Exploring “Horse Country” In Kentucky on National I Love My Horse Day

Jul 15, 2023

It’s National I Love My Horse Day, and we couldn’t think of a better place to appreciate horses than Kentucky! Since the early 19th Century, Kentucky’s “Horse Country” has been the top destination for race tracks, feed mills, and horse breeding. It’s full of sprawlings farmlands and impressive landscapes as well as plenty of races and bluegrass music to boot. Kentucky is a must-see destination for “Horse Girls” and their family and friends alike. It’s the horse capital of the world!

From visiting an Equine Veterinary Clinic to taking a tour of a Stud Farm of Kentucky’s finest racing horses to taking your very own guided ride or horseback riding lesson, there’s no shortage of horse themed fun where we’re headed. So pack your saddle bags and let’s giddy-up to vacation fun!

Kentucky Horse Park and International Museum of the Horse – A museum and facility like no other, you’ll get an up close look at the origins of horse keeping, horse racing, and other horse-related history! The horse park is home to a series of seasonal live shows including Parade of Breeds and the Hall of Champions Show. You’ll get to see real live equine presentations, as well as have a chance to do some horseback trail riding or pony rides yourself. There’s also an on-site museum that’s one-of-a-kind. Current exhibits include “AL-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries” and “Black Horsemen of the Kentucky Turf” and “Horse Drawn Vehicles” just to highlight a few of the 10+ exhibits open now. There are also several permanent and rotating collections of artifacts! Since 1978, the IMH has been devoted to building the nation’s largest equine related collection for educational and scholarly research purposes; there are now more than 16,000 objects on site from art to historical tack to trophies and more.

American Saddlebred Museum – Tracing the history and origins of American Saddlebred horses, this gorgeous museum has the largest collection of Saddlebred artifacts in the world! Also located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, this museum has plenty of artifacts, trophies, tack, and artwork inspired by the American Saddlebred horses.

The Secretariat Center – This special facility is also located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. See what it takes to transition a former racehorse to a life of retirement or help them find a new career! This special adoption center helps retired racehorses learn new skills through the facility’s retraining and reschooling program. Tours are conducted rain or shine, so be prepared for all types of weather and wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Kentucky Derby Museum – Located right on the grounds of the Churchill Downs track in Louisville, this museum first opened to the public in 1985 and has been charming visitors ever since! In about 3 to 4 hours, you’ll be able to explore two floors jam packed with exhibits, history lectures, artifacts, photography, and more. You’ll get an immersive tour of Hermitage Farm and the Derby Museum and spend the day learning everything there is to know about the famous Derby Race and the horses and riders who race it. And you can stop by the Derby Cafe and Bourbon Bar for specialty themed food and drink, too!

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute – Tours at this special facility are only done by appointment, so you’ll want to book in advance and plan ahead! Get a rare, behind the scenes look at what it takes to maintain a fully functioning equine hospital, and check out the Davidson Surgery CEnter and McGee Medicine Center. This state-of-the-art facility provides world class care to some of the most famous horses in racing, and provides visitors with an in-depth educational experience on what it takes for the 50 vets on staff to treat, care for, and operate on these majestic animals! It’s an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital – With tours being limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays only, this is another Book-Ahead attraction. Established in 1982 as an ambulatory practice, and growing into a full-service equine hospital in 1985, they provide world-renowned, highly specialized veterinary care to these special animals. You’ll learn all about the on-site facilities that provide surgery, reproductive care, and podiatry services to horses. Featuring 9 barns on site, too!

Hallway Feeds – It takes a lot of grain and feed to keep these racehorses healthy and strong! Learn all about what it takes to maintain and manufacture special horse feed and the history of this family business! You’ll get to hear plenty of history, personal stories and anecdotes, and get to touch, smell, and explore all about horse feed. Book your tours on select dates for a really unique experience for horse enthusiasts.

If baby horses are your thing, you’re in for a real treat! These selected farms and breeding facilities allow visitors an opportunity to learn about horse breeding, pet foals and mares, and of course get your fill of adorable baby animals. You’ll need to book your tours in advance, so check out all your options ahead of time, or you can book a multi-day weekend option with Horse Country for their “Foal-Filled Weekend Itinerary”!

Why limit the horse-themed fun to just farms, tours, and museums? Check out these fun restaurants and establishments for more horse related excitement.