EXPERIENCING HORSE COUNTRY Surrounded by more than 400 horse farms and miles of storybook stone fencing, Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World and home to Kentucky Horse Park , which celebrates the Bluegrass State’s storied horse heritage. The 1,200-acre working equine theme park is the only such facility in the world. See daily shows at the Hall of Champions, Breeds Barn and Big Barn. Learn about different horse breeds and their roles throughout history at the park’s International Museum of the Horse . Experience a horsey adventure firsthand with a guided trail ride or pony ride for the kids. Hear the horses’ hooves pounding ‘round the track at Keeneland , Lexington’s internationally renowned racecourse and National Historic Landmark. Take in the beautiful scenery. Tailgate on “The Hill” with food trucks and bluegrass music. Rub elbows over a country breakfast with a who’s who of horse jockeys and trainers at the Track Kitchen. A proliferation of horse farms and breeding and training facilities dedicated to the American Saddlebred has earned Shelbyville/Shelby County the official title of American Saddlebred Capital of the World . See these high-stepping equine athletes at the Shelbyville Horse Show, held annually in August. The capital of edge-of-the-seat excitement? That would be Louisville’s Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby — “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Don your Insta-worthy statement hat. Sip a mint julep. Find your voice and sing along: “Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home.” Learn about the life of a thoroughbred and the history of the Derby at the interactive Kentucky Derby Museum . (And save time to dig into a Kentucky Hot Brown at the Derby Café and Bourbon Bar.) See daily life unfold at a working thoroughbred horse farm at Goshen’s legendary Hermitage Farm — known for raising winners of the Kentucky Derby, Breeder’s Cup and other stakes races. Choose among themed guided tours of the farm as well as guided or self-guided tours of the gardens. Linger over a seasonal farm-to-table dinner at Barn8 , a converted historic horse stable, and sample small-batch selections from Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distilleries. How do racing thoroughbreds live their best lives once they’ve crossed the finish line of their careers? 28 #TravelKY
The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide 2024: Page 28
