Guide to the Keeneland Fall Meet September 30, 2026 Experience racing as it was meant to be at Keeneland Racecourse this fall. This National Historic Landmark hosts one of the most elite race meets in the world, with top horses, trainers and jockeys competing throuhgout the month of October. Make the most of your day at the races with our Guide to the Keeneland Fall Meet! The Keeneland Fall race meet begins on Friday, October 2 and continues through Saturday, October 24, with no races on Mondays or Tuesdays. The fall racing season will culminate with the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which takes place on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31. P.S. – Horse Country tour guests in October receive one complimentary racing ticket for each ticketed tour guest as a part of your tour purchase. Check your confirmation email for more details! Rise and Shine Even if you’re not a morning person, a morning at the track is worth the early alarm and a little extra caffeine to start the day. Training takes place at Keeneland from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., seven days a week. Each morning, the ‘backside’, or barn area, of Keeneland, comes alive before dawn. Horses will take to the track in preparation for their next race, as just like any other athlete, they have a consistent workout routine to stay in tip-top shape. While at Keeneland for morning training, you might see horses out for a casual jog, or completing a more serious ‘breeze’ that mimics the speed of a race more closely. Be on the lookout for Keeneland team members, who are typically on site each morning to answer questions and provide some insider information about the horses you’re seeing. If you’re looking for an in-depth, educational experience, check out Keeneland morning tour offerings by clicking here. Our recommendation? Get to Keeneland around 8am to enjoy breakfast at the Track Kitchen, beloved by locals for its home-style, Southern meals. You might even see some of racing’s most famous jockeys, owners and trainers. After you’re done eating, drive to the Keeneland Welcome Center, where you can enter the grandstand to watch morning training until 10 a.m. or so. Race Day ‘Musts’ On a race day at Keeneland, there are so many things to see, enjoy and experience. After arriving at the track, we recommend picking up a race day program and heading to the paddock to see the horses as they are saddled before the race. You’ll have a chance to get a good look at each of the contenders before they head to the track! Make your picks and head to the wagering windows to place a bet. Keeneland has great options for a meal or snack while you’re at the races, from the famed Keeneland burgoo to sweet treats like bread pudding, ice cream and more. Carve out some time in your day to enjoy some of these great bites while you’re at the races. If you’re a cocktail connoisseur, we recommend some of Keeneland signature beverages, the Keeneland Breeze or the Tito’s Trifecta. Just be sure to enjoy responsibly! While you’re there, be sure to soak in the tradition and excitement of a day at Keeneland. This special place is a National Historic Landmark and has been home to some important moments in Kentucky’s racing and cultural history. Before you leave, stop by the Keeneland store for a special memento of your time at the track. From beautiful race day outfits to homegoods that represent the best of the Bluegrass, there’s something for everyone! Our 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. Check in with a BETologist, Keeneland’s resident wagering experts, for handicapping tips. Go Behind-the-Scenes Keeneland offers a variety of experiences that offer a unique look into the world of Thoroughbred racing. The Keeneland Morning Works tour, Keeneland Backstretch tour and Behind-the-Scenes Racing tour are offered during the morning, at various times. These tours are best for guests who are interested in learning more about the history of Keeneland and its impact on the international Thoroughbred racing and sales stages, all while getting an insider’s look at this famed racecourse. The Keeneland Owner’s Experience is offered on select races days, and is truly a one of a kind experience. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the races like a racehorse owner does, including visits to the paddock, walking ring, winner’s circle, and more! Our recommendation? Take a tour of Keeneland for a unique experience unlike any other. You’ll have the chance to visit exclusive areas and hear fascinating stories from an expert tour guide. Explore Lexington, Kentucky Whether you’re a Lexington local or traveling to the area to attend the races, fall is a special time to visit and experience the best of what the region has to offer. Kentucky is most well known for two things – horses and bourbon – both of which are prominent here in the greater Lexington area. We’re proud to partner with 28 horse farms and facilities who have opened their gates to tour guests. If you’ve ever wanted to meet a Kentucky Derby winner, feed carrots to future champions or just learn about the intriguing world of horses, Horse Country is here to connect you with the perfect experience. Our friends at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail work with dozens of bourbon distilleries around the state that offer tours and special experiences – many of which are available daily. For both horse farm and bourbon tours, we recommend planning ahead & booking early to ensure the best availability! Lexington is also home to a great restaurant scene, from upscale steakhouses to hole-in-the-wall spots. VisitLex is an incredible resource to help you find your ideal eatery, from international cuisine to local spots, food trucks and more. If you’re interested in learning even more abuot Lexington’s food culture, and history, Bites of the Bluegrass offers incredible walking food tours in downtown. If a day spent outdoors on a hiking trail is more up your alley, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington is a great escape located not too far out of town. Take a drive east to Red River Gorge to spend the day exploring some of Kentucky’s most famed natural wonders including Natural Bridge State Park.
