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Can’t get enough of baby horses? Want to pet a mare? We get it! There is nothing quite as magical in Kentucky as getting up close and personal with our beautiful horses. Foaling season is in full swing by the time spring rolls around, with new arrivals at farms all around the Bluegrass region.

We’ve put together threes days of tours focused on all the mama and baby cuteness you can handle. Can’t make them all? Pick and choose from the following experiences, or check out all of our tour offerings, to curate your perfect weekend.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in spring and summer 2025. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.

Thursday

Kick off your weekend in Paris and North Lexington with visits to Denali Stud, Spendthrift Farm and Downtown Paris.

Spendthrift Farm Shuttle Experience | 11am – 12pm (beginning in April)

Cruise through beautiful Spendthrift Farm aboard their electric shuttle while learning about the process of breeding and raising young Thoroughbred racehorses. You’ll meet some of Spendthrift’s broodmares and their new foals, plus you’ll get a chance to browse their world-class B. Wayne Hughes Visitor’s Center.

The Spendthrift Farm Shuttle Experience is offered on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 11am, beginning in April.

May we suggest… lunch at Windy Corner Market between tours? Located just a mile off of scenic Paris Pike, Windy Corner is owned by beloved Kentucky chef Ouita Michel, who incorporates Kentucky’s culture into each of her dishes. While you’re there, be sure to pick up some Kentucky Proud goodies to take home!

Denali Stud | 2pm – 3pm
On this visit to one of Kentucky’s leading Thoroughbred nurseries, you’ll learn all about what it takes to raise and sell top racehorses. Denali Stud is a family owned and operated farm that foals, raises and consigns many horses each year. While visiting Denali, you’ll visit with the broodmares and their foals while enjoying a walk through the peaceful Kentucky landscape.

Denali Stud offers tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2pm (with 10am tours available in April).

Be sure to visit… Downtown Paris, Kentucky, after your tour! Downtown Paris is highlighted by shopping, restaurants and a few equine-themed attractions including the Bourbon County Horse Walk of Fame and the Secretariat Park. Check out our Top Things to Do in Paris, Kentucky here.

Friday

Enjoy the best of a Hallmark-quality small town and get a peek at one of the other industries bringing the world to Kentucky – bourbon. Plus, meet more future champion racehorses.

May we suggest… grabbing a coffee and a pastrry at the Amsden Coffee Co. in Versailles before your tour?

Gainsborough Farm | 10am – 11:30am
Gainsborough Farm is one of four farms in Kentucky owned by Godolphin, the largest Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation in the world. On this shuttle tour, you’ll enjoy scenic views while driving through the farm and meet some of Gainsborough’s resident mares and foals. Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous, Cody’s Wish’s dam Dance Card and a number of other famed horses are often featured on tours of Gainsborough.

Gainsborough Farm offers tours Thursday through Sunday at 10am and 2pm.

May we suggest…The Stave in nearby Frankfort? Located just a few minutes down the road from Gainsborough and Pin Oak Stud, this locally-owned eatery centers their menu around Kentucky-inspired dishes and is home to a well-stocked bourbon bar. We recommend making a reservation, especially if you are visiting during the Keeneland meet or another busy time of year!

Pin Oak Stud | 1pm – 2:15pm

Visit the nursery division of storied Pin Oak Stud, where you will meet mares and foals and learn more about how racehorses are bred, raised and trained at this operation that does it all in house! You’ll learn about the history of Pin Oak from its founding by the beloved Josephine Abercrombie to its new ownership under Jim and Dana Bernhard, who seek to continue the quality and traditions of Pin Oak while venturing into a new era.

Pin Oak Stud offers tours on Thursdays and Fridays at 1pm.

Be sure to check out… a local distillery after your tour! Kentucky is known for bourbon & horses for good reason – there are dozens of distilleries in Central Kentucky alone. Nearby distilleries include Castle & Key, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses and more. Just be sure to make your reservation ahead of time! Our friends at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are the ultimate resource for all things bourbon.

Saturday

Meet the next generation of champion sport horses and racehorses, enjoy a scenic drive and eat at one of Kentucky’s most famed spots.

Spy Coast Farm | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Get an inside look at nearly every division at Spy Coast Farm, the nation’s premier sport horse breeding operation. This shuttle tour makes stops at their Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Stallion Division, Young Horse Development Center, and of course, Nursery. You’ll see what it takes to develop high quality equine athletes from the foaling barn to the show ring.

