Entries Open for the Lexington Equine Medical Group Hunter Pace and 5K Benefiting the Kentucky Horse Council

Lexington Equine Medical Group’s annual hunter pace and 5K at the Kentucky Horse Park will expand to a two-day format for 2025, held on September 6 and 7; the expansion comes on the heels of overwhelming support for the inaugural event last year, which hosted over 200 riders from across the state. All funds raised will once again be earmarked specifically to assist with KHC efforts in Eastern Kentucky. 

The LEMG 5K will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, with participants trail running 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.; Sunday festivities, sponsored by Zoetis, will start 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. 

“Lexington Equine Medical Group is excited to once again offer runners and riders a unique way to spend time at the Kentucky Horse Park while raising awareness of the Kentucky Horse Council and the good work they do, specifically in Eastern Kentucky,” said Rocky M. Mason, DVM, one of the founders of the 13-doctor ambulatory veterinary practice. “We can’t wait to see what bringing everyone together for two days of fun and sport can accomplish for horses in need.”

Learn more about the Lexington Equine Medical Group Hunter Pace and 5K at the 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: kentuckyhorse.org 

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

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ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL: The Kentucky Horse Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community through education and leadership. The KHC provides educational programs like large animal emergency rescue training and livestock investigation training; networking opportunities; personal liability insurance through individual and family memberships; and financial assistance programs for horse owners in need through the Save Our Horses (SOHO) fund. Learn more at kentuckyhorse.org