Last month, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky celebrated the opening of “Uma no Kokoro.” A captivating new exhibit at the park’s International Museum of the Horse, it is scheduled to remain on display through January 4, 2026.
The horse in Japanese culture
Uma no Kokoro, or “Heart of the Horse,” is an immersive, educational overview that explores horses’ spiritual and cultural roles in Japan, as well as their use on the battlefield and the robust world of Japanese racing and horsemanship. The exhibit features prominent artifacts from both the museum’s collection and Japan.
“The Uma no Kokoro exhibit will allow Park guests to learn firsthand the important role horses played, and continue to play, in Japan,” said Kentucky Horse Park President Lee Carter. “Celebrating our relationship with the horse is key to our mission and will be on full display with this exhibit.
“Uma no Kokoro will also serve as a fresh reminder that even though Lexington, Kentucky is considered the Horse Capital of the World, the love shared between people and horses is universal.”
Both English and Japanese
Curated by the IMH staff, the exhibit showcases artifacts on loan from the JRA Racing Museum, the Equine Museum of Japan, Northern Farm, the Minamisoma City Museum and Dr. Yoshida of Winchester Farm, as well as artifacts donated by the Japan Owners’ Association and Oi Racecourse.
The International Museum of the Horse is thrilled to announce that the new exhibit is being presented in both English and Japanese. This bilingual approach not only enhances accessibility for the museum’s diverse audience but also pays tribute to the exhibit’s country of origin, fostering a deeper cultural appreciation and understanding.
This exhibit is made possible by generous donations and sponsors including VisitLex, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and the Japan Racing Association.
About the Kentucky Horse Park
Opened in 1978, the Kentucky Horse Park is the world’s only park dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park’s mission is to celebrate the history of that relationship through education, exhibition, engagement and competition.