Spy Coast Farm offers tours at 10:30am daily (excluding Tuesdays & Thursdays)

May we suggest…. lunch at Wallace Station between tours? Wallace Station is one of Central Kentucky’s most popular restaurants, thanks to its locally-sourced, delicious food and its location, in the heart of Horse Country. Located on Old Frankfort Pike just a few miles away from Stonestreet Farm, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, nationally-recognized scenic byway while traveling to your tour. Wallace Station can often be busy – we recommend ordering ahead so you aren’t late to your tour of Stonestreet Farm or carving out time in your schedule after the tour to enjoy your meal!

Stonestreet Farm | 2pm – 3pm (beginning in April)
Wrap up your foal-filled weekend at Stonestreet Farm, a famed nursery farm that is home to one of the most acclaimed broodmare bands in the sport of horse racing. On this tour, you’ll get to meet mares and foals while learning all about their racing records and pedigrees. Plus, you’re likely to see retired Hall of Fame inductee Rachel Alexandra in her paddock.

Stonestreet Farm offers tours Wednesday – Sunday at 2pm, beginning in April

After your tours… head into Lexington to check out all that our beloved city has to offer. Some of our favorite spots include the Distillery District and Downtown. Our friends at VisitLex have information on anything and everything to do in Lexington and the surrounding areas.

Kentucky is called the Horse Capital of the world because of our vast numbers of equine residents of all ages. Throughout the year residents and visitors watch our horses grow and move through different phases of their lives! Here at Horse Country, we have member locations that can take guests through all of the life cycles throughout their tours.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in Fall 2022.

Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.

Foals

When horses are born they are called foals. Thoroughbred foals are typically born between January and late July. The horses will be considered foals while they are still nursing from their mothers. You can visit some of our nursery farms to meet some of Kentucky’s younger equine residents!

You can learn more about the foal stage by visiting Denali Stud, Gainsborough Farm, Lane’s End Farm, Mill Ridge Farm,  Runnymede Farm, Spendthrift Farm, Stonestreet Farm, Taylor Made Farm, and WinStar Farm!

Weanlings

As the foals begin to get older they will stop nursing from their mothers and start eating grass instead of milk. When this happens they will be weaned from their mothers and earn the new title of weanling! Weanlings are typically horses between the ages of 5 to 6 months old, they will continue to be called weanlings until January 1st.

You can learn more about the weanling stage by visiting Denali Stud, Gainsborough Farm, Lane’s End Farm, Mill Ridge Farm,  Runnymede Farm, Spendthrift Farm, Stonestreet Farm, Taylor Made Farm, and WinStar Farm!

Yearlings

On January 1st of the following year the horses will be called yearlings since all horses share the universal birthday! The yearling stage is when the horses will begin to look more like racehorses and will begin to hit growth spurts. During this time Thoroughbred yearlings will either be sold at public auction in the fall or they will go straight to a training facility to learn how to be a racehorse.

We recommend learning more about yearlings by visiting Keeneland, Denali Stud, Lane’s End Farm, Mill Ridge Farm and Runnymede Farm.

Training and Racing

Once a horse turns 2 years old they begin to train for races. They’ll learn how to get a bit in their mouth, saddle and rider on their back, and how to run. From the training they’ll begin to hit the racetrack!

Thoroughbred racehorses will typically begin racing at two or three years old, and the average career will last until the horse is 4 or 5 years old (but can last longer based on the soundness and success of a horse).

You can learn more about their training and race lives by visiting Keeneland!

Breeding

After a horse’s racing career is finished they will retire from the track and will either go on to become breeding stock or be trained and turned into a riding horse.

For breeding the colts will have to have a successful race record and a good pedigree before he begins to stand stud at a farm and become a stallion.

You can learn more about breeding and what it takes to become a stallion by visiting Airdrie Stud, Coolmore at Ashford Stud, Gainesway Farm, Jonabell Farm, Lane’s End Farm, Mill Ridge Farm, Spendthrift Farm, Taylor Made Farm, Three Chimneys Farm, and WinStar Farm!

For fillies and mares they have to either have a good pedigree or a good race record to become a broodmare.

Learn more about the process of raising Thoroughbreds and what it takes to be a broodmare by visiting Airdrie Stud, Denali Stud, Gainsborough Farm, Lane’s End Farm, Mill Ridge Farm,  Runnymede Farm, Spendthrift Farm, Stonestreet Farm, Taylor Made Farm, and WinStar Farm.

