We’re so excited to be joining the BreyerFest celebration this weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park! Be sure to stop by our booth with Amplify Horse Racing in Celebration Park, where we will be talking about all things horses and horse racing – plus running some giveaways!
While you’re in town, we highly recommend visiting one of our member locations to get a behind the scenes look at the equine industry. Whether you’re interested in seeing stallions or a mares and foals, morning training or Thoroughbred aftercare, we have a variety of tour options for every interest level.
Horse Country is even home to (or has a connection with) some of the famed horses who have been honored with Breyer models. You might even see some of these horses when you join one of our tours! Among our favorites are Afleet Alex, American Pharoah, Affirmed, Cozmic One, Harley, Justify, Rachel Alexandra, Tiz the Law and Zenyatta. If you’re just a fan of the Thoroughbred breed, you can find those here as well.
One of the best parts about our slice of paradise here in Kentucky is that there is so much to do along with horse farm tours. We encourage all guests to check out the local communities that our members call home, and our Summer Bucket List is a great way to keep track of some fun things to check out while you are here in the Bluegrass.
Guests who complete at least five items from our summer bucket list and post about those items will receive a Horse Country t-shirt! See below for all terms and conditions for the contest.
Feel free to download the list, or check out the written list below.
SUMMER BUCKET LIST
See a Kentucky Derby winner
A bucket list item for anyone, horse racing fan or not! Here in Horse Country we are lucky to be the home of a number of Kentucky Derby winners, and our members have opened their gates to welcome guests and meet these champions. The following farms are home to Kentucky Derby winners: Coolmore at Ashford Stud (American Pharoah, 2015 and Justify, 2018), Darby Dan Farm (Country House, 2019), Jonabell Farm (Street Sense, 2007 and Nyquist, 2016), Spendthrift Farm (Authentic, 2020) and WinStar Farm (Always Dreaming, 2017).
While showings depend on the health and schedule of the horse, our members strive to show fan favorites on tours.
Feed a horse a treat
It’s always a good day when you get to pet a horse, and an added bonus when you get to feed a peppermint, carrot or another treat! Our interactive tours allow for guests to get up close and personal to the horses, and some of the tours even allow you to feed the horses!
Check out scenic Old Frankfort Pike
One of the most scenic roadways in Kentucky is Old Frankfort Pike, which begins in Lexington at the legendary Secretariat statue and runs through Fayette, Woodford and Franklin counties. The road passes through picturesque Horse Country and passes farms like Three Chimneys Farm, Airdrie Stud, and the yearling divisions of Lane’s End Farm and Godolphin.
Eat at a locally-owned restaurant
Kentucky’s local food scene is one of our favorite things about the Bluegrass state. Lots of restaurants in the area feature locally grown food products including veggies, fruits, meat products and more. We’re all about fresh, tasty meals and highly recommend anything owned by Ouita Michel (Wallace Station, Midway Bakery, Zim’s Cafe and more). VisitLex has a great list of restaurants in Lexington and the surrounding area.
Take a photo in front of a horse-themed mural
Here in Central Kentucky we celebrate the horse in many ways, including murals and other community art installations. VisitLex offers a mural challenge for visitors interested in exploring street art in Lexington, including a few equine-themed murals, found here. Some of the surrounding cities also have murals including a Secretariat mural in downtown Paris, a Horse Country mural in downtown Versailles and a mural featuring Taylor Made Farm in downtown Nicholasville.
Take a selfie with a foal
Let’s be honest… what’s cuter than a young foal? These little ones are usually incredibly eager to meet new friends and pose for selfies. Our mare and foal nursery farms provide ample opportunities to meet these friendly horses.
Enjoy a shuttle tour
On a shuttle tour, guests get to venture through the farm on an electric shuttle, getting all of the bluegrass views one could want. Typically these tours focus on mares and foals, but a few locations (Lane’s End Farm, Spy Coast Farm and WinStar Farm) also visit stallions as a part of the tour. You can find shuttle tour availability here.
Visit an adoption facility or sanctuary
Our nonprofit members do incredible work to ensure that all horses have a quality life through retraining, rehoming and providing lifelong sanctuary. Multiple locations retrain Thoroughbreds and other breeds for new careers, providing them with the foundation to enjoy life as a riding horse, including the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations and the Secretariat Center. TRF at Chestnut Hall is a unique sanctuary farm that is home to horses who did not go on to a second career after leaving the racetrack, and instead serve as ambassadors for the Thoroughbred breed.
Go shopping in a local downtown
Whether you’re looking for home decor, art, fashion or just a window shopper, there’s lots of great shopping in central Kentucky. We recommend checking out downtown Midway or Versailles for shops, bakeries and restaurants, both small towns with lots of shopping options!
