Local Horse Headed to World Equestrian GamesCocoa's Red Zone is a two time national champion from Franklin, and he's headed to the World Equestrian Games.
Those close to the horse are excited to have the games come to Kentucky, the first time they've been held in the United States.
"There are horses coming from just about every continent, not just Europe, but just every continent, so this is an excellent opportunity for the people of Kentucky to show the state in a positive light," said Jason Crawhorn, Red Zone's trainer.
Red Zone is the youngest of ten Tennessee Walking Horses selected for the World Games exhibition, and he's also the only walking horse from Kentucky.
"Red Zone is a part of a ten horse program," said Crawhorn. "We're going to go into the ring two at a time. We have music to coordinate our programs with. I'm performing with another horse from Murfreesboro, Tennessee."
Crawhorn believes Red Zone's temperament is what makes him such a great show horse.
"He's really a loving horse," said Crawhorn. "He likes attention, but he knows the show ring is business. When he gets in the show ring he perks up a little bit, and he likes to show off sometimes."
The games are a chance to introduce horses like Red Zone to people from all over the world.
"A lot of these people may never have seen a Tennessee Walking Horse before, so this is a great opportunity to expose the breed to some new folks," said Crawhorn.
And for Crawhorn, it's a chance to showcase the horse he's bonded with.
"It's hard not to get a connection with a person or an animal that you work with everyday," said Crawhorn. "I ride Red Zone five days a week, so we get to know eachother very well. He learns my little intricacies, and I know his."
Red Zone heads to the games next Tuesday where he will have four days of exhibits.
For more information on Red Zone click here.
