Horse Capital with Samantha Lederman

The US Department of Veterans affairs reports that more than 78,000 veterans died by suicide between 2005 and 2017, and the numbers have been climbing since then. Recently, during National Suicide Prevention month, Bravehearts, an Illinois-based equine therapy group held a special event at the Kentucky Horse Park to raise awareness about the issue. WUKY Horse Capital reporter Samantha Lederman has the story.

Visit Horse Country has been one of Lexington and Central Kentucky’s success stories since it’s inception in 2014. Now numbering about 40 members including horse farms, equine medical clinics and horse attractions it has solidified it’s place on the tourism map and in many visitors’ hearts. With travel restricted due to the Coronavirus pandemic and all visits essentially shut down, Executive Director Anne Hardy recently spoke via Skype to explain how they’re coping during these difficult times and to hype a host of activities lined up for what was supposed to be Derby Day in Kentucky.

Horseback riding is a dangerous sport, and while there are plenty of safety studies that concentrate on jump technology, or horse physiology, historically there hasn't been much attention paid to the impact rider strength and fitness can have. But as Horse Capital reporter Samantha Lederman tells us that's beginning to change, thanks to UK Eventing Team Strength Trainer Tony Sandoval.

The United States Equestrian Federation cut the ribbon on its new headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park Friday morning. WUKY Horse Capital reporter Samantha Lederman has details.

If you live in Central Kentucky there's a pretty good chance you've spent a day at Keeneland, and you've probably heard the races called by the track announcer, Kurt Becker. WUKY's Horse Capital Reporter Samantha Lederman recently spent some time getting to know more about what it takes to be the Voice of Keeneland.

Thousands of horse enthusiasts will again gather at the Kentucky Horse Park this weekend for BreyerFest - a three day extravaganza bringing the model horse world to life. Kids and adults alike can take part in the many workshops, free seminars and shopping, all while meeting some of the horses that inspire the models. Every BreyerFest ticket includes a FREE Limited Edition Breyer figurine, created just for the event. And as WUKY’s Horse Capital Reporter Samantha Lederman tells us, this year’s guest of honor is a popular fixture of the horse park.

Racehorses are high performance, high earning athletes, and as such, no stone is left unturned to make sure every minute advantage is capitalized upon. Horses on the back side have their own personal grooms, trainers, massage therapists, chiropracters, blacksmiths, and as Horse Capital Reporter Samantha Lederman discovered; even dentists.

Footwear is important for any athlete and when it comes to the equine world there's an old adage; "no foot, no horse." There's a lot that goes into making sure horses are properly equipped. WUKY's Horse Capital Reporter Samantha Lederman recently paid a visit to the Kentucky Horseshoeing School where an intense annual contest was being held.

The Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture and Natural Resources Law will hold it’s fifth annual Symposium Wednesday February 27th. WUKY’s Samantha Lederman has the details.

The grounds of the Henry Clay estate at Ashland Park are home to over 400 trees representing 44 species. When a black maple on the corner of Sycamore and Richmond Road died in the Spring of 2013, leaving just a stump on the busy intersection, local artist Kiptoo Tarus had an idea. WUKY’s Samantha Lederman has the rest of the story.

The Kentucky Horse Park is again hosting a prestigious competition this weekend. WUKY's Samantha Lederman has a preview of the 10th annual USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship.

We're all familiar with the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, but there's another Derby about to take place on the other side of the world. The Mongol Derby is the world's longest and toughest horse race, and Lexington has an entry this year. WUKY's Samantha Lederman recently spent time with the hopeful.

What happens to racehorses once their careers on the track are over? Thoroughbred Aftercare is gaining more and more exposure, with Justify's connections committing a portion of their Triple Crown proceeds to the cause. As Horse Capital Reporter Samantha Lederman explains, the biggest showcase of all for off the track thoroughbreds is right here in Lexington every Fall. In fact a bonafide second act celebrity will be a guest of honor this weekend at Breyerfest at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The United States Equestrian Federation broke ground at the Kentucky Horse Park Friday for a brand new headquarters. WUKY's Samantha Lederman was on hand and filed this report.

WUKY Horse Capital reporter Samantha Lederman recently took her daughter on an organized tour to see Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome and discovered a whole new cottage industry celebrating Central Kentucky's equine excellence. The approach is not unlike the highly successful Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

If you were a golfer you’d jump at a chance to attend a clinic with the likes of Rory McElroy or Jason Day. Or maybe a quarterback camp with Tom Brady? Well, recently some aspiring equestrians from all over the country came to the Kentucky Horse Park to get invaluable tips from a bona fide superstar, Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain. WUKY’s Samantha Lederman has the story.

The Eclipse Awards, horse racing's version of the Oscars, will be handed out Thursday night at Florida's Gulfstream Park, and as Horse Capital Reporter Samantha Lederman explains, there's a local contender for Horse of the Year honors.

The Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale gets underway Monday and our Horse Capital reporter Samantha Lederman has this preview. She talks with Mark Taylor of Taylor Made Farms about his expectations for the annual event.

It’s hard to imagine that with Thanksgiving in our rearview mirror already, there are people in Puerto Rico still without power and running water, struggling to recover from the after effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria that devastated the region back in September. WUKY’s Samantha Lederman has a special update on how the horse industry in Central Kentucky has been helping out.

Dressage - the ballet of horse sports, is often perceived as a little serious, perhaps even a tad stuffy. It definitely is the more reserved of the three Olympic equestrian disciplines. But last weekend at the National Dressage Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park, there was a new "sheriff" in town. WUKY's Samantha Lederman has the story.

Every November since 2011 horse show enthusiasts from all over the world have flocked to Lexington for the National Horse Show; one of the last major equestrian events of the calendar year. Horse Capital reporter Samantha Lederman went behind the scenes at the Kentucky Horse Park for this audio diary.