Watch morning training at Keeneland
Some things are worth getting up early for, and morning training at Keeneland is absolutely one of those. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, Thoroughbreds train on the main track at Keeneland – and the track is open to the public! Enjoy workouts and then head to the track kitchen for a delicious southern-style breakfast.
Be sure to stay tuned to our Bit by Bit blog for more information on things to do in the area relating to our Summer Bucket List. Even if you don’t complete the whole list, we would still love to see how you are spending your summertime in Horse Country, and hope that you will check out some of the activities we have suggested.
See below for the terms & conditions for the giveaway.
Guests who complete at least five of the ten items listed on our ‘Summer Bucket List’ graphic and submit photo proof are eligible to receive a piece of Horse Country apparel.
Please submit proof by posting photos on social media of each bucket list item, tagging Horse Country and using the hashtag #VisitHorseCountry. For example, in the caption or comment of your post say ‘Enjoying my shuttle tour! #VisitHorseCountry @VisitHorseCountry”.
Once you finish the Bucket List, email us at info@visithorsecountry.com and we will check your posts. If all items have been completed we will send a Horse Country t-shirt your way!
Contest begins June 8th at 8am ET and ends on August 31 at 12:59pm ET.
One entry will be accepted per guest.
Please be safe and mindful of your surroundings when taking any photos, and follow the direction of your tour guide when applicable. All state and local laws apply.
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are in no way affiliated with this giveaway.
This contest is hosted and solely affiliated with Horse Country.
Each year, the last weekend in April is dedicated to sport horses here in Lexington, Kentucky. The Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park and brings together some of the world’s most talented horse and rider pairs to tackle three phases – dressage, cross country and stadium jumping – over the course of three days. The combination with the lowest number of penalties after all three disciplines is crowned the winner. This year, the event was particularly special for many competitors and fans
The event has grown into a celebration of equestrianism at the top level, with four competitions hosted during the weekend. The Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L is one of just seven 5* events in the entire world. The 5* level is the ultimate stage for eventing competitors, with many of these combinations either Olympic and World Championship veterans or hopefuls. Along with the headlining event, the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S Three Day Event and Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute drew top horse and rider pairs.
[metaslider id=27655 cssclass=””]
The Land Rover Kentucky CCI5* kicked off on Thursday, April 27 with the dressage phase, which is split over two days due to the volume of riders. Dressage is a test of harmony during which horse and rider complete a prescribed set of movements that emphasize grace and connection. Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir, World Champions representing Great Britain, were in the lead over fellow British rider Tom McEwen and JL Dublin after the dressage phase with a 22.1 and 22.6, respectively. Mai Baum and Tamie Smith of the United States rounded out the top three with a 24.2.
[metaslider id=27665 cssclass=””]
Cross country is arguably the most thrilling phase of eventing, and the day drew over 30,000 fans to the Kentucky Horse Park to watch horse and rider combinations tackle a four mile course of obstacles including jumps, ditches and water features as close to the optimum time as possible. A handful of jumping and time penalties led to a shift in the standings, with Tamie Smith and Mai Baum jumping to the top of the leaderboard after a double clear round. Great Britain’s Tom McEwen and JL Dublin picked up a few time penalties to hold second place, and Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C of the United States entered the top three with their double clear round on the cross country course.
[metaslider id=27698 cssclass=””]
The top three riders were separated by just 4.3 points headed into the final round, stadium jumping. The stadium jumping test calls upon both the harmony demonstrated in dressage and the scope shown during cross country to jump a course of obstacles that will easily fall, compared to solid cross country fences. Tamie Smith and Mai Baum delivered with a double clear round to become the first American competitor to win the first Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event since Phillip Dutton in 2008, and the first woman to win since Mary King in 2011.
Smith and Mai Baum finished on their dressage score, 24.2, with McEwen and JL Dublin finishing on a 27.8 for second place and Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C ending the weekend on a 28.5 for third place. As the highest placed American rider, Smith also took home the USEF CCI5*-L National Eventing Championship. Prize money of $400,000 was distributed among the top placings, along with awards recognizing the leading young rider, winning owner, winning breeder, grooms of the top placing horses and more.
[metaslider id=27693 cssclass=””]
The third annual Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S took place throughout the weekend as well, following the same format as the Land Rover Kentucky CCI5*-L. Canadian rider Karl Slezak was the only rider in the entire competition to go double clear in both the cross country and stadium jumping divisions, finishing on his dressage score of 29.3 to win aboard the mare Hot Bobo. Tamie Smith piloted Solaguayre California to finish second with a score of 30, and Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire finished third with a score of 34.9.
