Lexington, KY is known for many things; its bourbon, bluegrass, up and coming food scene and of course its horses. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World”, horse attractions in Lexington, KY are among the most popular things to do in Lexington. Read here for our top picks on how to explore horse country!
For further information on where to go and what to do in Lexington, KY, use our Lexington, KY travel guide.
Horse Farm Tours
For a unique Bluegrass, experience visit one of 450 horse farms in the region. Choose from guided tours to self-guided tours, the possibilities are endless. While these are all working farms, it is not ideal to just “stop by” for a tour. So, be sure to plan in advance and call to arrange a tour.
Guided tours:
With some farms only allowing tours through specified tour companies, sometimes booking a tour is your best option for seeing the local horse farms.
- Unique Horse Farm Tours – This tour provides a behind the scenes look at the people and horses that make Lexington the “Horse Capital of the World”. See everything from historic estates to new modern farms. View here for further tour information.
- Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Farm Tours – Included in this tour is a drive-by Calumet, a look inside Keeneland Race Track, plus the chance to view a Thoroughbred up close. View here for further tour information.
- Blue Grass Tours – On this tour, stop by a local horse farm, visit Keeneland, and other notable stops. Take their “Horses, Hooch, and History” tour that includes a boxed lunch and a visit to one of the distilleries. View here for further tour information.
- Horse Farm Tours, Inc. – All tours include a quick drive by of Calumet, a tour of Keeneland and a visit to two or three other farms to admire various horses. View here for further tour information.
Self-guided tours
If you would rather see and tour the horse farms on your own, call in advance to book your own private tour. While this is not the entire list of farms visitors can tour, these are our top picks.
- Thoroughbred Farms
- WinStar Farm
- Taylor Made Farm
- Jonabell Farm
- Three Chimneys Farm
- Lane’s End Farm
The Kentucky Horse Park
This is no ordinary park. Visitors can explore over 1,200 acres at The Kentucky Horse Park, as an active working horse farm. Explore attractions such as horseback trail and pony rides, show jumping hall of fame, the parade of breeds show, and so much more. There are also several museums on location at the park for those wanting to learn more about the industry and its history. The farm itself features up to 50 breeds of horses, including a few Derby winners. If you want to experience horse country at its finest, this is it.
Keeneland
As the heart and soul of Lexington, a visit to Keeneland is a must-add to any travel itinerary. Whether you are a novice at the race track or an expert, this track is great for all. Races are held twice a year, in April and October. If you are not in town during this time, guided tours of the race track are highly recommended. If it’s your first time visiting, be sure to use our Guide to Keeneland to help make the most out of your experience.
Retired champions
Where do great horse champions go to retire? Located near the Kentucky Horse Park, Dream Chase Farm offers visitors the chance to view past great champions up close. From past Derby winners to celebrity horses, like Popcorn Deelites, who stared in Seabiscuit, enjoy seeing some of the finest horses to roam Kentucky.
Enjoy your stay at Bluegrass Extended Stay
However, you choose to explore the “Horse Capital of the World” from our list of horse attractions in Lexington, KY, book your stay with Bluegrass Extended Stay for a convenient location with affordable accommodations.