Fall in Horse Country September 18, 2026 Cooler weather, colorful autumn scenes, racing at Keeneland… can you tell we’re big fans of Fall? While Horse Country is a great place to visit any time of the year, Fall in Kentucky is particularly special to us because of all of the great fall activities. This season brings a variety of “can’t miss” events, experiences and more, so we’ve put together a guide to Fall in Horse Country to help you build an itinerary for this busy time with a variety of fall activities and special events. Racing at Keeneland October means the return of racing at Keeneland! This exciting time of year brings together some of the best racehorses in the country, many of which will go on to compete in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, right here at Keeneland. Racing begins on Friday, October 2nd and runs through Saturday, October 24th, with racing taking place every day except for Mondays and Tuesdays. After the Fall Meet concludes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will take place on October 30th and 31st, crowning 14 new champions. Along with racing at Keeneland, we highly recommend heading to the track early in the morning to watch the horses train! Morning training takes place daily from 5:30am-10am, with Sunrise Trackside family and community events taking place each Saturday of the meet from 8am-10am. We recommend checking out our Guide to Keeneland for a more in depth look at how to make the most of your time at the races. Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Be sure to head to the Keeneland Track Kitchen to enjoy a homestyle breakfast after watching morning training. It’s a local favorite, and a common spot for horse trainers, jockeys, owners and more to enjoy a coffee! Tours Enjoy the autumn weather and colorful trees, while getting up close and personal to some of Kentucky’s friendliest equine residents on a tour in Horse Country. Since this is a quiet time of year for stallions, it’s usually a great time to get to see your favorite retired champions like Gun Runner (Three Chimneys Farm), Tapit (Gainesway Farm), Cody’s Wish (Jonabell Farm), Authentic (Spendthrift Farm) and more! A majority of foals have graduated to their next stage of life as weanlings, spending time with their pasture mates and growing up big and strong and the famed Kentucky Bluegrass! Mares, weanlings and sometimes even yearlings are excited to meet tour guests at farms like Denali Stud, Lane’s End Farm, McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm, Mill Ridge Farm, Runnymede Farm and more. If you’re interested in the world of equine training – both on and off of the racetrack – there are a number of tours that focus on the topic of equine training and care, including the Pin Oak Stud Training Center Experience, Keeneland Morning Works Tour, Spy Coast Farm Grand Tour, and Morning Training Experience at WinStar Farm. Get up close and personal to adoptable horses at our sanctuary and aftercare touring partners, BraveHearts Equine Center, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Second Stride, Secretariat Center and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at Chestnut Hall. Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Not sure which tour to choose? Give us a shout! The Horse Country Concierge team is happy to help craft itineraries or answer any questions you might have. Reach out by email at [email protected] or phone at (859) 963-1004. Special Events & Experiences A variety of special events are being hosted throughout Horse Country this fall, along with incredible community events centered around horses! Experience horse farms in a new way through special events like Yoga at BraveHearts Equine Center, Yoga at WinStar Farm, Secretariat Center Brunch & Bubbles and the WinStar Farm Breeders’ Cup Championship Party. Spy Coast Farm is hosting their annual “EquiConnect: Community Equine Day” on October 17th. The event aims to connect the local community to resources available within the equine industry with many free, family-friendly activities. Local “Must-Do” Experiences Fall is a fun time in Kentucky, and not just for horse lovers! We’re often lucky to see beautiful fall colors as the foliage changes and the leaves fall, making it a great time to check out some of the scenic drives around the area. Our personal favorites are Old Frankfort Pike (if you start at its beginning in Lexington, you’ll have a chance to see an incredible statue of Secretariat), and Paris Pike. VisitLEX has put together two great driving tours to make the most of a roadtrip in Lexington, the Regal Traditions and the Parks and Paddocks Driving Tour, which both take you through the heart of Horse Country and pass many of our member locations. If a day spent outdoors on a hiking trail is more up your alley, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington is a great escape located not too far out of town. Take a drive east to Red River Gorge to spend the day exploring some of Kentucky’s most famed natural wonders including Natural Bridge State Park. We couldn’t forget classic fall activities like apple picking and a day at the pumpkin patch! Local orchards like Eckert’s Boyd Orchard, Evan’s Orchard and Cider Mill, and more, make for a great addition to a weekend in Horse Country, thanks to their convenient locations in Versailles and Georgetown, respectively. Be sure to check out this guide from VisitLex for more information on these locations and many more! Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Head to Downtown Lexington for a bowl of Sawyer’s famous chili, a comforting meal on a cool, autumn day. While you’re there, be sure to go across the street and check out the Downtown Lexington Visitor’s Center, located in the historic old Fayette County Courthouse. Zim’s Cafe and the Thirsty Fox are also must-try spots if you’re in the mood for great food and drinks!
Day Trip Itinerary: Pin Oak Stud and Woodford Reserve September 17, 2026 Central Kentucky is a region known for producing the world’s best racehorses and Bourbon. Some of the world’s top horse farms and distilleries sit among the rolling hills of the Bluegrass. Follow this itinerary for a full day exploring Kentucky’s Horse Country, including an interactive horse farm tour, locally-sourced meal and distillery tour. This itinerary is based off of tour offerings in Summer and Fall of 2026. TOUR 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. See how racehorses are trained and cared for on a tour of the Pin Oak Training Center. Pin Oak’s private training center includes a dirt training track, turf gallops, multiple barns with wide shedrows, ample paddock space for turnout and more. Learn how racehorses are kept in peak condition, and meet some of Pin Oak’s racehorses. The Pin Oak Stud Training Center Experience is offered on most weekdays at 10:30 a.m., which can be booked by clicking here. Pin Oak Stud is located near some of the world’s leading distilleries. Meet racehorses at Pin Oak Stud in Versailles. EAT 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Enjoy lunch at one of Central Kentucky’s favorite local spots, Wallace Station Deli and Bakery. Wallace Station is owned by Ouita Michel, a famed Kentucky chef known for her emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and farm to table meals. Located in the heart of Horse Country on the scenic Old Frankfort Pike, and just a few minutes from Pin Oak Stud, Wallace Station is a must-visit stop when touring the Bluegrass. Wallace Station is located on scenic Old Frankfort Pike, in the heart of Horse Country. Enjoy a locally-sourced meal at Wallace Station Deli and Bakery in Midway, Kentucky. TOUR 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Meet mares and foals at Pin Oak Stud’s nursery division, located on Old Frankfort Pike in Midway. Guests will have the chance to pet and feed peppermints to momma mares and young horses, the future athletes of Pin Oak’s racing stable. Throughout the tour, the expert tour guide will provide insight on how racehorses are raised, and why Kentucky is widely considered the best place in the world to raise these horses. The Pin Oak Stud Nursery Experience is offered most days at 1:30 p.m., learn more and plan your visit by clicking here. The Pin Oak Stud nursery division is home to mares, foals and yearlings. Meet momma mares and young foals at Pin Oak Stud’s nursery division. EXPLORE 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Visit one of Kentucky’s most famed distilleries, Woodford Reserve, to learn about the process of crafting Bourbon, from fermentation to distilling to bottling, and every step in between. Woodford Reserve’s stunning campus is the setting for a fascinating tour, with opportunities to experience a guided tasting or enjoy a craft cocktail. Learn more and book a visit of Woodford Reserve by clicking here. Explore the grounds of Woodford Reserve with a guided tour. Enjoy a guided Bourbon tasting at Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available summer and fall of 2026. 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.