[metaslider id=27678 cssclass=””]
In its third year, the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute drew some familiar faces for fans of equestrian sport, including Olympians Margie Engle, McLain Ward, Rodrigo Pessoa, Shane Sweetnam and more. We had some great rooting interests in two Spy Coast Farm-bred horses, La Belle SCF and Orwell SCF (owned by Lane’s End Show Jumping) competing in the event. Both horses are sired by Spy Coast Farm stallion Diktator van de Boslandhoeve.
After the first round, ten riders were tied with zero faults to head into a jump off. A thrilling conclusion to the event saw Daniel Bluman of Israel and his mare Gemma W win by a mere .87 seconds over Lacey Gilbertson of the United States and Karlin Van’t Vennehof. Spy Coast Farm’s resident show jumping trainer and competitor Shane Sweetman rounded out to podium in third place aboard his gelding James Kann Cruz.
Along with elite competitions, Land Rover Kentucky is known for shopping, educational demonstrations and more. The Secretariat Center hosted a demonstration about what to look for when purchasing an OTTB with champion jockey Rosie Napravnik, and New Vocations and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute welcomed guests to their booths to learn more about their respective organizations.
The unofficial start of spring in the Bluegrass is upon us – the Keeneland Spring Meet kicks off on April 7! The spring meet runs from April 7 to April 28, with races taking place on Wednesdays – Sundays, excluding Easter Sunday, April 9. Tickets must be purchased prior to arriving at the track, and they can be found here.
Keeneland’s spring meet is the perfect combination of great racing and great Kentucky culture, from the food to drinks, outfits and more!
Visit Keeneland
We’re proud to offer tours throughout the Keeneland meet (and the rest of the year!), which can be found by clicking here. One of our top recommendations is to stop by in the early hours of the day to watch morning training, which takes place from 5:30-10am each morning (we’ve got a tour for that, too!). You’ll get the chance to see horses exercising on the track, and trust us when we say that there is nothing like a morning spent on the rail. Once training is done, head over to the Keeneland Track Kitchen for a hearty breakfast before a day at the races.
Be sure to tune into the races – or even better, join in the fun at the track! While you’re in town for the races, be sure to check out some of our horse farm tours, which can be viewed by clicking here (P.S. – be sure to check out the filters to choose your preferred dates and number of guests for the most accurate listing of available tours for your party).
Top-Class Thoroughbred Racing
Wonder Wheel wins the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland in November 2022
The race meet kicks off with top races for three year olds in the G1 Ashland Stakes and the G1 Blue Grass Stakes. Both races provide points to the top finishers in route to the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, respectively.
The G1 Ashland Stakes is race nine on Friday, April 7 with a post time of 5:16 p.m. ET, and has 170 Kentucky Oaks points on offer to the top five finishers. We hate to pick favorites, and in this case, we don’t have to! Each of the seven contenders has a connection to Horse Country (how cool is that?!).
Defining Purpose – sired by Cross Traffic, standing at Spendthrift Farm.
Effortlesslyelgant – sired by Liam’s Map, standing at Lane’s End Farm.
The G1 Blue Grass Stakes is race nine on Saturday, April 9 with a post time of 5:15 p.m. ET, and has 170 Kentucky Derby points on offer to the top five finishers. Half of the field has a connection back to Horse Country, so we’ve got a few rooting interests in one of the final prep races for the Kentucky Derby.
Tapit Trice – sired by Tapit, standing at Gainesway Farm and bred by Gainesway (co-owners with Whisper Hill Farm, LLC).
Verifying – sired by Justify, standing at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.
Hayes Strike – sired by Connect, standing at Lane’s End Farm.
Scoobie Quando – sired by Uncle Mo, standing at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.
Blazing Sevens – sired by Into Mischief, standing at Spendthrift Farm.
Mendelssohns March – sired by Mendelssohn, standing at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.
Plus, be on the lookout for the return of three Breeders’ Cup World Champions to the site of their victories last fall – Caravel in the G2 Shakertown Stakes (Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner) Goodnight Olive in the G1 Madison Stakes (Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner) and Wonder Wheel in the G1 Ashland Stakes (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner).
Sally’s Picks – Tips from a Keeneland Ambassador
One of our team members, Sally Englander, is a Keeneland College Ambassador as well as a Horse Country intern. When she’s not helping to curate the perfect experience for your time in Horse Country, she is at the races and chatting about all things Keeneland! She put together her list of must do, see and eat items for the Keeneland spring meet below.
