Shortly after the gavel fell and “sold” was uttered Dec. 3 in the Keeneland sales ring, Hip No. 20 began his journey home. The equestrian- and agricultural-themed member of the 2010 class Horse Mania horses had now been twice purchased by a syndicate on behalf of the UK Equine Initiative.

Affectionately named “Big Blue,” UK’s horse was brought to life by Winchester, Ky., artist Jennifer Conrad-Barber. Proceeds from the fiberglass horse’s purchase will support Lexington’s developing public arts program and student equine programs at UK.

For the sale, UK’s Equine Advisory Committee and a smattering of supporters of UK’s equine programs stepped up, chipped in, and purchased Big Blue for $5,000 on behalf of the Equine Initiative. The deal might not have happened at all without committee member and long-time supporter Mike Owens, who rallied the troops late on the day of the sale and formed a group of buyers. Owens chipped in and got 15 others to do so as well.