Who Benefits From The High Hope Steeplechase?

More than fun, friends and great racing, the High Hope Steeplechase is a volunteer-driven event that supports worthy equine charities and non-profit groups.

Whether you are a event volunteer, or come share the day of the event with us, we thank you for your support in helping these important organizations.

 

Central Kentucky Riding for Hope
Under the guidance of trained teachers, volunteers and medical people, disabilities are challenged and new abilities are created. The program is operated at the renowned Kentucky Horse Park, which is a perfect setting of one thousand acres of rolling countryside, dotted with hundreds of horses representing over 35 breeds. CKRH originated in the fall of 1981 and has experienced continued interest and growth. We are a non-profit organization established to provide horseback riding for therapeutic purposes and social and recreational activities. Our program has proved highly successful in

helping people with a wide range of disabilities to develop self-esteem, confidence, coordination and a sense of achievement while learning horsemanship, tack and riding principles. CKRH is completely dependent upon community support. Funding and volunteer support is provided by numerous individuals as well as various community service-based organizations.
 
Kentucky Horse Park Foundation
The Kentucky Horse Park is a unique treasure in the Bluegrass. The park's world-class show facilities welcome more than 15,000 competition horses at shows each year. Headquarters and offices of many national equine associations and organizationsare located in the
National Horse Center on these same grounds that now generate an estimated $260,000,000 in economic impact and many jobs. Along with the strong support from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, gifts to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation from the private sector - both individual and corporate - help the park build and maintain show facilities, conduct special research initiatives, complete landscaping projects, and host special art exhibits such as Imperial China and All the Queen's Horses.
 
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Founded over two decades ago, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's mission is clear and simply stated: To save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter.
The sad truth is that a vast majority of the general public and even many racing fans are unaware of the sad fate that awaits thousands of Thoroughbreds each year. They assume each animal is assured a safe and graceful retirement once its racing days are over. Their perception of the "Sport of Kings” is one where great personal wealth and life-long benevolence to all horses are givens. Unfortunately, it is a perception that does not reflect reality.