Award-winning photographer to make special visit Kentucky Horse Park hosts colorful new Paint Horse exhibit

Fort Worth, Texas-It's a sure bet that the American Paint Horse will come up a winner at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, this holiday season, with the debut of a new photographic exhibit highlighting the beauty of this popular breed.

This photograph of a Paint Horse lover dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh is a perfect fit for a holiday photo exhibit at the Kentucky Horse Park, which runs through Dec. 31, 2001. It is one of 25 magnificent photographs that will be on display.
(photo courtesy "The American Paint Horse: A Photographic Portrayal," published by APHA and Stoecklein Publishing)

The photographic exhibit, "The American Paint Horse: A Photographic Portrayal," is titled after a new coffee-table book by the same name that has just been released by the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) and Stoecklein Publishing. The exhibit will be on display at the Kentucky Horse Park Nov. 9 through Dec. 31.

Like the book, the display brings to life the beauty of American Paint Horses, a breed that continues to gain the respect and admiration of horse lovers around the world.

A total of 24 images, ranging in sizes up to 30 inches by 40 inches, will be on display at the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor Information Center, located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway in Lexington. Viewing of the photographic work is free and open to the public during normal park hours and will be included in the price of admission during the park's special holiday season Southern Lights exhibit.

Award-winning photographers Darrell Dodds and David Stoecklein spent nearly two years photographing horses for the book project, traveling from coast to coast to capture the unique beauty of Paint Horses. Their photographs depict horses sprinting at the racetrack, working cattle at busy ranches, carrying riders along rugged trails and running free in a variety of natural settings. Collectively, the photographs illustrate the versatility of the colorful horse breed that has endeared itself to so many people over the years.

"I have long admired the work of these photographers," said Bill Cooke, Kentucky Horse Park museum director. "We're just thrilled to have something of this quality on display. And to have it going on in conjunction with our Southern Lights 2001 exhibit makes the holiday season extra special for the people who will come by to visit us."

Cooke said the Southern Lights exhibit features four and a half miles of elaborate Christmas lighting throughout the park. Along the way are animated displays ranging from horse racing to show jumping, and even a steeplechase.

The park's gift shop will also be open during the holiday season and is full of equine articles and a variety of handmade items from Kentucky craftsmen. Also for sale will be copies of "The American Paint Horse: A Photographic Portrayal," for those who want to take home additional memories of the Paint Horse photography exhibit.

On Dec. 1, from 1 to 5 p.m., visitors of the exhibit will have the opportunity to meet and talk with photographer Darrell Dodds about his work. He will also be available to sign copies of the book.

For more information about park hours, the photographic display and Southern Lights 2001, contact the Kentucky Horse Park at (859) 255-5727, or visit the park's Web site at http://www.kyhorsepark.com/.

For more information about American Paint Horses, or to order "The American Paint Horse: A Photographic Portrayal," visit apha.com or call APHA at (817) 834-2742, extension 788.