Be sure to check this page often as exciting plans are underway for even more special events including Thoroughbred Appreciation activities, horse farm documentary showing, and much more!

Opening and Closing Night Parties

Hollywood Casino is throwing a free and open to the public Opening Night Party on Sunday, September 26 to kick-off the International Equestrian Festival with glitz and glam style.   On Sunday, October 10, Hollywood Casino wraps up the 16-days of Festival excitement with an exclusive, ticketed Closing Night Party extravaganza.

Breed Appreciation Days

Breed Associations will recognize their membership and showcase their breeds to the local, national and international attendees of IEF.    Scheduled Breed Appreciation Days include:

Orlov-Rostopchin Sportshorse Registry

American Mustang & Burro Association

American Trakehner Association

U.S. Trotting Association

Kentucky Mountain Saddlehorse Association

Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association

The Akhal-Teke Society of America

Welsh Pony & COB Society

American Donkey & Mule Society

International Georgian Grande Horse Registry

“Celebrating the Equine Spirit” Parade

Sunday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m.

Horse Capital Productions and the International Equestrian Festival will be the main feature the city’s parade, which begins and Main Street and Midland Avenue and ends near the Lexington Convention Center (home of the IEF).  

A variety of breeds and horse industry associations will be highlighted in the parade.