Get the Full Circle Experience with the Horse Country Passport April 14, 2025 The Horse Country Passport is your guide to the touring members of Horse Country – 29 of the world’s premier horse farms and facilities that have opened their gates to welcome guests on tours. As you visit each Horse Country location, you’ll have a chance to get your passport stamped as a memory of your time in the Bluegrass. The more stamps you collect, the more you’ll discover what makes the equine heritage of Kentucky so special. We recommend following one of two (or both!) passport paths to collect your stamps and experience more of what Horse Country has to offer. Once you collected all of your stamps and completed a passport path, send in your passport and we’ll send it back with a special gift to celebrate your time in Horse Country! The Full Circle Experience path can be completed by visiting at least one location in each of the seven categories listed below. These tours will take you through the complete life cycle of the equine world, from the foaling barn to the finish line, and beyond. Pick and choose your favorites from the list below, and if you have any questions about creating your own itinerary, feel free to reach out to our concierge team here. We’d love to help you curate your very own Horse Country adventure! Champion Studs Meet Kentucky’s (four-legged) champions in their second careers at stud. These tours will give you a chance to meet some of the most famous horses in Thoroughbred horse racing, from Triple Crown legends, Kentucky Derby victors, Breeders’ Cup Champions and more. Airdrie Stud in Midway Coolmore at Ashford Stud in Versailles Darby Dan Farm in Lexington Gainesway Farm in Lexington Jonabell Farm in Lexington Lane’s End Farm in Versailles Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington Spendthrift Farm in Lexington Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville Three Chimneys Farm in Midway WinStar Farm in Versailles Mama Mares & Baby Foals Visit baby horses and their mothers at world-renowned farms, and learn what it takes to raise a young horse. These tours, often dubbed ‘nursery tours’, are typically interactive and provide opportunities to get up close and personal with these sweet new arrivals. Airdrie Stud in Midway Darby Dan Farm in Lexington Denali Stud in Paris Gainsborough Farm in Versailles Lane’s End Farm in Versailles McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm in Lexington Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington Pin Oak Stud in Versailles Resolute Racing in Midway Runnymede Farm in Paris Spendthrift Farm in Lexington Spy Coast Farm in Lexington Stonestreet Farm in Lexington Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville WinStar Farm in Versailles Feed Mills Step behind-the-scenes to learn more about the science that fuels horse power. At Hallway Feeds in Lexington, you’ll hear about how this family-owned and operated business elevates equine nutrition for some of the top horses around the world. Veterinary Clinics Experience the cutting-edge care keeping champions in peak condition at a veterinary clinic. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington has cared for horses of all breeds and disciplines for over 150 years, thanks to their state-of-the-art facilities and top class team. Sport Horse Discover how Kentucky’s elite equine athletes train across different disciplines. While Kentucky may be best known for horse racing, the Bluegrass is home to equine athletes of all breeds and disciplines! Spy Coast Farm in Lexington breeds, raises, trains and competes some of the best hunter jumper horses in the world. Spy Coast Farm in Lexington breeds, raises, trains and competes some of the best hunter jumper horses in the world. Training & Racing Feel the energy up-close as equine athletes prepare for victory. These tours focus on what it takes to get a horse to the races, and hopefully, the winner’s circle! Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm in Lexington Pin Oak Stud in Versailles Sanctuaries & Adoption See firsthand the care of horses across all breeds and stages of life. You may meet retired racehorses in training for second careers, horses simply enjoying the peace and tranquility of a sanctuary or other equines at our sanctuaries and adoption facilities. BraveHearts Equine Center in Paris Kentucky Equine Adoption Center in Nicholasville New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in Lexington Second Stride in Prospect Secretariat Center in Lexington Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall in Prospect