Bays and Bourbon: Pairing Horse Farm and Distillery Tours September 17, 2026 Your best bet when traveling to Kentucky? Pairing a horse farm tour with a distillery visit. Kentucky’s two signature industries, horses and Bourbon, are both driven by a desire to produce the best in the world, whether it’s fast horses or quality spirits. Both industries thrive on the natural resources found here in the Bluegrass State, in particular the limestone that provides extra nutrients to our horses and a unique water for our Bourbon. Both bourbon distilleries and horse farms across Kentucky welcome visitors through tours that give a behind the scenes look at what goes in to producing the world’s best horses and Bourbon. We highly recommend planning your trip a few months in advance, as tickets are likely to sell out. Most distilleries, and all horse farms, require tickets to be purchased in advance of your arrival to the property. It is recommended to book a farm tour earlier in the day than your distillery visit when possible, and always make sure to enjoy responsibly. Don’t worry – there are even more distilleries and horse farms to visit beyond those listed below! Our friends at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® are a vast resource for all things Bourbon, representing 60+ destinations across the state. You can view all Kentucky Bourbon Trail® member distilleries here and all Horse Country touring farms here. If you’re looking for additional guidance in planning your visit, our Concierge team is here to provide insight on places to visit, stay and explore in Central Kentucky. We can be reached at [email protected] or (859) 963-1004. Castle & Key Frankfort, Kentucky Castle & Key’s storied grounds date back to the 1800’s, and are now home to stunning gardens, iconic architecture and of course, great distilled spirits. Best paired with… Closest farm – Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm (10 mintes // 5.3 miles) Nearby farms – Pin Oak Stud (11 minutes // 5.7 miles), Gainsborough Farm (11 minutes // 7.3 miles), Coolmore at Ashford Stud (12 minutes // 8 miles), Airdrie Stud (14 minutes // 7.4 miles) Castle & Key – photo courtesy of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Pin Oak Stud Training Center Gainsborough Farm Woodford Reserve Versailles, Kentucky One of Kentucky’s most well-known distilling operations, and the official Bourbon partner of the Kentucky Derby. Woodford Reserve is a National Historic Landmark, and produced its first whiskey in 1812. Best paired with… Closest farms – Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm (4 minutes // 2.1 miles) and Pin Oak Stud (6 minutes // 2.5 miles) Nearby farms – Gainsborough Farm (6 minutes // 2.9 miles), Coolmore at Ashford Stud (8 minutes // 3.7 miles), Airdrie Stud (11 minutes // 5.3 miles), Lane’s End Farm (12 minutes // 8.2 miles) Woodford Reserve Distillery – photo courtesy of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm Pin Oak Stud Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm Midway, Kentucky Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm is best known as a ‘seed-to-glass’ operation, thanks to the corn grown on site at Midway’s first operating distillery in over 50 years. Best paired with… Closest farms- Resolute Racing (2 minutes // 1.7 miles) and Double Dan Horsemanship (3 minutes // 2.4 miles) Nearby farms – Three Chimneys Farm (9 minutes // 5.2 miles) Airdrie Stud (10 minutes // 6 miles), Lane’s End Farm (10 minutes // 6.5 miles), New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program (11 minutes // 6.8 miles) Bluegrass Distillers – photo courtesy of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Resolute Racing Double Dan Horsemanship Town Branch Lexington, Kentucky Lexington’s Town Branch Distillery is one of only a handful of joint brewing and distilling operations in the entire world, located just a short walk from downtown Lexington. Best paired with… Closest farms – Hallway Feeds (7 minutes // 1.8 miles) and Keeneland (14 minutes // 6 miles) Nearby farms- Jonabell Farm (15 minutes // 6.4 miles), Mill Ridge Farm (15 minutes // 7.1 miles) and McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm (16 minutes // 5.2 miles) Town Branch Distillery – photo courtesy of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Hallway Feeds Keeneland Lexington’s Distillery District Lexington, Kentucky A great spot for those looking to enjoy some of Lexington’s best bourbon, food and fun, the Distillery District is home to two Bourbon distilleries. James E. Pepper Distillery is a historic site, once the largest whiskey distillery in the entire country. Enjoy cocktails or a meal at the Barrel House Distilling Co.’s on-site lounge, the Elkhorn Tavern. Best paired with… Closest farms – Hallway Feeds (7 minutes // 2.2 miles), Darby Dan Farm (7 minutes // 3.7 miles) and Stonestreet Farm (8 minutes // 4.3 miles) Nearby farms- Keeneland (10 minutes // 5.5 miles) and Mill Ridge Farm (14 minutes // 6.7 miles) James E. Pepper Distillery – photo courtesy of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Darby Dan Farm Stonestreet Farm Hartfield & Co Paris, Kentucky When in Bourbon County… it’s hard not to have a distillery visit on your itinerary! Hartfield & Co. Distillery sources local grains for its small batch, pre-Prohibition style of Bourbon whiskey. Best paired with… Closest farms – Runnymede Farm (7 minutes // 4.1 miles) and Denali Stud (9 minutes // 5 miles) Nearby farms – BraveHearts Equine Center (16 minutes // 9.8 miles), Gainesway Farm (19 minutes // 11.8 miles) and Spendthrift Farm (19 minutes // 13 miles) Hartfield & Co. – photo courtesy of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Denali Stud Runnymede Farm KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® AND BOURBON TRAIL™ are trademarks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and used with permission.
Day Trip Itinerary: Diamond A Farm and Castle & Key Distillery September 15, 2026 Central Kentucky is a region known for producing the world’s best racehorses and Bourbon. Some of the world’s top horse farms and distilleries sit among the rolling hills of the Bluegrass. Follow this itinerary for a full day exploring Kentucky’s Horse Country, including an interactive horse farm tour, locally-sourced meal and distillery tour. This itinerary is based off of tour offerings in Summer and Fall of 2026. TOUR 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Meet momma mares and young foals on a tour of Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm in Versailles. This highly interactive tour takes guests behind-the-scenes of a leading Thoroughbred breeding operation, with many opportunities to pet and feed horses. Throughout the tour, guests will learn about the fascinating world of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, and have the chance to meet leading broodmares and their offspring. Tours of Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm are offered daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m, which can be booked by clicking here. Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm is located near some of the world’s leading distilleries. Meet young Thoroughbreds at Taylor Made’s Diamond A Farm in Versailles. EAT 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Take the backroads to The Stave, a beloved Kentucky eatery located in the heart of Horse and Bourbon Country! The Stave is just a few minutes from major distilleries like Castle & Key, Woodford Reserve, and more, along with horse farms like Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm and Pin Oak Stud. The Stave utilizes locally-sourced ingredients to elevate classic Kentucky favorites, like pimento cheese, burgoo, fried chicken, and more. Take the backroads to enjoy classic horse farm views, including farms like Pin Oak Stud. The Stave is a beloved Kentucky restaurant, located near leading horse farms and distilleries. EXPLORE 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Visit one of Kentucky’s most unique distilleries, Castle & Key, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, just a short drive from Versailles, Kentucky. Castle & Key’s distillery is set against a stunning backdrop of gardens and historic architecture. Guided tours of the property are offered daily, providing a fascinating look at their spirits and facility. Learn more and book a visit of Castle & Key by clicking here. Castle & Key offers tours daily. Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Explore the stunning, historic grounds of Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available summer and fall of 2026. 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.
