LEXINGTON, Ky. — On Wednesday, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington reopened its doors to the community for the season, after closing during the pandemic.

Kerry Howe, marketing director for the Kentucky Horse Park, said it's an amazing feeling to see smiling faces all over the park.

“Our staff is so passionate about the work, and to get to share their love with our guests each and every day, you know, that's, that's why the Kentucky Horse Park is right here in the horse capital of the world,” Howe said.

Like many businesses last year, the Kentucky Horse Park closed in March once the pandemic started, quickly changing their approach to hosting social media events and finding creative ways to engage with the community. 

“Even for our people that have been to the horse part to learn something different and to see a behind the scenes look of how we care for the horses, how Mounted Police train their horses, and it was just, we made it we made the best out of a not so fun event,” Howe said. 

Howe says to keep their staff and community safe, they are asking for groups to stay a horse distance apart from one another, while wearing a mask indoors or inside the barns.

In addition to the visitors center and the barns opening up to the public, the Kentucky Horse Park has also opened up their Equestrian Complex for shows and competitions as well as their campgrounds.

“Our campground is as big as it was last year, families are looking for opportunities to have close to home stay-cations. And just to be able to provide that for our community, it's just absolutely wonderful,” Howe said.