Lee Carter took over the reins of the Kentucky Horse Park back in February. The new director looks forward to some upcoming improvements.
The Kentucky legislature appropriated $21 million for capital improvements at the Horse Park. Carter said that includes money for the museum and barn renovations. Carter said it’s important that the complex be ready for competitions as well as the leisure visitor.
“We’re never going to be the newest facility, nor do we want to be. But, we can be that Fenway Park, we can be that historical facility that has that emotional heart pull for folks to come out here to compete,” said Carter.
The Horse Park hosted the World Equestrian Games in 2010. Asked about bringing the WEG back some time, Carter said such a proposal would be entertained but being able to afford it is another thing.
“It’s much like the Olympics and if you study the Olympic Games and how those are organized and put on by destinations, it’s a big undertaking, both by a venue and facilities standpoint, but also from a financial standpoint. So, we’d have to have those partners kind of come back to the table with us to make that a reality,” said Carter.
Even with so much competition infrastructure in place now at the Horse Park, Carter said the cost to put on another WEG is estimated at $25 million. Carter also noted the equine disciplines are now split off in different locations.
Carter would like to see some increase in competition.
In tracking visitors, the park director added the 12-hundred-acre home to anything horse-related saw visitors from 47 states over the last two months.
Here's more with Kentucky Horse Park Director Lee Carter:
