Kentucky Derby Museum Stable
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!
Camp Hope
- KDM Resident Thoroughbred
- Foaled January 27, 2018
- 16.1 hands tall
Camp Hope had 25 starts with earnings of $473,346. He ran in multiple stakes races and competed in the 2020 Breeders Cup at Keeneland in the juvenile division.
His last race was November 29, 2024 at Churchill Downs®. His trainer was Mike Maker who is stabled at CDRT and his last jockey was Brian Hernandez Jr. (winner of 2024 Kentucky Derby®).
Available for adoption through Second Stride, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization for retired thoroughbred racehorses.
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.
Follow us on 