advocate enhance protect - masterson...

MET MESSENGER, Annual Newsletter 2014 1

IN THIS ISSUE:

1 Message from the President

2 Equestrian Traditions at Masterson Station Park

3 Save the Dates 2015

4 Masterson Equine Facilities Are Always Busy

6 Donors and Sponsors

8 Your Donations at Work

8 Board Members

Masterson Equestrian Trust Foundation is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to the preservation of Masterson Station Park for use by all equestrian enthusiasts and to the improvement and enhancement of facilities and services available to the equestrian public. MET acts as an advocate for all MSP equine enthusiasts, thus strengthening Lexington’s distinction as the Horse Capital of the World.

Advocate • Enhance • Protect

Message from the PresidentIt has been our distinct pleasure to serve as co-presidents of the Masterson Equestrian Trust in 2014. We cannot say thank you enough to all of the sponsors, members, supporters, and volunteers of this fantastic organization. The tremendous efforts of everyone involved have raised awareness in the community and highlighted what MET does to protect Masterson Station Park.

Several events held at Masterson this year include the MET annual Hunter Jumper Show, Jump-Around Event, Workday, and Hunter Pace—a popular fall favorite. Additionally, many improvements were accomplished not only to preserve the beauty of the park but to provide added safety for our horses and riders.

As we begin a new year, our challenge to everyone is to continue enjoying the park, to “like” and share the MET Facebook page, stay involved with events, and donate/contribute in any way you can. Let’s continue to work to ensure Masterson Station Park will be available for us all to enjoy for years to come.

–Mary Fike and Reese Koffler-Stanfield

Annual Newsletter 2014

“Love that it’s always open and free. I ride

and enjoy every aspect of the grounds.”–Diana Wright

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2 MET MESSENGER, Annual Newsletter 2014

New fence around dressage ring

Looking Back to Look Forward

From “Founding of Masterson Equestrian Trust Foundation” by Ginny Howard:

“In 1795, James and Richard Masterson, pioneer settlers, built a “station,” or group of fortified houses, to protect fellow settlers from Native Americans. This, according to the Atlas of Kentucky, was five miles from the center of Lexington. Among the fortified houses was a two-story house, considered quite grand for the time.

“Just five years earlier, in 1790, on this land, the first Methodist conference west of the Alleghenies was held.

“In the 1930s and 1940s the WPA built a large narcotics rehabilitation institute, which is now used as a federal prison. The original rehab hospital’s mission was to “cure” drug addicts with life on the farm. The land that is now Masterson Station

Equestrian Traditions at Masterson Station Parkby Mary Robertson Pierson

1972 Master Plan for Masterson Station Park.

Book titled The Narcotic Farm: The Rise and Fall of America’s First Prison for Drug Addicts.


Save the Dates 2015

APRIL 4 & 5Spring Bay Horse Trials

APRIL 18 & 19MET Benefit Hunter Jumper Show

MAY 9Annual Sayre Horse Show

JUNE-JULYSummerbird Dressage (Wednesday evenings)

JUNE 13 & 14MidSouth Tetrathlon Rally

SEPTEMBER MET Annual Workday

NOVEMBER 8MET Annual Hunter Pace

Watch our Facebook page and website for more details.

Park was used for farming, and the residents at the treatment center provided the labor to raise livestock and crops to sustain the residents of the hospital. After a number of years of this endeavor, it was determined that the addicts would return over and over again, not cured at all, but because they enjoyed the agrarian lifestyle. The current facility has been a number of things, and is currently a medical facility for inmates in the federal prison system.

“In 1972 the federal government, no longer needing the land for farming endeavors, entered into an agreement with the city of Lexington to oversee 654 acres as a park for its residents.

“Soon after, an elaborate master plan for the park was created. It included such amenities as an exhibition building, overnight stabling for 600-700 head of horses, three outdoor equestrian arenas, one indoor arena, three dressage arenas, a jump course, polo fields, cross country course, bridle paths, and a rental facility for horseback riding.”

Snapshots of the Past

While not all the extensive improvements were made, much of the dream was realized. Masterson Station Park became many things to many people, and several have shared their memories and snapshots of the past.

According to Edith Conyers, “I really do not know exactly when MSP became a horse place for us public. It has always been there in my tenure! I moved to Kentucky in 1968 but I do not recall going to Masterson until I had moved to Clark County and the girls were old enough to ride, which was about 1976-77. Elizabeth became a Keeneland Pony Club member then and Sarah a year or so later. So that would have been about our first use of it. Pony Club used it almost exclusively for clinics and rallies and testing for a long time, as the Horse Park was a long way from being as developed as it is today.

“I remember that the bays now used for storage were stalls then and there was a lot of open space. Cross country fences came after the hunter course. Eventing only started in Kentucky in the early ‘70s, so everything was infantile in the course of what we see today.

“I remember a few hunter shows and then, as Pony Club got started, it was used for eventing prep for rallies, etc. The hunter shows were about “C-D” level shows.”

