The Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop has been serving youth in central Kentucky since 1994. Developed by the Kentucky Horse Park’s Equine Education Department, the Mustang Troop serves at-risk youth by providing lessons focused on horsemanship and riding. The Mustang Troop program provides a horse camp-style experience for underserved children who, in many cases, would not have the opportunity to interact with horses.

For the youth who attended, the time spent with these horses was truly lifechanging. The program has been so successful that the Lexington Police Department’s officers have partnered with the program as volunteers. The youth who attend also receive a full tour of the Kentucky Horse Park, which further increases their overall knowledge and appreciation of the horse world. As a US Equestrian Community Outreach Organization, the Mustang Troop received a grant from the USEF Opportunity Fund to support an increase in staff and herd numbers so that more youth can be served in the area. Learn more about Community Outreach Organizations and the USEF Opportunity Fund here.