Paso Fino championships coming to Ky. Horse Park

Beautiful Paso Fino horses will be bringing their championships to the Kentucky Horse Park for the next four years, the group announced Thursday.

The 40th annual Paso Fino Grand National Championship Show will bring 550 horses and 1,500 enthusiasts to the park for a week-long event, "Brio in the Bluegrass."

As well as traditional classes, the Oct. 7-13 show will feature the Paso Fino Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition and Paso Fino Horse Soccer, as well as barrel racing and pole bending. The show will be included with park admission during the day, and free at night. More information on the schedule will be coming on Pfha.org.

"We are honored that the Paso Fino Horse Association has selected the Kentucky Horse Park to host their Grand National in 2012, which will be a wonderful asset to our park and the surrounding communities," said John Nicholson, park executive director. "It will also be an exciting introduction for Kentuckians who will quickly be dazzled and enamored by this very old and elegant Spanish breed.

"Their beauty and brilliant style will win countless hearts, and many local businesses will benefit from the Paso Fino Grand National moving to our state."

This story was originally published March 29, 2012 at 5:24 PM with the headline "Paso Fino championships coming to Ky. Horse Park."