TV personality Carson Kressley hosts garden opening at Lexington's American Saddlebred Museum

The American Saddlebred Museum in Lexington recently opened its heritage garden, and TV personality, actor and designer, Carson Kressley hosted the event.

Here's what we know.

Lexington, Kentucky:What Southern cities are the friendliest? Lexington recognized for Southern hospitality in Kentucky

American Saddlebred Museum opens heritage garden in Lexington

According to the American Saddlebred Museum, the museum's heritage garden opened Sunday "to honor the past, present, and future of the American Saddlebred and the passionate enthusiasts of our incredible breed."

Carson Kressley hosts garden opening for American Saddlebred Museum

Renowned designer and Kentucky native Jon Carloftis created the garden design, and the grand opening was hosted by Kressley, known for his appearances in "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Queer Eye."

Who is Carson Kressley? What is Carson Kressley known for?

Kressley is a TV personality, actor and designer known for his appearance on "Queer Eye," which won an Emmy, "How to Look Good Naked" as the host, and the 13th season of "Dancing with the Stars."

Does Carson Kressley own horses?

Yes. Kressley and his horse, Earl, an American Standardbred, appeared on the cover of Horse Illustrated Magazine in March 2023.

Kressley told Horse Illustrated Magazine he has a lot of horses, with around 25 at their family farm in Pennsylvania. He often spends time out riding or at showcases, as seen throughout his Instagram posts.

What breeds make up the American Saddlebred?

The American Saddlebred includes genetics from Hackney, Standardbred, Morgan, and Canadian Pacer horses. In Kentucky, the breed was "further refined," introducing more Thoroughbred lineage to them, according to FEI.org.

Did the American Saddlebred horse originate in Kentucky?

Yes. According to the Kentucky Equine Research, Saddlebred genes were passed down by Galloway horses brought to America by colonists in the 1600s. By the late 1700s, Saddlebred-type horses were used for riding, driving and military use.

The breed grew in prominence through the mid and late 1800s, becoming the first horse breed association in the U.S. in 1891 as the American Saddle-Horse Breeders’ Association.

What is the Saddlebred capital of the world?

Shelby County is often recognized as the American Saddlebred Capital of the World, according to ShelbyKY.

Where is the American Saddlebred Museum?

The American Saddlebred Museum is at 4083 Wing Commander Way Suite 150 in Lexington.