Food & Drinks
Keeneland’s Famous Bread Pudding
A great blend of sweetness and bourbon in one delicious dessert, best served warm with bourbon glaze on top and best enjoyed while outside trackside watching the races! If you’ve ever wished you could make this Keeneland classic at home, you are in luck! Marc Therrien, Executive Chef for Keeneland Hospitality gave the Kentucky Distillers Association a step-by-step recipe, click here.
Keeneland Breeze
For those of the age of 21, my best drink recommendation for those who want to taste Kentucky in a drink would be the Keeneland Breeze. This bourbon based drink is a classic to sip while placing your bets on your favorite horses!
Places to Visit at Keeneland
Saddling Paddock
Before I ever place bets, I have to go to the Saddling Paddock to pick the horse that catches my eye. You get a glimpse of the horses’ energy before the race and get an up close look at them before they go to the track.
Sales Pavilion
I absolutely love the Sales Pavilion. It has a timeless look with Keeneland green filling the interior. This is where some of the world’s top Thoroughbred sales happen in January, April, September, and November.
…and of course the finish line is a fun place to visit and maybe you’ll get the chance to capture a photo finish!
Take a break from the Thoroughbreds and head over to the sport horse capital of Lexington. This tour is one of my favorites because of the diversity You get to see the rehabilitation center, stallions, young horse development center, and mares and foals division! It is also a very interactive tour, you can pet and feed the horses on the property!
Located right down the street from Spy Coast, Spendthrift Farm is a top international thoroughbred breeder! They are home to greats such as Into Mischief, Authentic, and Jackie’s Warrior. They also have the newly built B. Wayne Hughes Visitor’s Center, where you can buy all the Spendthrift and Horse Country merchandise.
No matter who you are spending this season of love with, we’ve put together a few itineraries to enjoy time with your favorites here! From romantic dinners to equine kissing booths, to an afternoon tea and horse farm tours, there’s a variety of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day here in Horse Country.
Start your morning with a tour of the place that fuels all the top horse athletes. Even pick up some treats to give to your horse or dog at home for Valentine’s Day that they supply in their shop!
On your way to Coolmore, stop by Spark Community Café for Brunch. Right in the heart of downtown Versailles, they are a perfect place to enjoy a good bite made with lots of love!
Come see the most handsome studs leading up to Valentine’s Day! This gorgeous farm is home to some of Kentucky’s top stallions such as Essential Quality, Medaglia D’Oro, and Frosted. Along with the horses, you’ll learn about the history and accomplishments of racing and breeding giant Godolphin, and visit their incredible trophy room.
The mares and foals need some love leading up to Valentine’s Day as well! Come feed and pet the residents of Mill Ridge Farm. On this tour, you will get to drive around the stunning acreage and meet the mothers and foals, yearlings, and stallions.
Spend an afternoon with some horses looking for love! The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is hosting a loveable afternoon filled with horse kisses, hot chocolate, and cupid’s arrows.
Finish the night with love in the air at a scenic vineyard. Chenault Vineyards is hosting a romantic evening accompanied by a four course dinner and live music by Carrie & Taylor. The dinner includes delectable treats such as baked brie, a traditional French dish Coq au Vin served with artisan bread and whipped garlic potatoes, and chocolate fondue.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2023 : Galentine’s Day
Spy Coast Farm
Windy Corner Market for breakfast? … we think that is a great idea! It is right down the street from Spy Coast in Bryan Station. They only serve breakfast on Sundays, so you’re in for a treat
A stunning facility filled with love for the animal and sport. Take a tour of a sport horse breeding farm based out of America, which believe it or not is rare. The racehorses are amazing, but wait until you see these top showjumpers!
After a morning full of tours, it is time to celebrate the ladies for Galentine’s Day at the Amsden! Get some coffee, hang out with your girlfriends, and join in some of the fun activities. In years past, they have had makeup stations, photobooths, mini spa treatments, and delicious, themed drinks.
Bring your Galentine or Valentine to Chestnut Hall. Upon arrival, guests will toast the TRF herd before enjoying herbal teas and delicious treats that include scones, tiny sandwiches, savories, and pretty treats! Tours of the historic house and farm are available after the tea.
Talk about feeling like royalty before Valentine’s Day, take in the historic and gorgeous views of the Kentucky Castle for dinner. If you want to spend the night there, they have amazing rooms and cabins available. Even luxury glamping with chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, and rose petals. Talk about romance!
My mouth is watering just looking at pictures of the food from Doodles. Believe it or not, the food is even better than the pictures. Sit down and enjoy breakfast options like beignets, omelets, and oatmeal brulee.
Tiz Now is the time to visit WinStar and see the award winning stallions at a state of the art facility. As you are gearing up for Valentine’s Day, let these studs amaze you with their unique personalities and incredible track winnings.
