Absorbine^® is now the fly control sponsor of the Kentucky Horse Park. In this Absorbine^® Spotlight, we learn fun facts about gelding Funny Cide, one of the retired racehorses who lives at the park, while he helps model some Absorbine^® products.

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Here at Absorbine^®, we are so proud to be the fly control sponsor of the Kentucky Horse Park! The Kentucky Horse Park, the world’s only park dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse, opened to the public in 1978. However, the land on which it was built has been a working farm since 1785. While the Horse Park may be best known as the venue for large competitions like the Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** and the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, or events such as BreyerFest, the Park is also a working equine facility 365 days per year. The Horse Park boasts five barns: the Hall of Champions, the Breeds Barn, the Big Barn, the Mounted Police Barn, and the Kid’s Barn. Our first story of this spotlight feature comes from the Hall of Champions, home to an elite group of celebrity horses who are lucky enough to have found their forever home at the Kentucky Horse Park. Read on for a behind the scenes look at the legendary racehorse Funny Cide with commentary provided by Sheila Forbes, Kentucky Horse Park Equine Operations.

Funny Cide Quick Facts:

• Thoroughbred
• Chestnut Gelding
• Foaled April 20, 2000 at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbred Farm in New York
• By Distorted Humor out of Belle’s Good Cide, by Slewacide
• Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC.
• Owner: Sackatoga Stable
• Trainer: Barclay Tagg

Titles & Awards:

• New York Breeders’ Award for Champion 2-Year-Old (2002)
• S. Champion 3-Year-Old Male (2003)
• Champion New York Horse of the Year (2003, 2004)
• First gelding to win the Kentucky Derby since 1929
• Won the Eclipse Award for 3 Year Old Male of the Year, the first New York-bred to do so

What is Funny Cide’s daily routine like?

Funny Cide always starts his morning with breakfast at 7:30. He would like for it to be served earlier, and would prefer larger portions, but because he doesn’t get as much exercise as he used to he has to keep an eye on his figure. After breakfast, he will get bathed and groomed at 8:30 in order to primp and prepare for his appearance in the Hall of Champions Show at 10:30. He always follows up the show with a nap at 11:30 in his stall. He usually has a meet and greet session in the afternoon with his many admiring fans and then will get his afternoon grain followed by his evening turn out in his very own paddock located next to the Hall of Champions. The Hall of Champions staff has learned to listen to Funny Cide and know he truly sets the routine. He will definitely let you know when he has had enough grooming and messing with so the staff try to accommodate him.

What is Funny Cide’s favorite treat?

Funny Cide likes both peppermints and carrots, however he prefers for his carrots to be warm. If he is fed a cold carrot he will normally just drop it out of his mouth and wait for it to warm up a bit before he eats it.

What is Funny Cide’s favorite Absorbine^® product?

Absorbine^® UltraShield^® Fly Spray – Funny Cide thinks flies are a major annoyance. They bother him when he is eating and keep him awake during his nap. He is sprayed with UltraShield^® and it keeps him fly and pest free all day so he can relax.

Who is Funny Cide’s best horse friend?

Funny Cide is one of those horses that enjoys and requires his own “me” time. He has been known to get a little cranky when he doesn’t have some time to just enjoy himself. Funny Cide is also partial to the KHP miniature horses Bailey, Starbuck and Rowdy. We are not sure what about the mini’s fascinates him, but they definitely hold his interest when they are nearby.

How long has Funny Cide lived at the Kentucky Horse Park?

Funny Cide has lived in the Hall of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park since 2009.

Fun Fact: Funny Cide snores… really loud. When he takes his nap he often startles or concerns his visitors and they think something is wrong with him. Staff is happy to explain that he just snores… really loud.