Day Trip Itinerary: Horses and Bourbon in Louisville, Kentucky September 15, 2026 Kentucky is known worldwide for horses and Bourbon, and the Louisville, Kentucky area combines the best of both. Follow this itinerary for a full day exploring Kentucky’s Horse Country, including visits with retired racehorses, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, with a distillery tour and more. This itinerary is based off of tour offerings in Summer and Fall of 2026. TOUR 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Experience the tranquility of horses being horses at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s sanctuary farm at Chestnut Hall. Located in Prospect, about 15 miles from Louisville, the farm is home to a herd of retired racehorses. When visiting TRF at Chestnut Hall, guests will have the chance to get hands on with the horses, feeding peppermints and petting them while learning about their stories, from the racetrack to retirement. Tours of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at Chestnut Hall are offered daily at 11 a.m., which can be booked by clicking here. Enjoy the tranquility of a horse farm, just a short drive from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Get up close and personal with retired racehorses at Chestnut Hall in Prospect, Kentucky. EAT 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Grab lunch between tours at Market on 42 in Goshen. Just a five minute drive away from both Chestnut Hall and Second Stride, this locally-owned market sources many of their goods from local farms. Grab a freshly made sandwich and enjoy lunch on the porch! Enjoy a locally-sourced sandwich from Market on 42. Market on 42 is located in the historic Goshen Store. TOUR 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Get an inside look at how racehorses become riding horses with a tour of Second Stride in Prospect, Kentucky. Second Stride retrains Thoroughbreds for second careers as riding horses, providing them with the foundation and skills to succeed in a variety of disciplines, including jumping, dressage, barrel racing and so much more. When touring Second Stride, guests will learn about the retraining process and have the chance to meet some of the horses in training. Plus, say hello to the Second Stride ambassador horses – Kentucky Derby contender Twinspired and graded stakes winner Warrior’s Club. Tours of Second Stride are offered every weekday at 1 p.m., and can be booked by clicking here. Meet retired racehorses at Second Stride in Prospect, Kentucky. Learn how racehorses are trained to be riding horses at Second Stride. EXPLORE After your tour of Second Stride, take a short drive to Louisville to experience Kentucky’s Bourbon culture! Immerse yourself in the Bourbon industry with a tour of Angel’s Envy, a fully-operational distillery located in Downtown Louisville. Get an inside look at how elite Bourbon is distilled and bottled, with the chance to enjoy a taste of Angel’s Envy at the conclusion of the tour, responsibly, of course! Tours of Angel’s Envy are booked daily, and you can learn more by clicking here. Continue the fun with a visit to the Frazier Museum, an official welcome center for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and a museum highlighting all things Kentucky, from the state’s history to its culture, and more. For sports fans, we highly recommend a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum, which offers factory tours and engaging exhibits about the history of baseball. Learn more about what Louisville has to offer from Go To Louisville. Angel’s Envy Distillery is located in downtown Louisville. Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Learn more about America’s Native Spirit at the Frazier Museum. Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available summer and fall of 2026. 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.
Celebrating National Bourbon Heritage Month September 2, 2026 Here in the Bluegrass, we’re best known for horses and bourbon. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail represents over 70 distilleries that are open to the public, welcoming guests through the doors of their distilleries to get an exclusive look at how bourbon is crafted, distilled and bottled. 95% of the global Bourbon supply is produced right here in the Bluegrass, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is dedicated to providing guests with unique opportunities to explore the birthplace of America’s native spirit. It all starts with Limestone Kentucky’s natural resources have made this region a prime spot for producing the best of the best, whether you’re raising top racehorses or crafting an elite Bourbon. Kentucky sits on a limestone shelf that filters water, and provides nutrients like calcium and phosphorous into the soil. These nutrients help horses build strong bones as they grow to be racehorses. Increased nutrients in the grass and soil, paired with the rolling hills Kentucky is well known for, make this the perfect place to raise young horses. The natural filtration of water through limestone removes impurities that can impact the flavors in Bourbon. Bourbon can contain as much as 60% water, making it incredibly vital to have the best water possible throughout the entire process – from fermentation to distilling, aging to bottling, all the way to enjoyment. Horses and Bourbon Raising a great horse and crafting an excellent glass of Bourbon both require precision and thoughtfulness from day one. It’s not an overnight process, either. Bourbon often ages for years, in charred oak barrels that helps to bring out the flavor of bourbon over time. Good racehorses take time, as well. Many Thoroughbreds will spend a large portion of the first year and a half of their life outdoors in large paddocks, grazing on Kentucky bluegrass and romping through the rolling hills. Attention to detail is essential when caring for horses, just as it is throughout the distillation and aging process for Bourbon. Horses require daily care to ensure their health and wellbeing in every stage of life. The process of creating Bourbon is specific in many ways. For example, the mash bill used to make Bourbon must be at least 51% corn, and Bourbon cannot be distilled above 160 proof, to preserve flavors from the fermentation process. There are many other guidelines in place that distillers are required to fulfill to ensure that a finished product can be considered Bourbon. Experiencing the best of both industries One of the most unique similarities between Kentucky’s Horse Country and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is that both industries have become widely accessible through tours and experiences. Tours are offered at horse farms and distilleries throughout the Bluegrass, providing an inside look for guests who want to immerse themselves in these fascinating industries. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail represents a wide variety of operations – from craft distilleries to some of the world’s most well-known operations, all throughout the state of Kentucky. Many of those distilleries are dotted throughout Horse Country, making it easy to pair a distillery tour with a horse farm tour while you’re visiting the Bluegrass State. Time to plan your trip? We recommend utilizing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Trip Builder, and be sure to check out our blog about what horse farms are located near distilleries. Bourbon Fun Facts Did you know… • All Bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is Bourbon. • The Official Cocktail of the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep, which has Bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice. • Bourbon is exclusively produced in the United States, with Kentucky producing 95% of the global supply of this spirit. • There are 12.6 million Bourbon barrels currently aging in Kentucky, far greater than the population of Kentucky, which sits at 4.6 million. • Bourbon cannot have added color, flavoring agents or other spirits. Distinct flavors in a finished glass of Bourbon can come from a few different things – the mash bill (ingredients or grain mixture), the fermentatation and distillation process, and most commonly, the aging process. Charred oak barrels help bring out the flavors in Bourbon as it ages. Learn more about all things Bourbon from our friends at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Woodford Reserve in Versailles, Kentucky Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky
Get an Inside Look at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale August 13, 2026 The Keeneland September Yearling Sale is the largest public auction of Thoroughbreds in the entire world. Over 4,600 horses have been catalogued for the 2026 edition of this prestigious sale. The sale begins on Monday, September 14th with Book 1, which features the most impressive group of yearlings. The sale continues through September 26th, with twelve total auction sessions. Two unique experiences will be on offer throughout the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, allowing guests to get an inside look at this fascinating event, from the barns to the back ring, all the way to the excitement of the auction ring. These experiences are best for guests who are interested in learning more about the business side of the Thoroughbred industry, and for those who want to see firsthand how a world-leading public auction operates. Keeneland Behind-the-Scenes Sales Experience Immerse yourself in the world of Thoroughbred sales, led by the experts at Keeneland. This experience offers a chance to learn about the history of Keeneland, hear stories about famed horses who have passed through the auction ring, and the opportunity to visit the sales pavillion and auction ring where some of racing’s greatest horses have been sold. This experience is offered at 9 a.m. on September 13, 18, 21 and 25. Click here to reserve your spot! Behind-the-Scenes at Keeneland September with Taylor Made Sales See firsthand how a horse is prepped for success at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale with Taylor Made Sales. This tour gives an inside look at how horses are shown for buyers, what buyers are looking for in a horse, and how yearlings are topped off before heading to the auction ring. From there, the group will follow the horse to the auction ring, experiencing the excitement of a live auction. This experience is offered at 3 p.m. on September 13 – 21. Click here to reserve your spot! The Keeneland September Yearling Sale is the highest grossing Thoroughbred auction in history. Each year, thousands of the best Thoroughbred yearlings are brought through the ring at Keeneland in Lexington. The sale brings together top prospects from across the country, horses with rich pedigrees and quality conformation, that helps to set the market for the global Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. Horse Country touring partners are represented in a variety of ways – as the farms that prep yearlings for the sale, consignors that offer the horses at the sale itself, and as breeders, stallion owners and nurseries that raised these horses from birth. The Keeneland September Yearling Sale is both the culmination of hard work and preparation, and the start of an exciting future for a wide range of horses.
