Entries Open for the Lexington Equine Medical Group Hunter Pace and 5K

Lexington Equine Medical Group’s annual hunter pace and 5K at the Kentucky Horse Park will be held September 5 and 6. Proceeds will once again be earmarked specifically to assist with Kentucky Horse Council efforts in Eastern Kentucky.

The two-day LEMG Hunter Pace extravaganza will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, with a 5K foot race (humans only!) over the hunter pace course--jumping the jumps is encouraged! Saturday’s hunter pace, sponsored by Doc Lane’s Veterinary Pharmacy, will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. The second day of the hunter pace will start with the first team on course at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. Awards will be given on both days in the jumping, non-jumping and family/pleasure categories, as well as to Best Costume.

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. All breeds and disciplines are welcomed; riders are encouraged to jump any obstacle they choose, but 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.

"As a KHC partner, I regularly see the impact of the Council's equine welfare and outreach programs in Eastern Kentucky," said Rocky M. Mason, DVM, one of the founders of the 14-doctor ambulatory veterinary practice. "The LEMG Hunter Pace and 5K continue to raise critical funding for these programs while bringing together runners and riders of all disciplines for a day of fun and camaraderie. This event is a tangible way for LEMG and Kentucky horsemen to invest in the future of equine welfare, and LEMG is proud to make a lasting difference for our state's horses and the people who care for them."

Learn more about the Lexington Equine Medical Group Hunter Pace and 5K at the Kentucky Horse Park sponsorship opportunities, and register for the pace and the race here: lexingtonequinemedical.com/hunter-pace-5k

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

Can’t run or ride, but want to support the work the KHC does? Donate here!

Runners and riders will be able to purchase food from local food trucks. Photography will be provided by Rachel Milewski Media.