farm industry in Kentucky.nbsp; He acquired
control of the Fasig-Tipton auction company in April of 2008.nbsp; The
spokesman for the Sheikh has stated that there are no plans to make
adustments to the horse farm operation and that it would continue as it
has without change.


The former Paris KY farm owner, Bob McNair, will be keeping a three
year old horse in training at Stonerside Stables.nbsp; The horses name is
Cowboy Cal, who placed 9th overall in the Kentucky Derby held in
Louisville this year.nbsp; In addition, they will retain ownership of 3
stallions:nbsp; Congaree, Bob and John, and Stonesider that were bred and
raised on the Paris horse farm.


Bob McNair cited his ongoing commitments toward his Houston Texan
football team, and that he needed to focus his efforts toward improving
the team without being distracted by other interests, such as this
horse farm in Paris KY.

nbsp;




To search for horse farms for sale in Paris Kentucky, please visit Paris Kentucky Farms For Sale.

nbsp;

nbsp;

nbsp;

nbsp;
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:43:17 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/big-brown-to-reside-at-3-chimneys-farm.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/big-brown-to-reside-at-3-chimneys-farm.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Big Brown to reside at 3 Chimneys Farm</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The winner of the 2008 Kentucky Derby, Big Brown, will be residing
at a local Kentucky horse farm located in Midway KY called 3 Chimneys
Farm.nbsp; That is certainly to draw some horse enthusiasts and spectators
alike that want to get a closer look at the champion.

Three Chimneys Farm is no stranger to crowds though.nbsp; This Midway
Kentucky veteran currently gets anywhere from 20 to 25 thousand
visitors each year from various persons.nbsp; Tours to visit the horse farm
are available several days each week - but by appointment only.nbsp; Tip:nbsp;
Make reservations early.nbsp; Three Chimneys Farms can often be completely
full for its tours for months.nbsp; If you would like to make reservations
for a tour, you can call (859)-873-7053.


To give some background on the horse farm:nbsp; 3 Chimneys Farm was
formed in 1972 with approximately 100 acres that was acquired by Blythe
amp; Robert Clay and was named for the honeymoon location that they
stayed at in the Bahamas.nbsp; That initial land purchase has now ballooned
to approximately 2,000 acres over six horse operations which includes
several different areas of the horse industry such as a stallion area,
4 broodmare sections, and a yearling section.


Despite a disappointing finish in the Belmont Stakes, Big Brown is
certainly going to go down as one of the most famous race horses in
history.nbsp; And Irsquo;m glad hersquo;s in our backyard of Kentucky.  
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:39:02 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/ky-horse-park-family-fun-fest.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/ky-horse-park-family-fun-fest.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>KY Horse Park Family Fun Fest</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The KY Horse Park will be hosting Family Fun Fest Friday June 5
through Sunday June 8. Lots of activities for everyone which include
door prize drawings, hands on learning experiences with horses, free
trolley rides (for children 12 amp; under), a coloring contest,
painting and decorating horseshoes, and more.

Be sure to come out and check out some of the fun at the Kentucky
Horse Park. (Besides, it would be a good time to at least see some of
the ongoing construction that is readying for the 2010 World Equestrian
Games.)


The cost is $15 per adult, and its free for children 12 and under.  For more information, call (859)-233-4303.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:34:58 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/woodford-county-kentucky-farm-sells-for-31-million.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/woodford-county-kentucky-farm-sells-for-31-million.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Woodford County Kentucky Farm Sells for $3.1 million</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ According to the April 17, 2008 edition of Versailles KY
newspaper,nbsp;The Woodford Sun, a Woodford County Kentucky farm commonly
known as Sunny Slope Farm sold April 8 for $3.1 million.nbsp; Aiken Road
Acquisition LLC bought the 168 acre farm that is located at 2870 Aiken
Road from the Shipp Family who has owned the farm for 6 generations.nbsp; A
little historical background on the farm, reveals that all the way back
in the 1780s, Richard and Elizabeth Shipp acquired the place that was
then known as The Old Fort Place.

Throughout its 200 year history, this Woodford County KY farm has
been utilized for everything from growing of hemp, horse farms
breeding, raising of cattle, tobacco farming, and even as a dairy farm.


Hopefully the new owners will cherish this piece of Kentucky heritage that has stood the test of time.



To search for horse farms for sale in Woodford County Kentucky, please visit Woodford County Kentucky Farms For Sale.

nbsp;

nbsp;

nbsp;

nbsp;
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:30:17 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-hotel-may-be-delayed.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-hotel-may-be-delayed.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Kentucky Horse Park Hotel may be delayed</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Just an update for those that have been following the proposed
Kentucky Horse Park hotel:nbsp; According to the Finance and Administration
Cabinet in Kentucky, no bonds have been sold for the proposed
equestrian hotel.nbsp; And if the bonds arenrsquo;t sold by April 15, 2008,
there will be insufficient time to get the hotel finished in time for
the World Equestrian Games in 2010 to be held at the KY horse park.nbsp;
[Park officials do not want construction going on at the facility while
the 2010 WEG is going on.]