This diner gained recognition from being on Diners, Drive-in, and Dives, but we believe their fame came from all of the horse farm tour guides saying this is their favorite place to eat when asked for recommendations! Enjoy a burger, some fries and a crisp Ale8 in the heart of Horse Country after your tour at WinStar Farm.
Want to watch the sunrise with your partner and then come to Keeneland to witness racehorses in training. A perfect way to start the day with your loved one!
Whether you are feeling like having breakfast or lunch, Callie’s is the place to go! In downtown Versailles, enjoy homestyle meals before heading to your next tour.
Flightline captured a lot of hearts in the past year, so be sure to come see him and the rest of the amazing stallion roster and learn about Lane’s End and their incredible accomplishments.
Who wants pasta on Valentine’s Day? Because I sure do! And if not, Pasta Garage does offer other delicious entrees! You and your loved one will leave feeling happy and stuffed! Their menu items are making me fall in love: heart shaped ravioli, whipped ricotta served on a warm baguette, limoncello tart, just to name a few.
Looking for a soothing night with painting, music, and hors d’oeuvres? Greyline station is the perfect place to spend a romantic evening in Downtown Lexington.
Winter is upon us here in Central Kentucky and there are so many things to do and see in the Bluegrass! From holiday themed treats to Christmas lights, to tours of horse farms and distilleries, we compiled some of our favorite winter activities below.
First things first – get out of the house and go on a Horse Country Tour!
While winter in Kentucky requires a warm jacket, there’s little else you need to enjoy the holiday season with Horse Country. Bundle up and enjoy the sights of a horse farm tour, including some of our nursery farms, aftercare facilities and stallion stations. If you’re looking to stay indoors, Hallway Feeds and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are offering tours that give a behind-the- scenes peek into their respective world-class operations in equine care.
Whether you’re looking to get the kids out of the house this winter break or are looking to show off Kentucky to your visiting in-laws this holiday season, Horse Country has you covered. See below for some recommended itineraries:
While you’re in town, be sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do during the winter months in Central Kentucky.
Go Ice Skating in Downtown Lexington
Triangle Park in Downtown Lexington becomes a winter wonderland each year, with an ice skating ring and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Rent a pair of skates by the hour and enjoy ice skating in the heart of Lexington, then be sure to head to the distillery district for some Goodfella’s pizza and Crank and Boom ice cream for some grub after your time at the rink.
Experience Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park
This time of year, the Kentucky Horse Park is not just home to equine attractions. Southern Lights is a three mile driving tour of spectacular lights, along with a Holiday Village where guests can venture through a petting zoo, ride a mini train, meet with Santa, shop at the Kentucky Horse Park gift shop and more. Be on the lookout for light displays celebrating Kentucky’s equine heritage!
Lexington’s local food scene is great year-round, but during the holiday season our local restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops really step it up a notch. Some of our favorite bakeries and coffee shops include Futile Bakery (the cinnamon rolls are to die for!), Leestown Coffee House (holiday drinks include a gingerbread latte & more) and the Amsden Coffee Club in Versailles (holiday shopping + coffee, does it get much better?).
Based in Lexington, Ky, Horse Country is a not-for-profit membership organization that offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the equine industry through tours of member farms, veterinary clinics and other equine attractions in Kentucky. Check out Horse Country on social media: Instagram @visithorsecountry Facebook @visithorsecountry and Twitter @kyhorsecountry. For more information: www.visithorsecountry.com.
Looking for Christmas gift inspiration for the horse lover in your life? Lucky for you, our members have just what you need right in their gift shops. We’ve split up the list of gift ideas by…
Die-hard horseracing enthusiasts
Horse Country connoisseurs
Potential equine adopters
Whatever category you identify with, we have just the thing for you and your shopping list. And don’t forget – a tour in Horse Country always makes for a lovely gift too!
For all the Zenyatta fans in the house – I mean who isn’t – Lane’s End has great gifts honoring the Hall of Fame mare, including hats and tees, like this eye catching option pictured here. Plus they have great Lane’s End branded gear too! Check out their online gift shop here.
Interested in a tour? While Lane’s End isn’t offering public tours this winter…brrrrr… they do have some private availability and will be back in Spring 2023! You can book here.
Breeders’ Cup’s online gift shop is a great spot for any fan of the World Championships. Their shop includes apparel, housewares and some high end gifts as well. Plus they have items from 2022 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland on sale! Commemorate an incredible Breeders’ Cup Classic performance from Flightline with a purchase from the Breeders’ Cup shop here.
