USPC Festival 2021 Travel Planning Tips
Festival is a special event for Pony Club. Held every three years at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, it’s a celebration of the best that Pony Club has to offer with a weeklong schedule of competition, clinics and workshops.
If you’re planning to make the trip to Kentucky this year, here’s some helpful information about attending the USPC Festival 2021 Presented by SSG Riding Gloves, and Sponsored by State Line Tack.
Where to Stay
There are many hotels within a convenient distance of the Kentucky Horse Park. You can stay in nearby Georgetown, or opt for lodging close to both the Horse Park and downtown Lexington. If camping is more your style, there is a campground right at the Kentucky Horse Park. Be sure to check the list of lodging options on the Festival page, including hotels with a USPC Festival group rate, and book by the deadline to get the best rate.
Local Dining
A great way to experience Kentucky’s hospitality is to dine locally. Make time to check out some Bluegrass favorites while you’re here. In the heart of horse country, Windy Corner Market and Wallace Station Deli & Bakery combine a scenic location with fresh local fare. For a sweet treat, try handcrafted local ice cream from Crank & Boom, located in The Distillery District.
Lexington and Georgetown offer many restaurant options to explore; find a list of some nearby favorites here.
Kentucky specialties you may spot on local menus include hot browns, burgoo, Derby Pie and bread pudding, along with Southern inspired dishes such as shrimp & grits, fried green tomatoes, and bourbon-inspired flavors.
On site, the Kentucky Horse Park has several dining options including the Iron Works Café and the Paddock Café. Just up the road from the Horse Park, the Blue Grass Stockyards Regional Marketplace offers a place to grab a bite with family and friends.
Tourism & Travel Information
For Lexington tourism and travel information and a preview of all that the Horse Capital of the World has to offer, check out visitlex.com. To get to know Georgetown, visit georgetownky.com. For attractions in the Bluegrass State, check out kentuckytourism.com.
Equine Amenities
Getting your mount settled in at the Kentucky Horse Park will be a top priority. The Proposed Packing List for Rallies in Chapter 23 of the Horse Management Handbook should help you pack for your trip to USPC Festival 2021, but traveling with horses is always an adventure! Bedding, stall mats, hay and feed are available on site at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Festival Trade Fair will offer a variety of shopping options, and nearby tack and feed stores include KBC Horse Supplies, Rural King, The Tack Shop of Lexington, Tractor Supply Company and Wise Choice Tack & Supply.
Park Equine Hospital is the official veterinary care provider for the event, and a farrier is on site during Championships as well. Check the Festival Guidebook for more information about stabling, show services, and equine travel requirements and veterinary health papers.
Due to large shows prior to and following USPC Festival 2021, there are no arrivals on the park prior to noon on July 19 and no layovers after 8 a.m. on July 27. Check out the website’s Festival Stabling page for offsite layover options. To book additional stabling during Festival, use the online form available June 15 – July 8 on the USPC website.
Keep Up to Date
USPC looks forward to putting on a safe, fun event for you. While this Festival might look a little different with the addition of masks and social distancing, you can expect the show to go on with safety measures in place, says Erin Woodall, USPC Activities & Events Director. “With this in mind, we are closely monitoring Kentucky Horse Park event parameters, as well as local, state, and national health guidance regarding the pandemic.”
The latest event information for USPC Festival 2021 is available on the USPC website, and a competitor update email will be sent the week before. Plan ahead to make the most of your Festival experience—we can’t wait to see you here!