Local Equestrians Tell the Tale

Micki McDonald remembers, “I grew up on Spurr Road, and Masterson was our playground when I was a kid, and I lived there until about 2000. My mom was one of the committee members that helped make it a horse-use park when it began in the ‘70s, and worked closely with Don Todd, a city councilman, in the years after that to keep it a park and add things like the dressage rings. We love MSP and are very grateful for the work of MET. I know it is a ton of work but greatly appreciated!”

Micki pilots Vega around the arena at a 1977 horse show (Micki is wearing her Pony Club pin on her helmet, as they did in the ‘old days.’)

I love Masterson because of…

“Its location and availability to use

anytime. Oh and its xc jumps, dressage rings, horse shows,

hunter paces, and the outstanding horse people that come

together to keep it in Lexington...”

–Lisa Thompson


April: Spring Bay Horse Trials A USEF/USEA-recognized competition open to riders showing in divisions from novice to preliminary. The cross country phase is held at Masterson Station Park.

April: MET Benefit Hunter Jumper ShowThis KHJA-recognized show is one of the first outdoor shows of the spring season. It offers a wide range of classes for riders of all ages, with special TIP classes for OTTB.

May: Sayre School Horse Show An open show offering both a combined test (beginner novice to prelim levels) and dressage classes (intro to 3rd level plus a western dressage test).

Masterson equine facilities are always busy!

May: The University of Kentucky Equestrian Team Hunter Pace Open to all disciplines with proceeds benefiting UK’s team.

June-August: Summerbird Dressage A weekly schooling opportunity for dressage riders of all levels.

June: Young Riders CampUSEA-sponsored camp that teaches young riders the skills they need to compete safely and effectively, as well as move to the upper levels of competition.

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MET Benefit Show

MET Jump AroundMET Benefit Show

MET Workday

June-August: Beachball Saturday Night SeriesMounted games hosted by Snowball/Beachball and Illiana Mounted Games (Mounted Games Across America).


Masterson is free and open to all from dawn to dusk, year round.

“Masterson EquineFacilities are a treasure.”

–Jeannette Teate

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June: Midsouth Tetrathlon RallyA United States Pony Club competition that encompasses a combination of equestrian and human sports.

June: MET Jump Around Schooling Day Fun schooling opportunity for Jumpers and Eventers of all skill levels.

September: MET Annual WorkdayVolunteers from a wide range of disciplines come together to give the park a good clean up.

November: MET Annual Hunter PaceCompetitors choose from three courses which included a selection of 24 obstacles to be negotiated at a walk, trot, canter or gallop. Each course is designed to let riders have as challenging or leisurely a ride as they wish through beautiful Masterson Station Park!

MET Hunter Pace

MET Hunter Pace

MET Workday


Individual DonationsTRUSTEEKEEP Mulhollem, Paul and ClaireMusselman, Austin and Jane In memory of FIRMANTOWNSayre SchoolSekela, Dr. and Mrs. Michael

FRIENDBlackey, Chet Corey, Tracey In honor of Helmut GraetzGroup Six, Inc. In honor of Patsy and Bruce PierattKeeneland Pony Club Kerr, Alston Kimmel, Margaret and Tom Miller, Judy Moore, Carolyn In memory of Shawnee and LadyMorris, Kimberly Mossotti, Jennifer Network for GoodRiddle, Dr. Tom and Margaret Stowe, Jill Warren, Vicki Wiggs, Stanley

SPONSORAlexander, Brooke Bonnie, Cornelia Bonnie Management CoBowles, CarmenBritton, Anita In memory of Christine Brown Brock, Carolyn Clarke, Neal and Julie In memory of Christine BrowndeBarbadillo, Marianne Green, Curtis and Linda Hancock, Waddell Haylands, Inc Howard, Neil and GinnyHuhn, Jennifer Johnson, Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Kirtley, Melissa In memory of Sandy Lawson Penn, Eloise Griffith Phethean, Eileen Plympton, Janet and David Quinn, Dermot and Emma Schwartz, Paul Scott, Tracy In memory of Milo Sucher, Carmie In memory of Stormy BarsThomas, Pat Trotman, Mary Ueland, Micka Upchurch, Meg In memory of Ellen MizellVanmeter, Ashley

Wiggs, Stanley In memory of Mary Anne Baseheart Williams, Bennett Bell Zeller, Cindy In memory of Dr. Michelle LeBlanc

CONTRIBUTOR Beasley, Jacqueline Birgid, Niedenzu and D. Cooper Wester In memory of Betsy Fishback Borrowdale-Cox, DeborahBurman, Ellen Burns, Jane and Claire