Spendthrift has an incredible collection of Authentic gear including this snazzy pullover, a perfect outer layer for that biting winter wind. They also have a swoon worthy collection of apparel and housewares perfect for any horse lover’s holiday shopping list. Visit their online gift shop here.
If you join for a tour a Spendthrift you can shop in their Visitors Center – book here! Tour tickets are required to shop in Visitors Center.
Sport your favorite Darley stallion cap this holiday season. In particular, this stylish number will keep you cozy and it’s a perfect fit for 2016 Kentucky Derby winner, Nyquist, named for NHL player, Gustav Nyquist. Take a look at their online gift shop here.
Godolphin will be hosting tours through the winter at their stallion station, Jonabell Farm, and their mare division, Gainsborough Farm. Get a hat with your favorite stallion’s name and then come visit him! Book here.
WinStar Farm has a great selection of hats and apparel from their star studded stallion roster, but we just had to share this quilted jacket! It’s trendy and feels like part of a WinStar uniform – so if they’re your team, then kit up! Check out this jacket and more on their online gift shop here.
WinStar also has a few tours available through the first week in December, you can visit their gift shop after your tour. Book here, and if you can’t visit this winter, mark your calendars for Spring 2023!
Quickly becoming known across Horse Country and beyond for their iconic carrot couture, Mill Ridge has recently stocked up on these bad boys. These are a personal favorite of the Horse Country team and they’d make a great gift for any horse lover! Aside from these, Mill Ridge has a great offering of carrot adorned apparel and hats. Find your pick on their online website here.
Or if you feel like feeding horses some real carrots before you buy your carrot themed apparel, visit Mill Ridge Farm this holiday season and make your purchase in person. Book here!
Keeneland’s gift shop is a thing of beauty – from apparel to home wares and everything in between! Honestly, it was hard to pick just one thing, but we do love this set of prints. Keeneland’s gift shop located on their grounds is open to the public and they also have Keeneland Mercantile located in downtown Lexington, or you can shop online here. Be sure to confirm their business hours before visiting!
And Keeneland is hosting tours through this holiday season, book your tour here and be sure to stop by the gift shop after your tour.
From trips to the farmer’s markets to your upcoming beach vacation this wintery season – Horse Country’s tote bag will fit right in. It’s a beautifully structured jute bag with durable handles and the Horse Country logo imprinted on the front. Or check out our superstar tees or co-branded member hats this holiday season, you can find it all here.
And if you’re think of gifting a tour this holiday season, you can find gift certificates here.
I know, I know… what’s with all the socks? Well, you know what they say, no hoof no horse and it all starts with a comfy pair of socks! Enter Kentucky for Kentucky’s attention grabbing pair, which well honor what helps make Central Kentucky the Horse Capital of the World, the Thoroughbred breeding industry. You can find these and some other fun Kentucky themed gifts on their online store here, or if you’re in town, be sure to check out their Fun Mall off Bryan Ave. Be ready for some fun, eclectic gifts and to be clear, we don’t recommend visiting their shop to the faint of heart!
Here at Horse Country, several of our team members grew up on the back of a horse. While some of us have the ability to continue riding today, for those of us who can’t, we “window shop” on the social media channels of our sport horse and Thoroughbred aftercare members.
In particular, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations, Secretariat Center, and on the fanciest end, Spy Coast Farm, all have horses available for purchase or adoption. If you’re in search of a new addition to your stable or just want to drool over their adoptable horses, we couldn’t recommend their social media channels enough!
Please note if you are serious about purchasing or adopting a horse of any breed, skill level etc, we recommend extensive research and training beforehand. You must go through the members’ program and prerequisites to successfully purchase or adopt a horse.
Also, our aftercare facilities, the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations, Secretariat Center and Thoroughbred Retirement Center at Chestnut Hall are all 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. A donation to any of them in pursuit of quality care for horses here in Central Kentucky would be a great gift! PLUS they all have a gift shop too – plenty of ways to gift this holiday season!
With Thanksgiving in just a few days, we have compiled a list of our favorite things to do during Thanksgiving weekend here in Horse Country.
Visit a Horse Farm
Enjoy the Kentucky fall air on a tour of a local horse farm! Touring a horse farm is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Our tour experiences are a great way for fans of all interest and experience levels to get a behind the scenes look at why Kentucky is known as the Horse Capital of the World. Depending on your tour choice, you might pet and/or feed horses, learn about the training process, see Kentucky Derby winning stallions and more.
You can view all of our available tours byclicking here! To see what is available we recommend using the two filter buttons in the left hand corner to choose your preferred date and number of guests.