Experience Horses and Bourbon in Woodford County, Kentucky August 12, 2026 Experience the best of Kentucky’s Horse and Bourbon Country in Woodford County, Kentucky. Woodford County is home to many farms that specialize in Thoroughbred breeding and training. Many champion racehorses have called Woodford County home, whether they were raised, trained or retired here after their racing careers. Woodford County encompasses the towns of Midway and Versailles, and is located just 20 minutes from Lexington, Kentucky. This area is a can’t-miss stop for anyone traveling to the Bluegrass, and a perfect day-trip spot for locals looking to explore the Horse Capital of the World. Horse Farms to tour in Woodford County, Kentucky Airdrie Stud Midway, Kentucky Airdrie Stud sits on the hallowed ground of the former Woodburn Stud, a farm that was once home to legendary sire Lexington. Airdrie Stud is now home to 10 stallions, including two Kentucky Derby winners, over 100 broodmares and their foals, and yearlings. The farm Tours of Airdrie Stud are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning in April through August of each year. You can learn more and plan your visit by clicking here. Coolmore at Ashford Stud Versailles, Kentucky Coolmore at Ashford Stud has such an impressive roster of stallions, they are well known as the ‘Home of Champions’. These champions include Triple Crown winner Justify, Breeders’ Cup winners Golden Pal, Citizen Bull, Sierra Leone and more. When visiting Coolmore at Ashford Stud, you’ll learn about how this historic property grew from a cattle and tobacco farm, to the American home base of the international racing and breeding operation of Coolmore. Tours of Coolmore at Ashford Stud are offered nearly year-round. Learn more and plan your visit by clicking here. Double Dan Horsemanship Midway, Kentucky Get an inside look at how horses are trained for film, television and entertainment, and learn more about the world of liberty horsemanship. On a tour of Double Dan Horsemanship, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal to horses who have worked on movie and entertainment sets like the television show Heartland and brand shoots for Versace, Vogue and more. Along the tour, their expert tour guide will provide insight into how these horses are trained. Plus, you might even meet a kangaroo!. Double Dan Horsemanship offers public tours on select dates. Learn more and book a tour by clicking here. Godolphin at Gainsborough Farm Versailles, Kentucky Get up close and personal to the next generation of champion racehorses at Gainsborough Farm, a nursery operation owned by Godolphin, the world’s largest breeding and racing operation. Gainsborough Farm offers shuttle tours with the opportunity to meet mares, foals and yearlings, while learning about this global racing stable. Gainsborough Farm offers public tours weekly, Thursday through Saturday. Click here to view their offerings. Lane’s End Farm Versailles, Kentucky Enjoy a well-rounded experience with a morning of tours at Lane’s End Farm. Lane’s End offers tours of their stallion division, home to champion racehorses turned top stallions like Flightline, Quality Road, and more. The farm also offers shuttle tours that visit with mares, foals, and yearlings, depending on the season. Lane’s End Farm offers tours daily, excluding Mondays. Click here to view their offerings. Pin Oak Stud Versailles, Kentucky Visit Pin Oak Stud to learn about how racehorses are bred, raised and trained. Pin Oak offers two tours – the Training Center Experience and Nursery Experience. The Training Center tour allows guests to get an inside look at how racehorses are trained and cared for on Pin Oaks’ personal training track and rehabilitation center. The Nursery tour is an immersive look at Thoroughbred breeding, and a chance to meet mares and foals. Pin Oak Stud offers tours each week, Thursday – Sunday. Click here to view their offerings. Resolute Racing Midway, Kentucky Visit the stunning property owned by Resolute Racing, the home base one of the industry’s most exciting new owners. Resolute Racing’s farm is home to a stellar broodmare band, including Breeders’ Cup winners Caravel and Goodnight Olive. Along with a passion for fast horses, Resolute’s owner, John Stewart, has an incredible private car collection, which you can visit with their Fast Horses & Fast Cars tour. Resolute Racing offers tours on Thursdays and Fridays. View their calendar and book your visit by clicking here. Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm Versailles, Kentucky Meet mares and foals at Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm, the farm where Kentucky Derby runner-up Renegade was born and raised. Diamond A Farm sits in the heart of Bourbon Country, overlooking Woodford Reserve Distillery. The farm itself has a rich history that is intertwined with Kentucky’s bourbon and equine history. Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm offers tours daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Click here to view their offerings! Three Chimneys Farm Midway, Kentucky Experience an immersive look at the world of Thoroughbred breeding and racing with a tour of Three Chimneys Farm. The stallion roster is led by Gun Runner, one of the leading sires in the entire world. Throughout this tour, you’ll learn about the farm’s rich history, success on the racetrack, and see Gun Runner, Volatile, Gun Pilot, and the other stallions who reside in the stallion complex. Tours of Three Chimneys Farm are offered in April in October. View their tour schedule by clicking here. WinStar Farm Versailles, Kentucky Get an inside look at every aspect of the Thoroughbred industry at WinStar Farm, one of the world’s leading breeding and racing operations. WinStar offers tours for everyone – from their stallion complex and extended shuttle tours to scenic shuttle rides, training center tours and special events. Constitution, Life is Good, and Straight No Chaser lead their famed stallion roster. Tours of WinStar Farm are offered daily, excluding Sundays. Learn more about their offers and book your tour by clicking here. Where to explore, eat and stay in Woodford County, Kentucky Woodford County, Kentucky is home to two beloved towns, Midway and Versailles. Both have charming downtown areas and are rich with history and places to enjoy. Midway, Kentucky is straight out of a Hallmark movie (Seriously, the famed television channel filmed ‘Midway to Love’ in this precious town), and a great spot to wind down and relax. Take a stroll through downtown Midway, grab a bite to eat at Brown Barrel, Midway Bakery or Don Jockey, and go shopping at the Midway Makers Market or take part in a workshop at the Midway Arts Studio. Just a few minutes down the road is Versailles, Kentucky, another charming town with a lot to experience. Enjoy the day in Versailles with a coffee at The Amsden, pick up a souvenir from Horse Country at Bluegrass Traditions, view the murals in downtown, and more. Versailles is a great place to grab lunch, including Ricardo’s Grill & Pub, Wallace Station and more. Woodford County isn’t just known for horses! Midway and Versailles are both in the heart of Bourbon Country, with leading distilleries like Bluegrass Distillers, Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key, Woodford Reserve and more, within the county or a short drive away. Downtown Versailles is home to two stunning boutique hotels, The Aldenberg Hotel and The Woodford Hotel. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to live like royalty, enjoy a stay and a locally-sourced meal at the Kentucky Castle, located in Versailles just a few minutes from Keeneland and the Bluegrass Airport. Please note, 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.
