Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital to hold 18th annual Hats Off Day July 31
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ/Press Release) – To celebrate the horse industry’s impact, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is presenting the 18th annual Hats Off Day on Saturday, July 31.
The family-friendly, free admission event will start at 3 p.m. at the Kentucky Horse Park. Events include horse and pony rides, interactive educational booths and a Grand Prix show jumping competition. Area horse farms and businesses will give out free hats at the entrance while supplies last.
Hats Off Day is the only day of the year that Kentucky Horse Park admission is free. It serves as a fundraiser for the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. Over $1.11 million has been raised since the first event in 2003.
“The Kentucky Horse Park provides our state with a beautiful backdrop to learn about Kentucky’s signature industry,” said Dr. Tom Riddle, founder of Hats Off Day and co-founder of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. “Hats Off Day allows families to get up-close-and-personal with these majestic animals.”
Sponsors of the event include Central Bank, the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and other industry leaders.
Stadium activities on Hats Off Day begin at 6:45 p.m. with a demonstration by Long Run Woodford Hounds and the celebration of the Kentucky Horse Park’s Mustang Troop. Additionally, the Rood & Riddle Comeback Award will be presented. This annual award honors an outstanding horse that has experienced a medical condition, was treated by Rood & Riddle veterinarians, and then returned to greatness. Previous winners include Thoroughbred two-time Horse of the Year, Wise Dan; Kentucky Derby winner and two-time Horse of the Year, California Chrome; show jumper, Cyklon 1083; Lexington mounted police horse, Yoder; and Saddlebred World Champion, Tempt Me. The theme of this year’s event is “The Beauty of the Show Hunter,” a fitting tribute to the 2021 Rood & Riddle Comeback Award winner, Celtic Fire, a highly successful show hunter.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the featured entertainment of the event is the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix show jumping competition, a 25-year-old tradition that draws internationally known horses and riders.
Hats Off Day is one of the many ways Rood & Riddle supports Kentucky’s equine industry. Through veterinary service, educational opportunities and seminars and community support, Rood & Riddle impacts the entire state with initiatives that strengthen the equine industry.
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