Participate in the Thoroughbred Classic 5k
Take time to participate in a well-loved local Thanksgiving tradition, the Thoroughbred Classic 5k at Keeneland! Enjoy the beautiful sights that Keeneland has to offer all while enjoying the cool fall air. To learn more about the Thoroughbred Classic, and get registered, click here.
Go racing at Churchill Downs
Stop by Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, to watch some of their Fall Meet racing which runs until November 27th. With races starting at 1:00 p.m. throughout the meet, with the exception of Thanksgiving when races start at 11:30 a.m., you will have the opportunity to see Kentucky’s equine athletes at work! You can learn more about Churchill Downs and their racing on their website.
Get some holiday shopping done early
Check out one of the many shops & markets in the area to get ahead on your shopping list, especially this Small Business Saturday! These markets & shops are home to locally-made goods, so you can support local artists while picking up some great products. If you’re interested in merchandise from Horse Country and our members, be sure to check out our Horse Country gift guide here.
Take full advantage of the chilly weather by getting a cup of hot chocolate and taking a skate at Triangle Park! Ice skate through downtown Lexington and take in the sights, you may even see a few decorated horses on your skate. Learn more about ice skating in Triangle Park here!
Lexington, Kentucky is set for its time to shine once again as the host site of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. This year a variety of events are being held around Lexington to showcase the many things that Kentucky has to offer.
Check out some of our favorites – for travelers and locals alike!
Go on a Horse Country Tour
What better way to prepare for the races than to meet some of the past or future contenders? Here at Horse Country we offer tours of top stud farms, nurseries, veterinary clinics and more! These tours are great opportunities to learn more about Kentucky’s equine industry, and the many things that go into caring for and producing a quality horse.
Check out all of the available Breeders’ Cup week tours here, and be sure to utilize the filters to find the most up to date availability for your preferred date and time.
Visit Keeneland Racecourse
Keeneland Racecourse, home of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, offers a couple of options for guests wanting to learn more about the event. Looking for an in-depth look at what it takes to host the World Championships of Thoroughbred horse racing? We recommend the Keeneland Breeders’ Cup Experience, a two hour tour that takes guests through the Clubhouse and Grandstand to watch morning workouts, visits the Rice Road barn area that is otherwise closed to the general public and closes with a visit to the Keeneland Library.
Keeneland will be open to the public for morning workouts from approximately 5:30 – 10 a.m. each morning through Thursday, Nov. 3. Keep an eye out for Breeders’ Cup contenders by looking for horses with numbered saddle towels during morning training, the Breeders’ Cup app has an inclusive list of these saddle towels.
The Keeneland Library is open Monday through Thursday of Breeders’ Cup week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., allowing guests to view the storied history and archives housed in the library. A special exhibit showcasing the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland, and Central Kentucky connections to the Breeder’s Cup, is available to view through December.
Celebrate with the Breeders’ Cup Festival
Celebrate the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to its birthplace, Central Kentucky, with an array of events around Lexington. The Post Position Draw will be held on Oct. 31 at Rupp Arena, with doors opening at 2 p.m. University of Kentucky Basketball Coach John Calipari will be joined by the UK marching band, cheerleaders and dance team to ensure guests get an authentic Rupp Arena experience. Kentucky’s native spirit will be celebrated throughout the Kentucky Bourbon Showcaseat Greyline Station on Nov. 2 – Nov. 4. Taste a variety of Kentucky Bourbons and local food while enjoying musical entertainment and more. The historic Kentucky Theatre will honor the history of the horse on the big screen through HORSE, an Equine Film Festival. Seven films will be featured throughout the week, including box office hits like Secretariat and Dreamer, and documentary films like Jockey and Born to Rein that showcase the human and equine personalities that make the Thoroughbred industry unique.
While Lexington has historically been known for its fast horses and quality Bourbon, the food scene has grown in recent years to one of the best in the region. Celebrate both the local and international flair of the Breeders’ Cup with the Feeders Cup, taking place across Lexington. Be sure to check out some of the newer restaurants on the Lexington food scene, including East End Tap and Table, Frank and Dino’s, and ItalX. More of a classics person – both in horse races and food? You can’t go wrong with Lockbox, Epping’s on Eastside, Keeneland Track Kitchen, Zim’s Cafe, and The Goose Lexington.
About Horse Country, Inc.
Based in Lexington, Ky, Horse Country is a not-for-profit membership organization that offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the equine industry through tours of member farms, veterinary clinics and other equine attractions in Kentucky. Check out Horse Country on social media: Instagram @visithorsecountry Facebook @visithorsecountry and Twitter @kyhorsecountry. For more information: www.visithorsecountry.com.
Keeneland’s Fall Stars weekend was truly one for the books thanks to top class racing, perfect weather and scores of fans at the Lexington, Kentucky track. This year, the fall meet coincides with the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, set to be run at Keeneland on Nov. 4 – 5.