Wellness in Kentucky’s Horse Country July 27, 2026 Spending time outdoors is good for the soul. We’re lucky here in Horse Country that Kentucky has an abundance of incredible natural landscapes, including the famed rolling hills of Kentucky Bluegrass. There’s quite simply no better place in the world to relax and reconnect by touching grass, Bluegrass that is. Wellness Events in Horse Country These events and experience will feature a combination of equine interaction and activities centered around wellness and relaxation, set amongst stunning backdrops of Kentucky horse farms. Sound Bath and Bluegrass Bathing at Lane’s End Farm Enjoy an evening of relaxation and wellness at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles. This experience begins with a short tour of the stallion division at Lane’s End Farm, home to leading racehorses turned studs including Flightline. After the tour, Amy Hudson with the Sound Healing Center of Lexington will guide guests through a sound healing session to provide a peaceful reset for your mind, body, and nervous system. Sound baths support stress relief, better sleep, clarity and more, making this experience great for those looking for deep relaxation among the stunning scenes of Kentucky’s Horse Country. This experience will take place outdoors on lush, Kentucky Bluegrass. Guests are welcome to bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, reclining chair, or anything else you require to be comfortable lying down for about an hour. Offered on Wednesday, August 19 at 7 p.m. and Wednesday, September 23 at 6 p.m. Click here to book Morning Yoga at WinStar Farm Spend the morning relaxing among Kentucky bluegrass with a guided yoga class at WinStar Farm in Versailles. This experience begins with a ride through the farm on an electric shuttle, with the chance to get hands-on with some of the farm’s equine residents. A certified yoga instructor will then guide guests through a one hour long yoga class. Offered on Saturday, August 15th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Click here to book Morning Pilates at Lane’s End Farm Join us for a Full Body Pilates Class at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky! This one hour, mat Pilates class will be led by Hannah Brady, a Balanced Body certified Pilates instructor, in the scenic courtyard at Lane’s End Farm. Before the class, we’ll take a walk through the stallion division at Lane’s End to meet champion racehorses like Flightline, and learn about the history of this famed farm. Offered on Sunday, August 16th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Click here to book Scenic Walking Tour at Taylor Made Farm Take in the beauty of the Bluegrass on the scenic walking tour at Taylor Made Farm. This walking tour will take you through 1.5 miles of paved roadways with slight elevation changes, while viewing stunning horse farm scenes. Offered on Thursdays and Fridays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in summer. Click here to book
Preakness Stakes Winners in Horse Country May 15, 2026 The G1 Preakness Stakes is the famed middle jewel of the Triple Crown. The race takes place two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, on the third Saturday in May, and is held in Maryland. This year, the race will be held at Laurel Park for the first time, as its home at Pimlico Racecourse is currently under construction. The Preakness Stakes is the second oldest of the Triple Crown races, and was first held in 1873. The race is named for the colt who won the first Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico, the day the racecourse opened in 1870. The flower blanket for the winning horse pays homage to the Black Eyed Susan, the state flower of Maryland, but due to the fact that the race takes place two months before the flowers come into bloom, viking poms that bear a resemblance to Black Eyed Susans, are used instead. The winning connections receive a replica of the Woodlawn Vase, which is the most expensive trophy in all of sports, worth approximately $4 million. Made of solid sterling silver, the trophy has a rich history that includes being buried for safekeeping so it was not melted to be used for bullets during the Civil War. The original Vase is used for the winner’s circle presentation before returning to its home at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Let’s take a look back at some of the recent winners of this historic race. Each of these horses resides at a farm of a Horse Country touring partner, which means you could meet each of these champions! 2024 – Seize the Grey Seize the Grey became the final Triple Crown race winner for the legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Lukas, who passed away in 2025, trained the son of Arrogate to a victory in the 2024 Preakness Stakes. Seize the Grey is owned by MyRacehorse, a leader in micro-share syndication of racehorses, allowing thousands of fans to take part in the exciting journey of a horse’s racing career. Seize the Grey is now standing as a stallion at Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born and raised at Mill Ridge Farm, where his mother, Smart Shopping, still resides. 2023 – National Treasure National Treasure picked up his first top level victory in the 2023 Preakness Stakes. The Bob Baffert-trainee fought tenaciously to nip Blazing Sevens at the wire and win the middle jewel of the Triple Crown by a head. Stonestreet Farm is among the ownership group who campaigned National Treasure on the track! National Treasure now resides at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, where he is a breeding stallion. His sire, Quality Road, stands stud at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. 2022 – Early Voting Early Voting was bred and raised at Three Chimneys Farm, where his sire Gun Runner stands at stud. The colt sat just off of the pace in the Preakness Stakes, taking control in the stretch to win by over a length. Early Voting was piloted to victory by jockey Jose Ortiz, who won this year’s Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo. Early Voting is now a stallion at Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville, which offers tours daily. 2018 – Justify Just a few years off of the Triple Crown triumph of American Pharoah, the undefeated Justify followed in the hoofprints of his future stablemate in becoming the 13th Triple Crown winner. Owned by Horse Country member WinStar Farm in partnership with China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC and Starlight Racing, Justify strode to a half-length victory under jockey Mike Smith. Justify now stands stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky. 2009 – Rachel Alexandra Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra took on the colts and went wire to wire to win the second leg of the Triple Crown. She would go on to become one of the most famous racemares of all time – winning multiple grade one races including the G1 Woodward against older males as a three year old filly during her storied career. Rachel Alexandra is now enjoying retirement at her home, Stonestreet Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. She is typically featured on public tours of the farm, or you can get tickets for a Rachel Alexandra Meet & Greet, offered on select Saturdays. Experience the history of the Preakness Stakes, right here in Horse Country, by meeting some of the past champions who wore the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans. Tours are offered of these top horse farms, and more, on a regular basis.
