For Immediate Release

Central Kentucky Riding for Hope goes Under Cover

 LEXINGTON, KY—July 27, 2006—With a little help from their friends, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) broke ground on a $3.6 million indoor therapeutic riding arena at the Kentucky Horse Park this morning.  Executive Director Pat Kline welcomed attendees and such honored guests as Secretary Robbie Rudolph of the State’s Executive Cabinet, Jim Host, Chair of the Alletech FEI World Games Kentucky 2010 and Tandy Patrick, Chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission.

 The program included remarks from Secretary Rudolph on the value of the Commonwealth’s decision to donate 24 acres of park land to the new facility. “CKRH takes the “dis” out of disability and focuses on the abilities their students already have. How could we not support that effort?” said Rudolph. Furthermore, he added, with the addition of the Para-Equestrian element to the 2010 World Games, there is a logical collaboration between CKRH and World Games organizers in supporting those athletes with the new facility.

 CKRH has raised $2.2 million thus far for the site, and the groundbreaking ceremony launches the public phase of securing the remainder. CKRH Board President Jeanne Cox-Owens said in her remarks “We have every confidence that the public will help us achieve this goal, especially with the generous example set by the Creech family and Toyota.” The John Creech, Jr. family donated $1 million to the facility in memory of their wife and mother Virginia, who was an advocate for the disabled during her lifetime. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky made the lead gift of $250,000 for the facility in June 2005.

 The program concluded with a riding demonstration by three CKRH students. CKRH officials stated their intent is to have the facility built and fully operational by September 2007.

 For more information, please call Executive Director Pat Kline at (859) 231-7066.