The person selling the bonds is Ryan Barrow, who is with the company
Ross, Sinclaire.nbsp; He has stated that the current economy has made it
somewhat more difficult to get the bonds sold to fund the hotel project.


And beyond just the financing aspect of the hotel project, there is
a secondary motivator kicking in the April 15th deadline:nbsp; the
franchise ground lease agreement with Westin Hotels, has the April 15th
date selected as its target date.


If they are unable to get the bonds sold by the April 15th deadline,
it means that the KY Horse Park Hotel project would most likely be
delayed until after the 2010 WEG event.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:18:00 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/lexington-ky-horse-park-hotel-details.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/lexington-ky-horse-park-hotel-details.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Lexington KY Horse Park Hotel Details</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
[Editors note: I continue to receive feedback from persons
visiting this Louisville amp; Lexington Kentucky Horse Farms For Sale
website that they would like more information and stories regarding the
Kentucky Horse Park, the World Equestrian Games in 2010, etc. - so I am
continuing to write more articles regarding those topics.


If you have a topic of particular interest regarding horses,
Kentucky horse farms for sale, or anything pertaining to the equestrian
communities in KY - just let me know, and I will try to address your
requests in upcoming stories of interest. Thanks]


The
Lexington KY newspaper, the Lexington Herald-Leader published a story
on February 21 2008 regarding more details for the proposed KY Horse
Park Hotel. The topic of the feature was primarily the involvement of
one of the 2 development suitors for the project: Steve Branscum from
Russelville Kentucky.


To give some background, in March 2007 the Bluegrass Equine and
Tourism Foundation (BETF) was created to construct a luxury hotel at
the Kentucky Horse Park. One of the founding members was Steve
Branscum. He has since departed from the board of that entity, at the
suggestion from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reduce the number
of persons that were on the board of directors for the organization -
but now one of Mr. Branscumrsquo;s companies is now one of the 2 proposed
real estate development groups being considered for the construction of
the estimated $90 million project. Some persons are questioning whether
its truly an arms length transaction at this point. Brad Burgess, a
representative from the Thayer Group which is leading the project for
the hotel development with Boorn Partners, has simply attributed it to
Mr. Branscumrsquo;s continued interest in the equestrian park and in seeing
a hotel being made a part of that real estate development. Mr. Burgess
has been a resident of Lexington Kentucky since moving from Florida 6
years ago.


Mr. Burgess also was one of the founding members of the Bluegrass
Equine and Tourism Foundation (BETF) in March 2007 last year at this
time. 2 weeks after forming that organization, a new company was formed
called KHPWESLUX (yes, it really is called that). The KHPWESLUX company
then began to solicit the KY Horse Park hotel project, and beat out
real estate developers Corporex who are based in Northern Kentucky.


After all expenses are paid for the hotel, any profits will be
distributed to tourism and equine amp; equestrian organizations in
Kentucky. And 42 years after the hotelrsquo;s construction, the facility
will become owned in its entirety by the state of Kentucky.


KHPWESLUX is receiving a $5 million development fee for providing
their expertise and overseeing the development of the project, which
Mr. Burgess points out is well below their normal 7 rate that they
charge normally. He attributes the reduced fee to the lower risk
involved for this project.


Architect costs for the Lexington KY architecture firm of Sherman,
Carter, Barnhart are expected to be $1.6 million for the design and
scope of the vision for the real estate development.


Construction costs are projected to be $51 million for Branscum
Construction who will be working with Kraus Anderson who are from
Minneapolis for the project. And the construction management fee is
$2.4 million.


If you look at it from a larger perspective, its not unusual for
horse persons and equestrian enthusiasts to run in the same circles.
And for persons to share a common interest of seeing a project come to
fruition, it makes sense that persons would volunteer and join other
organizations to do whatever is needed to see that the dream comes to
reality. Expertise is needed for project, and these individuals bring
with them a lot of respect within the industry, and Irsquo;m certain they
will produce a finished project that will appeal to the equestrian
communities in Kentucky, and blend in with the various Kentucky horse
farms that are adjoining along the countryside of the KY Horse Park.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:07:32 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-bond-plan-is-118-million.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-bond-plan-is-118-million.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Kentucky Horse Park Bond Plan is $118 million</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The Courier-Journal newspaper reported a story regarding the
Kentucky General Assembly, and the proposed Kentucky Horse Park Bond
Plan calling for $118 million.

This plan essentially calls for private real estate developers to
construct a luxury hotel located at the KY Horse Park, and while the
government would not be required to pay for any of the debt, it is
ultimately responsible because it owns the real estate on which the
proposed development would reside.


The plan was approved by the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee on Tuesday February 19, 2008.