Conyers, Edith In honor of Ginny GrulkeCrossen/Callahan DeBolt, KandaceEmberstson, Rolf and ClaireEmig, Hannah Goodman, Jack and VirginiaGraddy, Nicola and Campell Hahn, Nina Hampton, Laura Jameson, Mollie In honor of Julie CongletonJehlik, Connie Kentucky Border Collie Assn. In memory of Christine BrownKleintop, Sarah Leonard, David and SharonLowry, Mary In memory of Christine Brown Maclachlan, Margaret C. Mid-South Eventing and Dressage Assn. Mink, John and Jo In memory of Mr. Bones Moorman, Leesa In memory of Skipper Morehead, Elisha In honor of Shagya Arabian Sports HorsesMueller, Janice In memory of BabyDollNethery, Lauren Pascuzzi, Mark Peterson, Julie and Kristen Primack, Julie Bath In honor of Old Stone Riding Center Renfroe, Christyn Shott, DianeSimons, Mary In memory of Christine BrownSimpson, Matt Slovis, Nathan and Stacy Spokes and SpursSterling, Mary Margaret Stith, David Tim Print In honor of USPC Tim Print In honor of Woodford HoundsTooth, Nicholas and Julie In memory of Christine BrownWard, Lesley Winn, Karen Woodall, Erin Briana In honor of Wayne Quarles

Masterson Equestrian Trust Donors and Sponsors

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Megan MooreReese Koffler-StanfieldSouthern States

MET Benefit Hunter Pace SponsorsNAMED SHOW SPONSOR Biederman Real Estate and Auctioneers

SUPPORTING SPONSORSGoose Creek Stables at Waterwild Farm Grey Goose Restaurant and Blue Heron SteakhouseKentucky Equine Research Kentucky Performance Products, LLC McCauley Bros. PM Advertising Twin Creeks Racing

FENCE SPONSORS Animal Medical CenterBill and Leah Snowden Blandford StudElmwood FarmEmerald Valley Stable, Dayton, OhioFeldman LumberGrey Goose Restaurant and Blue Heron SteakhouseHagyard Equine Medical InstituteHeritage Horse FarmJason Chadwell

LMN EquineMaplecrest FarmMary Fike and Spring Bay Horse TrialsMaryster FarmNoble Spirit StablesOCD PelletsSusan Abner In honor of Keeneland Pony Club Warfield FarmWoodford Hounds

COSTUME CLASS SPONSOR Kentucky Performance Products, LLC

MET Benefit Hunter/Jumper Show SponsorsNAMED SPONSOR Kentucky Performance Products, LLC

SUPPORTING SPONSORMcCauley Bros. OCD Pellets

SPECIAL CLASS SPONSORSBallyrankin Stud KBCKentucky Performance Products, LLCScheffelridge Farm

DIVISION SPONSORSHorse CentsLiftoff EquestrianPM AdvertisingTwin Creeks RacingWhitlock Family Wise Choice TackWoodford Hounds CLASS SPONSORS Animal Hospital of NicholasvilleBluegrass Pony ClubHeaven TreesIdlebrook FarmJayson and Jenny Van Wieren-Page Karen WinnKelly Quick, Quick ServicesMaplecrest FarmMargee KofflerMary Fike and Harrington Mill FarmNick Johnson Farrier Service Robynhill FarmSpring Bay Horse Trials

IN-KIND SPONSOR Rood & Riddle Vet Hospital

MET Annual WorkdayWORKDAY SPONSOR McCauley Bros. Volunteer appreciation prizesEvans OrchardJenn O’NeillJenny Van Wieren-PageJoyce BrinsfieldKentucky Performance Products Keeneland Racecourse

The gift that keeps giving all year longConsider making a donation to Masterson Equestrian Trust Foundation.

Your gift will go toward improving and maintaining the equine facilities at Masterson Station park, a gift that keeps on giving.

Go to mastersonequestrian.org today to donate online or print out a donation form.

mastersonequestrian.org

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Masterson Equestrian Trust Board MembersCo-PresidentMary FikeShelbyville, KY

Co-PresidentReese StanfieldGeorgetown, KY Vice PresidentJill StoweNicholasville, KY

SecretaryErika WiermanVersailles, KY

TreasurerJenny Van Wieren-PageLexington, KY

Nancy BowlingNicholasville, KY

Sarah ColemanLexington, KY

Joey ClarkLexington, KY

Peggy EntrekinFrankfort, KY

Karen IsbergVersailles, KY

Chad Mendel Georgetown, KY

Mary PiersonVersailles, KY

Aaron RustLexington, KY

Karen WinnLexington, KY

Ex-OfficioSally LockhartLexington, KY

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERSDan RosenbergStanley WiggsHank Zeitlin

mccauleybros.com

KPPusa.com

hagyard.com

Thank You to Our Generous

Corporate Sponsors

Your Donations and Volunteer Hours at Work in 2014

Purchase of mower and weed eater to provide routine care of riding lanes and fences.

Monitoring and repairing groundhog damage around fences.

Set of cross country corners for noviceand prelim courses.

Christine Brown memorial benchin dressage complex.

Masterson Equestrian Trust FoundationP.O. Box 12042 Lexington, KY 40580mastersonequestrian.org

General maintenance of equine facilities during annual workday.

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