In 2000, Horse Mania debuted as a groundbreaking public art project in Lexington, Kentucky, organized by the LexArts (then the Lexington Arts and Cultural Council). The initiative featured 79 life-sized fiberglass horses, each uniquely painted and embellished by local artists, and displayed throughout the city from July to November. 

• The Auction: In December 2000, the horses were auctioned off at Keeneland, raising $750,000 (with some reports reaching $1 million in gross revenue) for the Lexington Arts and Cultural Council and other local causes.

Legacy: The project was so successful it funded some of Lexington's first public murals and became a model for future art initiatives like "Horse Play," which involved local students

Pushing Horse Mania to 2022 allowed this program to coincide with LexArt’s 50th Anniversary and Keeneland’s third hosting of the Breeders’ Cup World Championship – the ultimate celebration of Thoroughbred racing and breeding. It also created an opportunity to form important strategic partnerships with Keeneland, Maker’s Mark and Breeders’ Cup resulting in Trilogy, three painted horses that served as a 2020 warm-up for the

main event – Horse Mania 2022.