LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky State Fair would normally be in full swing this week, but health precautions have limited events to participants only.
One event that has been able to carry on is the World’s Championship Horse Show. The premier, eight-day competition attracts teams from across the country and internationally to vie for awards and a chance to buy and sell horses. After much doubt looming over the event, teams are thrilled to be back in the saddle.
"It’s exciting. You’re gonna make me cry," Versailles stable owner Melissa Moore said as she got choked up. Her father, Tom Moore, was such a prolific rider there is a statue of his likeness is erected outside the Kentucky Expo Center where the show is held.
"I think there was one year in the past 40 that I missed coming here," Melissa continued.
Horse owners come from around the country to compete, network and potentially sell horses.
"It’s very competitive and very tight-knit," said Kristen Cater, who traveled from New Hampshire and watched all 16 of her horses advance to the championship during the week. "I think everybody’s excited to be here and, I think, this year being what it is has made everybody appreciate the friendships and the camaraderie because, when we didn’t have it we all really missed it."
The championship runs through Saturday at Freedom Hall in Louisville and is being streamed online.