The estimates provided for the planned hotel are $88 million for the
actual facility - with the remaining costs to be covered for debt
service and interest carry for the project.


One of the real estate developers was Brad Burgess and he stated
that the average room rate is going to be $184 per night, and that they
project a 74 occupancy rate for the hotel in the KY Horse Park.


Plans call for a 267 room hotel flying under the Westin Hotel
franchise flag and it would contain approximately 300,000 sq.ft. of
space within the property.nbsp; Part of the attraction for the proposal is
to have the facility operational in time for the 2010 World Equestrian
Games.


After the hotel is built, it would then transfer ownership to a
non-profit organization that would apply any profits generated toward
the Kentucky tourist and equestrian industries within the state.


Hopefully, the project will be a big success.nbsp; Finding alternatives
to create additional revenue streams for the KY horse farms industry
within the state is a good long term strategic move.nbsp; It creates the
ability to establish a self generating and funded effort for the equine
industry.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:05:33 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/ky-horse-park-museum-plans-for-expansion.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/ky-horse-park-museum-plans-for-expansion.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>KY Horse Park Museum Plans for Expansion</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The Lexington Herald-Leader broke a story about the KY Horse Park
recently has plans for a large museum expansion to begin in April
2008.nbsp; This is the first substantial addition to the facility since it
debuted in 1978.nbsp; The plan calls for increasing the size of the
building by 8000 sq.ft. which would be an increase to the total square
footage of the museum of approximately 30.

This addition is being funded by the Arabian horse enthusiast
organizations, which are specifically the Purebred Arabian Horse Trust
amp; the American Arabian Horse Community.


In addition to the funding for the expansion, the displays within
the newly constructed areas will include many pieces from those 2
organizations collections in order to better showcase the items.nbsp; It
also includes some of the latest technologies that include interactive
participation from the visitors and will cover the entire cycle of
history for the Arabian horse from early times through modern day.


The KY Horse Park museum expansion is scheduled to be open some time
in the summer of 2009 which should be well in advance of the
preparations for the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) to be held there
at this facility.


As an aside, there will be an exhibit on display for the WEG that is
being funded by the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation called ldquo;A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History, and Culture of the Arabian Horserdquo;.nbsp; This exhibit alone is expected to run approximately $2.3 million.


Adding these expansions to the many other plans of expansion and new
buildings which include an indoor and outdoor arena for the WEG, and
the KY Horse Park is really packing in a lot of construction in
preparation for the 2010 event.nbsp; It should be a marvel for persons that
are first time visitors to Kentucky to experience a facility the likes
of which no one has ever seen before.nbsp; It makes you feel quite proud to
be from Kentucky, and a part of this wonderful addition to the horse
community.


And before I get lost in my enthusiasm, BIG KUDOS to the Arabian
Horse communities and enthusiasts for their generous contributions.nbsp;
Its another example that Kentucky is the leader for the entire world in
the horse industry, and that there really isnrsquo;t comparison to our KY
horse farms anywhere else


And if you havenrsquo;t done it already - start making plans to attend the 2010 World Equestrian Games.nbsp; You wonrsquo;t want to miss it
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:59:47 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/2010-alltech-fei-world-equestrian-games-seeking-volunteers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/2010-alltech-fei-world-equestrian-games-seeking-volunteers.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Seeking Volunteers</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The Lexington KY Herald Leader newspaper, announced that the 2010
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) has now opened up a
registration list for all persons that may wish to volunteer to assist
with hosting the WEG at the KY Horse Park in Lexington.nbsp; To sign up,
click here.

The WEG is seeking volunteers for all aspects and events. They are
needing a whopping 8-10,000 volunteers - just for the days during the
event while it is being held They also need several thousand more for
setting up and breaking down the event.


Many organizations are jumping on board to help. The Lexington
Bluegrass Association of REALTORS have volunteered their entire board
of 2300 REALTORS.


Those persons signing up now, should be able to request what aspect
of the WEG that they are desiring to work in. Everything from ticket
takers to answering phones needs people to man those jobs for the event.


Some other states that are equestrian friendly are lending their
support as well, such as New York, New Jersey, Texas, Oklahoma, and
Maryland. Even volunteers are coming in from as far away as Aachen
Germany (which is where the WEG was hosted in 2006).


You should be able to work as many hours as you reasonably want to.
So, if you are short on time and canrsquo;t devote the entire 16 days to the
event, that should not be a problem. Every little bit helps.

Its arguably the single most important equestrian event to EVER be
held in the United States. And its especially important for horse
owners, and KY horse farms to showcase their world class facilities -
to the world. Our reputation is on the line for this. As an aside,
every Kentucky horse farms owner should be planning to spruce up their
farms now. We want to be wearing our ldquo;Sunday bestrdquo; so-to-speak for the
rest of the world in 2010. :) ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:56:48 -0500</pubDate>
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