Kentucky Derby Museum Stable
Our Resident Miniature Horse, Mighty Aristides “Ari”
- Miniature Horse: 30 inches tall
- Born February 11, 2020
- Adopted from Meaningful Menagerie Animal Therapy in Louisville
Hi there! My name’s Mighty Aristides, but everyone around here calls me “Ari.” I’m named after Aristides, winner of the first ever Kentucky Derby in 1875! And I live up to my name with a mighty big personality.
I’m often mistaken for a pony, but I’m actually a Miniature Horse. We’re bred to look like a full-sized horse on a smaller scale. We make great companions, and that’s my job here – to provide support and friendship for the Museum’s Resident Thoroughbred. My favorite pastimes are eating, snacking, playing, and going on walks. Oh, and did I mention treats?
When I was a baby, I wasn’t properly cared for and was pretty underweight. Meaningful Menagerie Animal Therapy nursed me back to health, and now I’m a star at the Kentucky Derby Museum!
Swayzee
- Paint Miniature Horse
- Foaled August 7, 2018
- Visiting KDM from Meaningful Menagerie Animal Therapy in Louisville
Our new guy is a Paint miniature horse, who was foaled August 7, 2018. And, yes, he got his name from none other than "Patrick Swayze" himself, who was very big into the equine world. With his driven determination and fancy foot work, it only seemed a fitting namesake.
Swayzee is visiting KDM from Meaningful Menagerie Animal Therapy in Louisville. He is so excited to stay with us, explore new things, and make new friends!
Amanda, Equine Manager
Hi, we’re Amanda and Diane! We take care of the Stable, Ari, and the Resident Thoroughbred every day of the week. We take the horses on daily walks around beautiful Churchill Downs, plan regular enrichment activities for them, and spoil them rotten. We love answering guests’ questions about the horses. Stop by and say hello!
Diane, Equine Assistant
The Stable Exhibit
- Located on the Oaks Garden Terrace
- Educational Programming available: Book a field trip including a stop at the Stable!
The Stable Exhibit is located outside the Museum by the Oaks Garden Terrace. Please note, the Museum welcomes the public to take photos and videos of the animals, but visitors are not allowed to pet or interact with the horses for their safety and the safety of guests.
The Stable has been part of the Museum experience since the Museum opened in 1985.
Over the years, the miniature horse and Thoroughbred have been a special part of romantic engagement proposals, breathtaking wedding photos, thousands of field trips, and each guest’s visit to the Museum.
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