Shuttle Tours at Kentucky Horse Farms April 4, 2025 Kentucky is easy on the eyes, and our shuttle tours are easy on your feet. These tours are great for guests who prefer a bit less walking to best enjoy their time on a horse farm, and often visit a farm’s nursery division. Shuttle tours utilize a unique, open-air electric shuttle to take guests on a ride around the farm. Gainsborough Farm Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Kentucky offers a one and a half hour shuttle experience. This is a nursery farm tour where guests will have the chance to meet mares, foals, and maybe even some yearlings. Gainsborough is owned by the famed racing stable Godolphin. Book your visit to Gainsborough Farm here. Lane’s End Farm The Lane’s End Farm Shuttle Experience is a one hour tour in Versailles, Kentucky. Depending on the time of year, you may see mares, foals, yearlings or retired broodmares – often a little bit of everything! We recommend pairing this tour with the Lane’s End Stallion Complex Tour for the full experience. Book your visit to Lane’s End Farm here. Spendthrift Farm This one hour tour of the nursery division of Spendthrift Farm is perfect for guests who want to get up close and personal to future champions. You’ll learn about breeding and raising top racehorses while enjoying the sights of the farm. Best paired with the Spendthrift Farm Stallion Complex Tour! Book your visit to Spendthrift Farm here. Spy Coast Farm Spy Coast Farm in Lexington, Kentucky offers the ultimate full circle experience! This shuttle tour visits almost every division of the farm, from the nursery to stallions, horses in training and more. Get a look at how top-class sport horses are bred, raised and trained. Book your visit to Spy Coast Farm here. WinStar Farm WinStar Farm in Versailles, Kentucky offers two shuttle experiences. Their Extended Shuttle Tour starts at the stallion complex before guests board the shuttle for a ride to the nursery division. The Morning Training Experience starts with a visit to their state of the art training center, then you’ll enjoy a drive around the main loop of the farm’s nursery division.
Best Family Friendly Horse Farm Tours in Central Kentucky April 2, 2025 Our family friendly horse farm tours are great experiences for guests of all ages. These are often hands-on, interactive tours that provide a unique opportunity to learn more about horses. We’ve compiled our family friendly tours in the following list, along with other attractions and activities close by to help you curate the perfect Kentucky excursion with your family! Lexington Lexington is considered the main hub of the Horse Capital of the World, and we’re proud members of this amazing community! Some of our favorite family friendly activities in the Lexington area are of course, horse farms! Enjoy the outdoors, learn more about the equine industry and most importantly, get up close and personal to the horses, on one of these horse farm tours. These particular tours are best for guests who would like to pet, and maybe even feed a treat or two, to the horses you’ll meet. Mill Ridge Farm, Stonestreet Farm, the Spendthrift Farm Shuttle Experience and Spy Coast Farm are nursery farms where you’ll meet momma mares and their foals! You’ll get to meet these broodmares and their babies and learn more about how they raise foals to be successful in their future careers as equine athletes. While visiting McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm you’ll have the opportunity to meet mares, foals and even some racehorses in training! New Vocations and the Secretariat Center both specialize in training racehorses for second careers, and when you visit you’ll have ample time to love on the adoptable horses! Along with horse farms, Lexington has a lot of great activities for the whole family. Downtown Lexington is home to the Lexington’s Children Museum and the Living Arts and Science Center, both great for kids to explore and learn. During your downtown visit, stop by the Lexington Visitors Center for more information on local attractions and a gift shop with the cutest Lexington-themed apparel and accessories. Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, Kentucky Secretariat Center in Lexington, Kentucky Midway Historic Midway, Kentucky has a little something for everyone, and thanks to its prime location right off of I-64, it makes for the perfect stop while traveling! Visit the next generation of champion racehorses at Airdrie Stud and Resolute Racing, where you’ll get up close and personal to the resident equines and learn more about the life cycle of a Thoroughbred racehorse. While you’re in Midway, check out their lovely downtown area that is home to shops and eateries. We always love to check out Spotz Gelato or Railroad Drug and Old Time Soda Fountain after visiting horse farms on a warm day! Resolute Racing in Midway, Kentucky Airdrie Stud in Midway, Kentucky Nicholasville Head just a few miles south of Lexington to Nicholasville, Kentucky, known for its outdoor adventures, historic sites and horse farms! Visit the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center to meet horse breeds of all breeds and ages, all of whom are looking for new homes! You’ll have the chance to pet and love on the adoptable horses, while learning what it takes to provide horses with a great life. Travel across town to meet Thoroughbred stallions, mares and foals at Taylor Made Farm, a leading Thoroughbred sales and breeding operation. You’ll see a little bit of everything at Taylor Made, from the champion studs in the stallion division to the friendly faces of mares and foals in the nursery division. Pair your horse farm tour with time exploring the natural wonders of Central Kentucky at the Jessamine Creek Gorge, a stunning nature preserve in Nicholasville, High Bridge Park in Wilmore, or one of the other outdoor recreation spaces in the area. Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville Kentucky Equine Adoption Center in Nicholasville Paris Take the scenic route to Paris, Kentucky and enjoy the charms of one of Kentucky’s most well-loved small towns! Paris is home to two farms perfect for families looking for a horse farm tour to enjoy with the kiddos. BraveHearts Equine Center is Kentucky’s pre-eminent draft horse rescue, and is home to horses of all sizes, from donkeys and a miniature horse to clydesdales, belgians and more. You’ll meet the adoptable horses and learn more about how they are cared for. Denali Stud is one of Kentucky’s leading nursery farms, home to momma mares and their foals. During the spring and summer you’ll have the chance to feed peppermints to the mommas and meet the newest additions to the farm. These sweet foals and their moms love to meet new people! While you’re in the area, be sure to take a stroll in downtown Paris. Stop in to the All About Kentucky Shop to pick up a souvenir of your time in the Bluegrass and enjoy an ice cream! P.S. if you’re planning a trip to Paris, Kentucky, be sure to check out our Daytrip in Paris Itinerary! Denali Stud in Paris, Kentucky BraveHearts Equine Center in Paris, Kentucky Prospect and Louisville Located just a short drive from Downtown Louisville, Prospect, Kentucky is a beautiful spot to spend a day with the family. When visiting Prospect, be sure to check out the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at Chestnut Hall, where you’ll get to meet retired racehorses enjoying their time in the lush fields of the Bluegrass. Just next door to Chestnut Hall you’ll find Second Stride, which trains Thoroughbreds for careers as riding horses. Both spots are great for those who want to get hands on with horses and learn more about their daily care. While in the area, be sure to check out the Frazier Museum and Louisville Slugger Museum in Downtown Louisville, then take a walk down main street for a sweet treat at Ehrler’s Ice Cream! TRF at Chestnut Hall in Prospect, Kentucky Second Stride in Prospect, Kentucky Versailles Located between Lexington and Frankfort, Versailles, Kentucky is right in the heart of Horse Country. Versailles is home to four of our member farms that offer tours of their nursery division, Gainsborough Farm, Lane’s End Farm, Pin Oak Stud and WinStar Farm. Each of these tours are interactive and will introduce you to momma mares and their young foals. Gainsborough Farm, Lane’s End Farm and WinStar Farm utilize electric shuttles to travel around the farm while visiting their nursery