MyRacehorse Joins Visit Horse Country as Official Sponsor May 14, 2026 New Partnership Bridges the Gap Between Micro-Share Ownership and Kentucky’s Premier Farm Experiences LEXINGTON, Ky. – Visit Horse Country, the gateway to Kentucky’s iconic equine industry, is proud to announce MyRacehorse as its newest official sponsor. This partnership unites two industry leaders dedicated to transparency, education, and providing fans with unparalleled access to the world of Thoroughbred racing. MyRacehorse, the pioneer in micro-share ownership, allows fans to experience the thrill of owning a top-tier racehorse for a fraction of the traditional cost. By joining forces with Visit Horse Country, the organizations aim to bridge the gap between the grandstands and the farm, offering a 360-degree view of a horse’s life and career. “Partnering with MyRacehorse is a no-brainer for Visit Horse Country. We share a core mission of providing unparalleled access to the horse and the sport of racing. By working collaboratively, we are streamlining the journey for fans and guests to engage more deeply with the industry we love. We are excited to elevate our collective experiences through this partnership and work together to cultivate a new generation of enthusiasts for the sport.” This collaboration lowers barriers to entry for newcomers by connecting the thrill of ownership with the origins of the athlete. While MyRacehorse brings fans into the winner’s circle and the stable, Visit Horse Country opens the gates to the legendary farms where those champions are born, raised, and eventually retired. Together, they provide an end-to-end connection to the Thoroughbred, allowing fans to follow the journey from the nursery to the racetrack and beyond in a way that was previously inaccessible to the public. “We’ve always admired Horse Country and the incredible job they’ve done opening up the farms, the horses, and the traditions of Thoroughbred racing to the public,” said Michael Behrens, Founder and CEO of MyRacehorse. “At MyRacehorse, we champion making the inaccessible accessible and that’s exactly what Horse Country has done in a truly remarkable way. We couldn’t be more excited about the alignment of this partnership and the opportunity to help bring even more fans closer to the sport we love.” The partnership highlights a shared mission: cultivating the next generation of horse racing enthusiasts. By offering both digital ownership and physical farm experiences, the two entities provide a comprehensive pathway for fans to deepen their involvement in the Kentucky equine industry. For more information on tours or to learn more about the partnership, visit www.visithorsecountry.com. About Visit Horse Country Visit Horse Country is a Lexington-based non-profit membership organization that serves as the official gateway to Kentucky’s iconic equine industry. Representing 28 premier touring locations—including legendary farms and world-class clinics—Horse Country offers fans an authentic look at the lifecycle of the Thoroughbred. Learn More: www.visithorsecountry.com Follow Us: Instagram @visithorsecountry | Facebook @kentuckyhorsecountry | X @kyhorsecountry About MyRacehorse MyRacehorse is the leading platform for fractional ownership of top-tier Thoroughbreds, providing fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of ownership through micro-shares. With a focus on elite bloodlines and world-class trainers, MyRacehorse provides a transparent, engaging, and accessible ownership experience.
Celebrate the Derby at Home May 1, 2026 Celebrating the Derby is a quintessential Kentucky tradition, even if you don’t have tickets to the big race! Derby Week is an exciting time to connect with Kentucky’s signature equine industry, from visiting a horse farm to watching the races and cheering on your favorite horses. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite ways to get in the Derby Week spirit! Prepare a tasty spread for your Derby Day Party Locally sourced and inspired bites are a must-have for your Derby Day party. Get the day started with a snack board featuring ham & pimento cheese sandwiches, beer cheese and some locally-made caramel corn, as recommended here by Ande Day, the Tour & Hospitality Manager at Lane’s End Farm. Mill Ridge Farm’s Spicy Pepper Jelly is a great addition to any snack or charcuterie board, thanks to this recipe from Beth Bell. No Kentucky Derby party is complete without a signature cocktail, whether you’re more of an Oaks Lily fan or a Mint Julep aficionado. Pick your Derby Horse Picking your Derby Horse is a right of passage each spring. You might not always be right, but it’s always fun to choose your favorite horse and root them on as they run for the roses! We recommend studying up before the big day, whether you pick your favorite based on past performances, pedigree or just the horse with your favorite name. Keeneland will be open for wagering on Derby Day, or you can place your bets digitally on your favorite wagering app. If you’re hosting a Derby Party, consider having a prize for whoever picks the winner (be sure to check out Keeneland’s gift shop for some great horse racing goodies)! Immerse yourself in Kentucky’s equine industry on a horse farm tour There’s no better way to get in the Derby spirit than connecting with Kentucky’s equine residents firsthand! Get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to breed, raise, train and care for some of Kentucky’s most famous athletes and experience the Kentucky Derby traditions of Horse Country firsthand. Tours are available each day of Derby Week, including Derby Day! Click here to view the most up to date listing of available tours. Tune in to the races The Kentucky Derby may be the headlining race of the weekend at Churchill Downs, but there are a variety of other great races taking place throughout the weekend. There is, of course, the Kentucky Oaks, which is the filly-equivalent of the Kentucky Derby and takes place on the first Friday in May each year. Both Oaks and Derby Days are loaded with stakes action of all varieties, and some of the best horses in each division. The races will be broadcast on FanDuel TV, Peacock, USA Network and NBC. Click here for more information on where to watch the races.