Aftercare & Retirement

For the racehorses that don’t go on to be breeding stock they will either be retrained to become a riding horse or they will be retired. Thoroughbreds are a versatile breed of horse and are desired by riders of all disciplines because of their athleticism. For horses that retire from the track with injuries that would prevent them from being ridden they go to retirement facilities where they are doted on!

You can learn more about the aftercare and retraining by visiting the Secretariat Center, New Vocations, and the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center!

You can learn more about the retirement process by visiting TRF at Chestnut Hall!

Just down the road from Louisville is the city of Prospect, Kentucky. Venture not far from Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, and get up close and personal to Thoroughbreds in retraining for a second career at Second Stride or enjoying their retirement at Chestnut Hall.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in Summer 2023. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.

Friday

Second Stride | 1 – 2 p.m.

The newest member of Horse Country, Second Stride is a leading equine adoption organization within the thoroughbred racing industry and offers professional retraining, rehabilitation, and placement. This tour is best for guests who wish to learn more about the retraining and rehoming process while also getting the chance to have hands-on experience!  Among their residents are horses in training for second careers, as well as ambassadors for their organization like General A Rod (Kentucky Derby contender) and Warrior’s Club (graded stakes winner). 

Be sure to check out… checking out Norton Commons for shops, restaurants, and more! 

May we suggest… grabbing a salad or burger for lunch at the Crestwood Bistro!  

Saturday

May we suggest… freshly made donuts and local coffee at Dough Baby Donuts before your tour! 

TRF at Chestnut Hall | 10 – 11 a.m.

Chestnut Hall is a sanctuary for retired racehorses. Their mission is to educate others on the aftercare of Thoroughbreds and provide a quiet environment for the retired racehorses to live out their days on 25 acres of beautiful pastureland. This tour is best for guests who wish to learn more about the aftercare of Thoroughbreds and have a chance to have hands-on experience with the national herd of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation!   

Be sure to check out… heading down the road to Louisville to visit the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs! The Kentucky Derby Museum is home to memorabilia and exhibits that bring to life the history of the Run for the Roses.  

Be sure to check out… The Frazier Kentucky History Museum to learn more about the Bluegrass state and the start of the Bourbon Trail!  While Kentucky is known for horses, there are so many things that make the Commonwealth an incredibly special place to be. From the Bourbon trail to sports history and the cultural icons that have called the Bluegrass home, the Frazier Museum highlights many of Kentucky’s most famed people, places and events.  

Kentucky has an abundance of natural wonders – and Nicholasville is the perfect place to get outdoors and see some of the best that the Bluegrass has to offer! Check out our suggested itinerary for Nicholasville, including horse farm tours, local eateries and more.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in Spring 2023. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.

Friday

May we suggest… a cup of coffee and a snack at Mono’s Coffee Crafters before your tour!

Kentucky Equine Adoption Center | 1:30 – 3 p.m.

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is home to approximately 50 horses of all breeds available for adoption in various stages of rehabilitation and retraining. The horses that come to the Adoption Center come from various past homes; however, the Adoption Center takes time to train and heal each horse in preparation for finding their forever home.

This tour is best for guests who wish to learn more about the rehabilitation and rehoming process while also getting a chance to be hands-on with the available horses. Click here to learn more about this tour and to make a booking! 

Be sure to check out… Springhouse Gardens, right down the road from the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center. Take a stroll through their 2 acre garden filled with native plants to the bluegrass and more unusual plants.

May we suggest… an early dinner at the local Homestretch Bar and Grill!

Saturday

May we suggest…stopping at European Delights Bakery for fresh made pastries to start your morning off! Not a pastry person? Grab a cup of coffee at Coffee @ Oak & Main!

Taylor Made Farm | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  

Taylor Made Farm is a 1,100-acre Thoroughbred farm that is best known for its commitment to becoming the world’s #1 thoroughbred source! This tour is best for guests who wish to learn more about the process of operating a leading Thoroughbred farm. The tour highlights stallions, mares, and foals at the farm.

Guests will begin at the stallion division to learn more about their champion stallions, and guests will also visit the mare and foal division to learn more about the foaling process! Click here to learn more about the farm and to book a tour!

May we suggest… head down the road to Copper River Grill for lunch.

Be sure to check out…  stopping by Talon Winery after your tour. Learn more about wine in the birthplace of Kentucky’s wine industry!

