Lexington, KY – With the 2007 Spring show season quickly approaching, the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) recently announced several changes which will affect those who wish to compete in upcoming competitions. These changes include updates to the equine health protocol, new regulations regarding electrical equipment, and the addition of a trailer grounds fee.

In response to the recent outbreaks of the Equine Herpes Virus and their concern over the continual health and safety of horses, the management of the KHP announced a specific health protocol to all exhibitors who plan to travel to the KHP for any events this year. The state of Kentucky requires that all horses entering the state provide a negative Coggins test within one year of entry as well as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Health Certificate) signed by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of entry. Horses originating within the state of Kentucky are required to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 150 days. Complete details on the health protocol are listed at www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

It is additionally recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) prior to entry and that the date of vaccination be noted on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. To facilitate the inspection process by Kentucky Department of Agriculture personnel, this paperwork must accompany the horses upon arrival and be available throughout their stay.

Another change that the KHP announced was to add new regulations regarding electrical equipment. In compliance with the State of Kentucky Fire Code, the KHP will no longer allow any of the following in stalls, barns or tents: any 2 prong plug appliances (fans, etc.); any 2 prong plug extension cords; light duty cords for indoor use; any 3-way adaptors unless specifically for outdoor use; any adaptors without 3 prong connections and any equipment not in compliance is subject to confiscation.

Because of the inadvertent damage done by trailers and tied horses to the grounds and show areas, the park has been incurring rising costs to keep those areas clean and well maintained. To address these costs, the park is implementing a few changes to relieve some of the stress on the grounds and amenities. One of the changes is a Trailer Grounds Fee for all competitors who compete at the park without renting a stall, which can be purchased through the show office for $20 per day or $75 for the season (the national standard amount). Through the collection of these fees, the KHP will be able to increase and improve trailer parking areas including adding better lighting and parking surfaces. In effect, every competitor will benefit directly from the implementation of this fee. For more information on the Trailer Grounds Fee and other changes, contact Sheila Stovall, 859-259-4205 or [email protected].

The park needs the cooperation of its competitors to ensure that it maintains a beautiful setting while continuing to provide a safe environment for competitors and their horses. By making these changes, it will help to keep the KHP one of the world’s finest equestrian facilities for many years to come.

Further requirements, recommendations and information are available online at www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.


ENDS
~~~For more information, please contact Stacey Meier, Director of National Marketing, at (859) 225-6974, or via e-mail at [email protected].