Central Park sees approximately 42 million visitors every year, but in about a month’s time, they’ll be flocking to the park for the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, which will be featuring a very special guest.
Frederik the Great, a purebred Friesian stallion, has been hailed as the “world’s most handsome horse.” The gorgeous black stallion will perform during an equestrian show at Central Park’s Wollman Rink at the end of September, dazzling countless equestrian buffs.
Born in the Netherlands 15 years ago, Frederick has become something of an Internet sensation.
The horse has a huge social media following. He’s managed to acquire more than 48,000 likes on his Facebook page and 14 million views on his YouTube channel.
The YouTube channel features various videos and still pictures of Frederick running, trotting, and simply standing, long mane and tail flowing in the breeze.
Frederick now lives in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas with owner Stacy Nazario, but will be making the trek to New York City in mid-September.
However, Frederick isn’t the only big thing coming to Central Park.
Of the 29 statues in Central Park, there isn’t a single one dedicated to the legacy of a female leader in history.
Currently, the only statues in the park that depict women are of fictional characters, and one activist group is aiming to change that.
The Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony Statue Fund has set a goal of creating statues of famous suffragists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony at the West 77th Street entrance of the park.
The group received “conceptual approval” in 2015. Now, they’re working to raise money in order to make their vision a reality in bronze.
“Countless women deserve to be honored by statues and monuments all over this city and this nation,” said Statue Fund President Pam Elam in a press release. “This single statue represents the beginning of a movement to properly honor the contributions of women—both historical and modern.”
The group is aiming to have the statues completed in time for the New York State Woman Suffrage Centennial in 2017, and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Susan B. Anthony in 2020.
While the Statue fund might have a ways to go, there’s only a short while until Frederick makes his trip.
“Frederik not only captivates his audience with his breathtaking beauty, but also loves to light up a crowd with his outgoing and charismatic personality,” Nazario said in a press release. “We’re thrilled to be a part of Rolex Central Park Horse Show in New York City’s iconic Wollman Rink.”