This two day itinerary visits some of the best horse farms, restaurants and shopping areas that Woodford County has to offer. Can’t make them all? Click here for the Woodford County Passport, courtesy of our friends at Reserve Woodford, for an inclusive list of the all things to eat, play and stay in Woodford County.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in Fall 2022. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.

Friday

May we suggest…  breakfast and coffee from the Amsden Coffee Club in Downtown Versailles.

WinStar Farm | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

This two hour tour allows guests to first see the stallions of the all-star roster and walk through the state-of- the-art stallion barn to get a glimpse of the day to day life of each of WinStar’s stallions. Afterwards, guests will climb aboard our electric shuttle and see all the beauty the rest of the farm has to offer.

May we suggest… visiting Downtown Versailles to shop, eat and sip. Check out Bluegrass Traditions for Horse Country merchandise & more!

Coolmore at Ashford Stud | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Visit Ashford Stud, international breeding giant Coolmore’s home in the Bluegrass. Come and see why Coolmore’s farms around the world have earned the moniker of the Home of Champions – and you may even see a Triple Crown winner (or two!).

Be sure to check out… Woodford Reserve or Castle & Key for a distillery tour, tasting or a stroll in the gift shop. 

May we suggest… dinner at the Stave, a casual eatery with views of Glenn’s Creek, ample outdoor seating, and an extensive bourbon list.

Saturday

May we suggest… breakfast at Castle Farm at the Kentucky Castle on the Woodford/Fayette County line. This unique attraction emphasizes farm-to-table dining, and many of the ingredients are grown on property. Plus, where else are you going to see a Castle in the Bluegrass?

Lane’s End Farm | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Visit Lane’s End Farm for their Shuttle Experience and meet some of the famed stallions that call this farm home, including Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags. This tour will guide you through the ins and outs of an elite Thoroughbred breeding and sales operation, and includes a shuttle ride to see mares, foals and yearlings. 

May we suggest… lunch at Wallace Station on Old Frankfort Pike between Midway and Versailles. This famous diner features horse racing memorabilia and art – and even a few sandwiches with names that pay homage to famous horses and racetracks! Grab an Ale8, a Santa Anita Club and enjoy your lunch on their porch in the heart of Horse Country.

Gainsborough Farm | 2 – 4 p.m. 

Meet some of international breeder/owner Godolphin’s foals at historic Gainsborough Farm outside of Versailles. You’ll learn about the history of Gainsborough as well as the global scope of Godolphin’s thoroughbred operations, before hopping on the shuttle to see broodmares and their babies.

A long weekend horse itinerary for the local or visitor, visiting some of Horse Country’s attractions in Fayette County. Pick and choose your favorites or book all of these tours – it’s all up to you!

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in Fall 2022. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.

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Friday

Godolphin at Jonabell Farm | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Visit the historic Jonabell Farm just outside of Lexington and see the Darley stallions on this walking tour of the stallion complex. You’ll learn more about the process of breeding and racing thoroughbreds and maybe even see the Kentucky Derby winners (Street Sense and Nyquist) who call Jonabell Farm home!

Hallway Feeds | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Visit the family owned and operated feed mill that has fueled champions for decades – including our two living Triple Crown winners + so many more champions. It’s an art and a science to create nutritious and tasty grain for horses. This is a fascinating and engaging tour that gives an insight into what powers horses – their food!

Be sure to check out… Greyline Station on Loudon Avenue, a public marketplace with a focus on locally crafted and sourced goods. Merchants include restaurants and food vendors, apparel vendors, a plant store, Kentucky-themed goods and more! Check out their website for information on events and hours.

May we suggest… checking out Cafe Emporio by Busalacchi, Rise Up! Pizza or one of the many restaurants/vendors at Greyline Station for dinner?

Saturday

May we suggest… breakfast at the Keeneland Track Kitchen before your tours? Open at 6 a.m. each morning on the Keeneland backside, you may see horse trainers, owners, jockeys and more picking up a bite to eat and talking strategy!

Keeneland Morning Works | 9 – 10 a.m.

Visit the historic Keeneland Racecourse and catch a glimpse at the training routine of thoroughbred racehorses. You will visit the Keeneland Paddock and Grandstand, watch horses train on the track and when available, the word-renowned Sales Pavilion.