The domestic Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series wrapped up over the weekend as well, with nine ‘Win and You’re In’ races taking place at Keeneland. Challenge Series provide an all-expenses paid berth into particular Breeders’ Cup races, depending on the division. Horse Country members were represented as breeders, stallion owners, consignors and more throughout this past weekend of racing. Learn more about the winners below!
Wonder Wheel (sired by Into Mischief, Spendthrift Farm; co-bred by Three Chimneys Farm) wins the G1 Darley Alcibiades on Oct. 7 at Keeneland. Photo by Grace Clark/Horse Country.
Grade One Stakes Races
The first G1 race of the Keeneland Fall Meet, the G1 Darley Alcibiades, went to the favored Wonder Wheel. The daughter of Spendthrift Farm stallion Into Mischief led from wire to wire, fending off the strong-closing Chop Chop to win by a nose and secure her entry in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 4. Wonder Wheel was co-bred by Three Chimneys Farm, and sold at Keeneland as a yearling.
Keeneland Graduate Forte proved his tenacity with a hard-fought win in the G1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity over the favored Loggins. The colt earned his place in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with this victory at Keeneland.
Three year old Annapolis sat just off of the pace before bounding home to win the G1 Coolmore Turf Mile by a length and a half. The colt secured his place in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on November 5 at Keeneland with the victory.
2021 Kentucky Oaks winner Malathaat notched her fifth grade one victory with a romp in the G1 Juddmonte Spinster on Sunday, Oct. 9. Favored in the field of five, she sat just off of the pace and exploded in the stretch to win by 5 ¼ lengths. The filly was bred by Stonestreet Farm (who owns and bred her dam, G1 winner Dreaming of Julia) and sold for $1.05 million at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale by Denali Stud. Her victory in the Spinster Stakes earned her a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff next month, a race she finished third in last year.
Manny Wah (sired by Will Take Charge, Three Chimneys Farm) wins the G2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes on Oct. 7 at Keeneland. Photo by Grace Clark/Horse Country.
Grade Two Stakes Races
The G2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes, run at six furlongs on the dirt, is a ‘Win and You’re In’ Challenge Series race for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Run on Friday, Oct. 7 as the first stakes race of Fall Stars weekend, the Phoenix came down to a nail biting finish between two of the longest shots in the field. Manny Wah, a son of Three Chimneys Farm stallion Will Take Charge, prevailed by a neck over Long Range Toddy, a son of WinStar Farm stallion Take Charge Indy. Will Take Charge and Take Charge Indy are actually half brothers, who have the same dam in Take Charge Lady.
The globe-trotting turf sprinter Golden Pal won his berth into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on Saturday, Oct. 8 with a strong victory in the G2 Woodford Stakes. This was his second victory in the stakes, and his fourth victory at Keeneland. Golden Pal is a son of Coolmore America stallion Uncle Mo, and his damsire Midshipman stands at Darley’s Jonabell Farm. He will seek to win his third Breeders’ Cup championship race next month in the Turf Sprint, and could become the first male horse to ever win three Breeders’ Cup races.
New Mexico-bred Slammed broke sharply and never looked back in the G2 Thoroughbred Club of America on Saturday, Oct. 7, drawing away to win by 6 ½ lengths. Her victory earned her a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on November 5 at Keeneland.
Andthewinneris was the first winner for Mill Ridge Farm stallion Oscar Performance at the Keeneland Spring Meet, and the colt became the first stakes winner for his sire on Sunday, Oct. 9 with a victory in the G2 Bourbon Stakes. Sitting near the back of the pack, he came flying home to win by 2 ¾ lengths over Deer District, another son of Oscar Performance. The victory for Andthewinneris secured him a spot in the gate for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf on Nov. 4.
Coolmore America stallion Mendelssohn was represented by his first stakes victory when Delight went wire to wire in the G2 JPMorgan Chase Jessamine. The filly cruised to a 5 length victory with her ears pricked as they crossed the wire. Delight’s victory earned her a berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, to be held over the Keeneland turf course on Nov. 4.
Listed Stakes
Private Creed, a son of Spendthrift Farm stallion Jimmy Creed, picked up his second consecutive stakes victory in the Indian Summer. The Keeneland September graduate posted a strong closing victory to win by ¾ of a length, and gain a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.
The Keeneland Fall Meet continues through Nov. 5, when the track hosts the Breeders’ Cup World Championships as the culmination of their meet. Check out our Keeneland Meet Preview here, and our Guide to Fall in Horse Country for things to do when you’re in town for the races!
