WILLIAM G. KENTON JR. GALLERY

1998 SCHEDULE

"Presidents and Their Horses"
June 5 - September 7

On June 5th, the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park will open a major exhibition entitled The Presidents and Their Horses. The exhibit will explore the equestrian involvement of all the United States Presidents through the use of paintings, sculpture, photographs, artifacts, journal entries and interpretive text. It will be housed in the museum's 3,600 square foot William Kenton Gallery and will run through September 7^th, 1998.

The horse was a vital force in transportation, commerce, communications and war from the settlement of the New World to the advent of the internal combustion engine. Even into the 20^th century, the relationship between Americans and the horse have remained strong. Given this importance, it is hardly surprising that many of our nation's leaders were not only excellent horsemen but were often intimately involved in varying aspects of equestrian pursuits. Many served on horseback in the 18^th and 19^th century army, some were breeders and trainers while others just enjoyed a long ride on a good horse. These are the relationships that will be explored in The Presidents and Their Horses.

Most Americans are familiar with the equestrian exploits of Presidents Washington, Grant, and Reagan. Few however, know that Calvin Coolidge was so intent on maintaining his equestrian skills while living in the White House, that he had a mechanical horse built that he rode regularly. During Franklin Roosevelt's administration, the mounted tail of his father's favorite horse hung proudly in the family's quarters. These are just two of the more unusual artifacts that are included in the exhibition.

Other Presidential items in the exhibit include George Washington's spurs, James Monroe's riding gloves, Rutherford B. Hayes' Grimsley saddle, and Ronald Reagan's English saddle. Portraits and prints of George Washington, Benjamin Harrison, Franklin Pierce, Zachary Taylor and James K. Polk are also included. Many photographs of the Presidents with horses will also be in the exhibit. They include photographs of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter as children riding, William H. Taft riding with his children, Grover Cleveland riding down Pennsylvania Avenue, William McKinley driving his carriage out the White House gate and Bill Clinton enjoying a horseback ride on the beach.

Fall Showcase of Equine Art
September 12 - October 26
Exhibition and Sale

Each fall, the American Academy of Equine Art's annual juried exhibition is held in the William G. Kenton Gallery. In addition to the work of Academy members, these exhibitions include work by associate members, candidates for membership, and the equine work of any artist that meets the criteria of, and is accepted by the submissions jury.

Visit the American Academy of Equine Art's web site for more information on on exhibitions and workshops.

VISITORS INFORMATION CENTER
PHOTO GALLERY

1998 SCHEDULE

The Photos of Jim Durham
& Lee Hoge
May 22 - August 16
Exhibition and Sale

Jim Durham

The black and white and color photos of long time Park supporter, Jim Durham, give an intimate look at his view of  Kentucky and the horses for which it is known.

Lee Hoge

Saratoga Springs, New York resident, Lee Hoge, presents his tribute to the great Secretariat on the 25th anniversay of his Triple Crown.

"The Soul of the Horse"
Photos by Peter Thomann

August 21,1998 - August 22, 1999
Exhibition and Sale

Award winning German photo- grapher,   Peter Thomann has assembled a wonderful cross-section of stunning black and white images which seem to capture the essence of the horse. shot throughout the world, the exhibition features a variety of breeds and equestrian activities. Mr. Thomann was responsible for taking the photo from which the Kentucky Horse Park logo evolved.

New Horse Breeds of the World Exhibit to Open in 1998

Work has begun on the Museum's new Horse Breeds of the World exhibit, which will replace the 20 year old Breed Wall computer exhibit, and will also be available on-line. The new exhibit will expand coverage from the current 63 breeds, to approximately 120.

Between four and ten pages of information will be available on each breed. As all material will be presented on-screen as opposed to the rear-lit photographs utilized in the current Breed Wall, the new exhibit will be easily expandable to include additional breeds in the future.

Click here for a preview of
Horse Breeds of the World.