Despite what the name implies, the Mississippi Horse Park goes far beyond the equine competitions, and Facility Manager Bricklee Miller will be the first to clear that up.
In fact, Miller who seems intimately involved in every aspect of the operation, points to the diversity of events as key to the park’s inarguable success.
Since it opened in 1999, the park has played host to over 554 events, ranging from garden expos to monster truck rallies and everything in between. Since 2002, the park has had an estimated economic impact of over $24 million. Miller has been at the helm for most of it.
“The best thing I ever did was start punching those numbers in,” Miller said. “When you go to somebody and can put these numbers in front of them, then it really is the reality to what the facility is doing.”
In April, Miller said she had the economic impact compared to the number of dollars the city and county have invested over the years, and for every dollar invested, the horse park has produced a $12.20 return.
These kinds of statistics have given the horse park, a part of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the ability to be selective with events, ensuring that each one meets their ever-evolving quality standards and are run by trustworthy promoters.
“Once we get to a certain level, whether it be a pro rodeo or three ring circus with elephants, we never go back down,” Miller said. “Because we believe people expect the same experience or better and that’s how we continue to get people to come out.
“We really have done a good job staying in that direction, and not only obtaining and keeping the good promoters, but searching out new ones each year.”
There are 72 facilities that serve similar purposes in the state. Mississippi Horse Park is unique in its funding — a partnership between Starkville, Oktibbeha County and MSU.
Last week, Miller went before both the Starkville Board of Aldermen and the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors to give her annual report, and request $70,000 from each board for operational costs for the year. Miller said this is less than one percent of both boards’ budgets.
The daughter of a veterinarian and the granddaughter of a cattle stockyard owner, Miller, who hails from Meridian, came from a large family including four sisters and one brother, and with her family’s ties to animals became involved in several areas, including horse competitions.
She said her parents instilled in her a hard work ethic; often giving Miller young, untrained animals that she was forced to break.
“I never was given a trained horse or halter broke steer in my childhood,” she said. “As a natural competitor it was a essential lesson I needed to learn that if I wanted to be successful I must ask those that have more expertise and work towards my goal each day.”
Her undeniable presence in a room is most likely a testament to the hours she spent competing in national pageants and her time performing at the local theater.
“I was a typical teenager and had no idea that my parents were creating a diverse, hard working-well rounded adult,” Miller said. “Thinking back now, I can’t remember a time when I have not held a job even at a very young age.”
Miller’s work ethic has undoubtedly been crucial to the success to the Mississippi Horse Park, but the city, the county, the university and the state have also played benefactors.
Former Director of Music Makers Brice Lambert has experienced these benefits first-hand. Music Maker Productions is in charge of bringing live music to MSU, and three years ago began collaborating with the horse park to bring bigger names to the enormous venue.
“I was just listening to the radio one day, I think it was before the Need to Breathe show,” Lambert said. “All of a sudden I hear Bricklee on the radio plugging our show. We didn’t ask her to do it, she just went out and did it. She also sent out letters about group rates to every church between here and Meridian. They all go above and beyond out there. She is incredible.”
Even with all Miller and the Mississippi Horse Park have accomplished, there will be no resting on their laurels. Miller said the park is beginning to create a buzz outside the state as well, with national and world shows calling with inquiries about the venue.
“Our facility has the most unique diverse line-up of events, including the weekly use by MSU,” Miller said. “But, we haven’t scratched the surface with what we could do. The opportunity for growth with additional facilities being added is tremendous. I remember when construction began on our facility the excitement surrounding this project was unbelievable, and I wanted to be involved. I am proud to be a part of something that produces so much good will for our university and community.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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