division, making the tours ideal for those who prefer less walking! Plus, WinStar Farm recently released a Sunset Walking Tour for those who are interested in a leisurely walk through the stunning landscape of a Kentucky horse farm. There’s a lot to do in Versailles, especially with the whole family! The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum and Rail Explorers are another great way to enjoy the scenic views of Central Kentucky. Eckert’s Orchard grows a variety of fruits and veggies, from peaches and blackberries in the summer to pumpkins and apples each fall. Get some baked goods at Kristen’s Kreations, enjoy a gelato from Spotz, or check out the Gathered Play + Create Space at the Amsden, all located in Downtown Versailles! WinStar Farm in Versailles, Kentucky Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Kentucky
Take a Day Trip to Paris (Kentucky, that is) April 2, 2025 Paris is located just a short drive from cities like Lexington (35 minutes), Louisville (1 hour and 30 minutes) and Cincinnati (1 hour and 30 minutes), making it a great day trip spot for locals and travelers alike. One of the first nine counties that made up the Commonwealth of Kentucky when it became a state in 1792, Bourbon County is rich in history, from horses to bourbon and everything in between. Famed horses like Secretariat, Sunday Silence, Danzig (and more recently, Mage, Animal Kingdom and Serena’s Song) and others have called the rolling hills of Bourbon County home at some point in their lives. Come immerse yourself in the spirit of Paris, Kentucky with this day trip itinerary! TOUR Meet some of the drafts and donkeys at BraveHearts Equine Center, Kentucky’s largest draft horse rescue, and hear about how BraveHearts rescues, rehabilitates and provides sanctuary for their residents. On a tour of BraveHearts you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with gentle giants like Belgians, Clydesdales and Percherons while learning more about their stories. BraveHearts Equine Center offers tours at 9am and 12pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. EXPLORE Take a stroll through Downtown Paris and enjoy all of the charms of small town Kentucky, from boutiques and shops to locally-owned restaurants and more. The Bourbon County Horse Walk of Fame can be found throughout downtown Paris, featuring horse shoes and nameplates of some of Bourbon County’s most famous equine residents from the past and present, including Hall of Famer Serena’s Song (Denali Stud), Breeders’ Cup winner Midshipman (Jonabell Farm) and of course, Triple Crown winner Secretariat. While walking down Main Street, be sure to stop at the Mini Eiffel Tower (for a bit of Parisian flair, just on a smaller scale) and Secretariat Park, and check out stores like All About Kentucky, Loch Lea Antiques and the Paris/Bourbon County Farmers Market. EAT Head down a few blocks to Trackside at the Depot, a local favorite known for its great menu and wide selection of bourbon. Trackside is located in the historic Paris Train Depot, which as originally constructed in 1882. Renovations have taken place throughout the years, while still maintaining the charm and history of this Bourbon County landmark. TOUR Take a tour of Denali Stud from 2pm-3pm to get a behind the scenes look at one of Kentucky’s leading Thoroughbred nurseries. You’ll walk between the barns and paddocks to meet mares & foals while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Bourbon County, all while learning more about the art of raising top racehorses. Denali Stud offers tours at 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with 10am tours available on select dates. EAT Take a short drive down the road to Windy Corner Market for a bite to eat after your tours. This locally-owned and sourced restaurant is owned by local legend Ouita Michel, who also owns Wallace Station, Midway Bakery and more. Enjoy the comfort of home cooking (think burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood and more) and pick up some souvenirs in the market to take the taste of Kentucky home with you. During the spring & summer months, we recommend enjoying your food outside at one of the picnic tables to truly soak in the magic of the Bluegrass! Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in spring and summer of 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.