Mill Ridge Farm | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Just a few minutes away from Keeneland! Get some carrot therapy visiting the mares, weanlings & yearlings up close at this family-operated thoroughbred nursery. You’ll also visit with resident stallion and world record holder at a mile on the turf Oscar Performance.

Stonestreet Farm | 2:30 -3:30 p.m.

Visit one of the most successful broodmare bands in the industry on this tour of Stonestreet Farm. You’ll take a walk through some of the barns and other parts of the farm to see mares and foals up close and personal while learning about the attention to detail that go into the care of each horse!

Be sure to check out… the Lexington Visitor’s Center in the historic Old Courthouse downtown to shop Lexington-inspired goods and apparel and find out more information on things to do and see in the area! 

May we suggest… a late lunch/dinner in Downtown Lexington at Zim’s Cafe, a local eatery with a focus on sourcing local, fresh ingredients for their food.

Be sure to check out… Kentucky’s State Botanical Garden, the Arboretum! This 2.5 mile paved walking trail on the campus of the University of Kentucky (just a few minutes from Downtown) takes visitors through the native plants in each region of Kentucky.

Sunday

SPY COAST FARM | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Get an in-depth look at a prominent sport horse facility that specializes in the breeding and training of top quality performance horses, specifically Grand Prix show jumpers. Spy Coast focuses on the breeding, young horse development, training and rehabilitation that go into developing a successful sport horse. This tour truly has something for everyone!

May we suggest… lunch at Red State BBQ for some tasty Southern BBQ. Be sure to grab an Ale8 (Kentucky’s state soda) while you’re there!

Be sure to check out… the Kentucky Horse Park after your tour at Spy Coast Farm. The Kentucky Horse Park is home to museums, shows and exhibits dedicated to sharing the history and diversity of the horse and hosts horse shows and events year-round.

Your weekend wouldn’t be complete without some local Lexington food experiences! For restaurant and lodging info, as well as more to-do inspiration, check out our friends at VisitLEX.

Paris is an area known for its rich history, and is even home to the oldest Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky and a number of historic sites. Check out our suggested itinerary for Paris, including horse farm tours, local eateries and more.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in Summer 2023. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.

THURSDAY

May we suggest… a quick cup of coffee at Lil’s Coffee House before your tour!

Denali Stud | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Denali Stud is one of Kentucky’s leading thoroughbred nurseries, thanks to the dedication of the family who own and operate the farm. Visit the farm’s historic cabin, meet mares, foals and weanlings and learn about the care and management of broodmares and their babies, as well as the sales process.

May we suggest… authentic Mexican food check out Cilantro, it’s a local favorite!

Spendthrift Farm | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the historical culture of Thoroughbred breeding and racing on this tour of the stallion complex at Spendthrift Farm! Spendthrift is home to champions such as Kentucky Derby winner Authentic, leading sire Into Mischief and more. While not located in Bourbon County, its proximity to Paris makes this tour a must see during your trip to the area!

Be sure to check out… a tour at Hartfield & Co. Distillery. Tours kick off at the top of the hour from 10am to 4pm Tuesday – Friday each week. Learn about the unique distillation techniques, visit the Rick House and taste some Hartfield products at the end (if you’re of age and choose to do so!)!

Friday

May we suggest… coffee and breakfast at Happy People Coffee Company?

Runnymede Farm | 10:45 a.m. –  12:00 p.m.

Visit the oldest continuously working thoroughbred farm in North America, located in the heart of Bourbon County. A number of champions have called Runnymede Farm home throughout its storied history, including Breeders’ Cup winner Lady Eli, Kentucky Derby winner Ben Brush, Belmont Stakes winner Hanover and more. Guests will visit mares, foals and weanlings – who love to meet new guests and pose for photos!

May we suggest… grabbing lunch at Windy Corner or The Rock Cafe after your tour! Get a taste of the local favorites!

Spendthrift Farm | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the historical culture of Thoroughbred breeding and racing on this tour of the stallion complex at Spendthrift Farm! Spendthrift is home to champions such as Kentucky Derby winner Authentic, leading sire Into Mischief and more. While not located in Bourbon County, its proximity to Paris makes this tour a must see during your trip to the area!

Be sure to check out… Paris’ downtown is filled with history and horses – we highly recommend checking out Loch Lea Antiques for equine-gifts and the Paris-Bourbon County indoor Farmer’s Market for a quick treat. You can even find Kentucky’s Eiffel Tower here! We also recommend hiking along the Stoner Creek Trail to see the natural beauty of Bourbon County.