MUSEUM OF POLO AND HALL OF FAME
With a collection that totals more than 16,000 objects, the International Museum of the Horse is the largest of the three museums at the Kentucky Horse Park. “We are the only museum that attempts to try to do all breeds and all disciplines for all time, so that makes us stand out,” says museum director Bill Cooke. “We have something for just about everybody who’s interested in horses.”
Cooke says he considers the “Legacy of the Horse,” a timeline that showcases the historic relationship between people and horses, to be the heart of the museum. Other highlights include the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries, which trace the history of the Arabian breed; dozens of antique horse-drawn vehicles; and the Calumet Farm’s trophy collection, with more than 500 racing trophies earned over five decades, from champions such as Whirlaway and Citation, some by makers such as Tiffany and Cartier. For more information, go to www.imh.org.
At Churchill Downs, the site of the famous race, the Kentucky Derby Museum offers an interactive experience with “The Greatest Race.” Visitors walk through starting gates, tour the racetrack and watch a 360-degree movie about the Derby. “The production company had unprecedented access to Churchill Downs,” says Lindsay English, the museum’s communications manager, “and they used a 360-degree rig, so it is a one-of-a-kind experience.”
In addition to viewing colorful exhibits of jockey silks and Derby hats, visitors can ride in a simulated horse race, pose within the world’s largest horseshoe, and step into a booth to learn how to call a race. The newest exhibit, which profiles Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, is now open. “If you have a love of horses,” English says, “just coming here and getting the sense of pride that Louisville has for this event is a really special experience.” For more information, go to www.derbymuseum.org.
The Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame lies just a short walk from the polo fields in Wellington, Florida. “This museum is the only polo museum in the world even though polo is played in countries like Argentina and England,” says Brenda Lynn, the director of development for the museum. “Most people who want to know about polo are drawn to the fact that it is a horse sport.”
At the heart of the museum are artifacts tracing the history of the sport from its birth 2,600 years ago in central Asia to the present day. Other current exhibits include Women in Polo, A Day in the Life of a Polo Pony and more. Highlights include General George Patton’s polo saddle, historic trophies and a wooden “practice horse” used by top player Tommy Hitchcock. Visitors can also read the stories of Hall of Fame ponies, such as Sweet William, purchased for $500, who went on to win Best Playing Pony award in America. For more information, go to www. polomuseum.com.