Horse Country’s Guide to the Keeneland Spring Meet April 2, 2025 As spring arrives in the Bluegrass, it’s time to make plans to attend the Keeneland Spring Race Meet, which begins on April 4! Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or heading to the track for the first time, Keeneland is a can’t miss experience for anyone traveling to Kentucky in April. Keeneland’s spring meet is uniquely important to the calendar of racing as it also offers two prep races on opening weekend with the G1 Toyota Blue Grass and the G1 Central Bank Ashland. These races are a significant part of The Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, as the winners will earn enough points to guarantee a spot in the gate on the first weekend in May. P.S. Every guest who purchases a ticket for a Horse Country tour in April will receive a free general admission ticket for a day at the races, for each guest in their party. Be sure to check your confirmation email for more information! Due to construction of the new Paddock Building, certain portions of the grounds are currently limited to construction personnel. Your entry to Keeneland during the Spring Meet will look different, but you can expect the same Keeneland experience waiting for you just past the gate. Please visit keeneland.com/welcome for more information. Morning Training Enjoy the sights and sounds of morning training at Keeneland, seven days a week from 5:30am-10am. Thoroughbreds are like any athlete, and they work out on a regular basis to prepare for their next race. You might see horses out for a casual jog or completing a more serious ‘breeze’ before they compete in an upcoming race. After watching morning workouts, we recommend heading to Keeneland’s Track Kitchen to enjoy a Southern, homestyle breakfast. You might even see some of racing’s most well known trainers, owners and jockeys, who are known to frequent this beloved establishment. For more information on the Keeneland Track Kitchen, please click here. Place Your Bets Wagering can be a fun way to add some excitement to your day at the races, even if you’re not a seasoned handicapper! BETologists are the resident experts on betting the races at Keeneland. There are a few stations around the track (and the Hill, for those who enjoy tailgating!), where BETologists provide helpful tips about reading the program, how to wager and more. Just look for the folks in the fedoras! If you’re already betting-savvy, be sure to check out the Keeneland Select app, and view the free digital program provided by Keeneland for each day of the race meet. Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Grab a few friends and start a show parlay! Put in a few dollars and wager on a horse each race to show, using your winnings to bet on the next race. Race Day ‘Musts’ On a race day at Keeneland, there are so many things to see, enjoy and experience in the warmer weather. A great option for an afternoon snack at the races is their signature kettle corn or popcorn! If you’re in need of a sweet treat then head over to the Ice Cream Shoppe, located on the second floor of the Grandstand, which offers soft serve ice cream and candy. The Tito’s Trifecta is a Horse Country team favorite, and this year you can enjoy your beverage even more knowing that every purchase of this signature beverage results in a donation to the Secretariat Center! The Secretariat Center is a recipient of funds through the Keeneland Giving grant, thanks to the Keeneland – Tito’s Handmade Vodka partnership. For the 2025 Spring and Fall Meets, Tito’s Vodka will donate $1 for every Tito’s Trifecta beverage sold at Keeneland, up to $10,000 per meet, all in support of Thoroughbred aftercare. Be sure to stop by the Keeneland Shop, located near the South Grandstand Entrance, which features everything from stunning race day outfits to home goods that represent the best of Kentucky. Spend some time at the paddock and walking ring to see the horses before the head out to the racetrack. It’s great to see the contenders up close, especially during stakes races when top horses from around the world are competing! Go Behind the Scenes Did you know that Keeneland offers tours of their facility, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark? There are a few different ways to go behind the scenes at Keeneland and learn about its history and current operations. The Keeneland Morning Works Tour and Backstretch Tour are both offered early in the day, when horses are training on the track. The Keeneland Owner’s Experience is a truly one of a kind experience, giving guests a feel of what it is like to be a Thoroughbred racehorse owner on race day. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the paddock, walking ring, and even watch a race from the winner’s circle! Learn more about Keeneland’s tour offerings here. Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Stop by the Keeneland Library while you’re in town for the races. The Library is the world’s largest repository of information related to the Thoroughbred, and often has exhibits relating to the history of the sport of horse racing, and Kentucky. Make the Most of Your Time in Kentucky If you’re making plans to visit Keeneland’s spring meet, we also recommend going on a nearby horse farm tour! There are a variety of farms around Keeneland that offer morning tours so that you can still have time to spend the afternoon at the races. The following farms offer morning tours, and are within a 10 mile or less drive from Keeneland: Three Chimneys Farm | Stallion Complex Tour, WinStar Farm | Stallion Complex Tour, Extended Shuttle Tour of WinStar Farm, Morning Training Experience at WinStar Farm, Jonabell Farm | Stallion Complex Walking Tour, Mill Ridge Farm If your schedule is more flexible, check out the wide array of horse farm tours available during April in Lexington and the surrounding areas on our Upcoming Tours page! Horse Country Staff Recommendation: if you’re not sure which tour to book, give us a shout! Our team of locals is passionate about Kentucky and helping you find the perfect tour. We can provide details about tours as well as other attractions, restaurants and more!
