Lexington, KY (July 26, 2024)– Lexington Equine Medical Group owners have named the Kentucky Horse Council as the beneficiary of proceeds from their inaugural Hunter Pace and 5K, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on Sunday, September 8. All funds raised will be earmarked specifically to assist with KHC efforts in Eastern Kentucky.

The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., with participants trail running over the hunter pace course – jumping the jumps is encouraged! The hunter pace will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. Awards will be given in the jumping, non-jumping and family/pleasure categories, as well as to Best Costume, Best Tailgate and Best Thoroughbred Team (to be eligible, at least half of the horses on a team must have a Thoroughbred Incentive Program number).

A hunter pace is designed to mimic the feeling of being on a hunt without the hounds; teams of two, three and four riders will travel over a marked course that includes woods, water and open fields. Riders can choose to participate in one of three divisions: jumping, non-jumping and family/pleasure, where riders ride at their own pace over the marked course. Riders are encouraged to jump any obstacle they choose; no penalty is incurred for not jumping jumps. The team that finishes closest to the optimum time (set by officials) without going over will be the winner in each division.

“Lexington Equine Medical group is excited to offer runners and riders of all disciplines and abilities the opportunity to spend time at the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Rocky M. Mason, DVM, one of the founders of the 13-doctor ambulatory veterinary practice. “We are looking forward to hosting an event to bring awareness to and raise funds for the KHC, and more specifically, the welfare of horses in Eastern Kentucky. The equine community in the Bluegrass is a powerful one, and one we are all so lucky to be a part of; we can’t wait to see what bringing everyone together for a day of fun and sport can accomplish for horses in need.”

Runners and riders will be able to purchase food from Toasties Gourmet and High Horizons Coffee Shop and Cafe food trucks; beverages from Maiden City Brewing Company and Country Boy Brewing will also be for sale. Photography will be provided by Rachel Milewski Media.

The race and pace will be held rain or shine. Questions? Email lemghunterpace@gmail.com

Learn more about the Lexington Equine Medical Group Hunter Pace and 5K at the Park and register here: lexingtonequinemedical.com/hunter-pace-5k

Can’t run or ride, but want to support the work the KHC does? Donate here: kentuckyhorse.org/Donate