Defender Kentucky Three Day Event Recap May 1, 2026 Each year, the last weekend in April is dedicated to sport horses here in Lexington, Kentucky. The Defender 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. The event has grown into a celebration of equestrianism at the top level, with four competitions hosted during the weekend. The Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L is one of just six 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. 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. New Zealand rider Monica Spencer, aboard Artist, a New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred, put on a show with a 22.3 dressage score. Her fellow Kiwi, Tim Price, finished the dressage phase in second place with a 22.6, and British rider Tom McEwan rounded out the top three after dressage with a 25.1. New Zealand’s Monica Spencer set the pace with a stellar dressage test on Friday, April 24th. Alexander Conrad and his off-the-track Thoroughbred Malibu Preacher completing their dressage test. Cross country is arguably the most thrilling phase of eventing, and the day drew thousands of 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 double clear round (no jumping or time penalties) by Artist and Monica Spencer kept them in the lead, with American rider Will Coleman and Diabolo closing in on second place with their own double clear round. Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake picked up just two time penalties out on the cross country course, bringing them up to third place. American Will Coleman and Diabolo completed a double clear round to finish cross country in second place. Fan favorites Emily Hamel and Corvett in front of a huge crowd on cross country day. It all comes down to a final test of stadium jumping in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. 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. Riders go in reverse order of placing, with the top riders competing at the end of the afternoon. Will Coleman and Diabolo gained just .8 time faults, but left all of the rails up, to secure their second place finish. Monica Spencer and Artist, the last to go, had an unfortunate three rails, dropping them in the placings to 7th, and vaulting Colemand and Diabolo to the top of the standings with a score of 28.1. Will Coleman and Diabolo during the stadium jumping phase of the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event. Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake finished third in the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event. With this victory in the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L, Will Coleman and Diabolo became the only horse and rider pair in the history of the event to win both the 5* and Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, which the pair won in 2024. These two events are at the top level of equestrian eventing, making this an incredibly special achievement for Coleman and his entire team. Fellow American Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake finished in second on a score of 28.6. David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed of Great Britain rounded out the podium with a 30.8, finishing on their initial dressage score after no time and jumping penalities the entire weekend. As the highest placed American rider, Coleman 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. Will Coleman shares a special moment with Diabolo after their first win at the 5* level of eventing. Coleman and Diabolo lead the victory gallop after winning the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event. The Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S took place throughout the weekend as well, following the same format as the Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L, with dressage, cross country and stadium jumping across three days of competition. American rider Tamie Smith became the first rider to win both the 5*-L and 4*-S (on different horses) with a victory in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S aboard Lillet 3. Smith won the Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L aboard Mai Baum in 2024. Will Coleman placed second in the 4*-S aboard Very Dignified, with Mia Farley and Invictus rounding out the top three. All but one of the top ten competitors were representing the United States of America. Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 on their way to victory in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S. Will Coleman and Very Dignified competing in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S cross country phase. Along with elite competitions, the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event 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. Mark your calendars for the 2027 Best Weekend All Year, April 22-27! Tickets are now available, learn more and secure your spot at this thrilling event on the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event website.
Horse Country Connections to the 2026 Kentucky Derby April 28, 2026 The G1 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve brings together the top three year old colts from around the country, and world, to compete for their spot in the history books. A number of factors make the Derby a unique race – the race is only open to three year old horses (therefore horses only have one shot at running in the race), up to 20 horses can enter the starting gate (the biggest field of race in North America) and the race is run at a mile and a quarter (a longer distance than the entrants have run previously). Along with the huge crowd and fanfare that go along with America’s most popular horse race, it takes a special horse to win this race. Many of these horses were bred, raised, sold and raced right here in the Bluegrass. Congratulations to these horses, their connections, and our members who played a part in their success. Be sure to tune in on NBC on Saturday, May 2 to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports! Renegade This son of Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm) out of the stakes-winning mare Spice is Nice was raised at Taylor Made Farm. Renegade sold as a yearling at the 2024 Keeneland September Sale for $975,000. His mother, Spice is Nice, now resides at Taylor Made at Diamond A Farm in Versailles. Renegade has been fueled by Hallway Feeds since his young days at Taylor Made Farm! Albus Albus was born and raised at WinStar Farm in Versailles for breeder Susan Casner. As a yearling, he was consigned by Taylor Made Farm at the Keeneland September Sale for $320,000, where he was purchased by Pin Oak Stud. Albus spent time at Pin Oak before heading off to the races, and is fed Hallway Feeds in the Riley Mott barn at the races. Intrepido Intrepido is a son of Spendthrift Farm stallion Maximus Mischief, and is a graduate of the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Intrepido’s trainer, Jeff Mullins, fuels his runners with Hallway Feeds. Litmus Test Litmus Test aims to follow in the footsteps of his sire Nyquit (Jonabell Farm), who won the Kentucky Derby in 2016. Litmus Test is powered by Hallway Feeds! Right to Party – SCRATCHED Commandment Commandment was born and raised at Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville, just like Renegade. A son of Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm), Commandment sold at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $500,000. Hallway Feeds has fueled Commandment on and off of the track. Danon Bourbon Danon Bourbon will be making his first start in the United States on the First Saturday in May. While born and raised in Kentucky, Danon Bourbon has raced exclusively in Japan after selling from the Lane’s End Farm consignment at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is a son of Maxfield (Jonabell Farm). Danon Bourbon was raised on Hallway Feeds. So Happy The California-based So Happy went through the sales ring at Keeneland as a weanling at the 2023 November Breeding Stock Sale. So Happy was raised on Hallway Feeds The Puma Raced by many of the same connections as 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, The Puma is a son of Essential Quality (Jonabell Farm). The Puma was raised on Hallway Feeds. Wonder Dean (JPN) Wonder Dean (JPN) has traveled to Kentucky by way of Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Kentucky Derby will be his first race stateside. Incredibolt The second of two contenders in this year’s Kentucky Derby for Pin Oak Stud, Incredibolt was purchased by the Pin Oak team at the 2024 Keeneland September Sale for $75,000. Just like his stablemate in the Riley Mott barn, Incredibolt is fueled by Hallway Feeds. Chief Wallabee Chief Wallabee is a son of WinStar Farm stallion Constitution and is trained by Bill Mott, who won last year’s Kentucky Derby with Sovereignty. Bill Mott feeds his barn Hallway Feeds! Silent Tactic – SCRATCHED Potente One of three sons of Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm) in the field, Potente was born and raised at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles. He was raised, and is now raced on, Hallway Feeds. Emerging Market Emerging Market is a son of Lane’s End Farm stallion Candy Ride, and was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $185,000. His trainer, Chad Brown, feeds Hallway Feeds in his barn. Pavlovian California-bred, raised, and raced Pavlovian competes for the same connections as Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist (Jonabell Farm). Six Speed Six Speed is a Kentucky-bred son of leading sire Not This Time (Taylor Made Farm), who earned his spot in the Kentucky Derby while racing in the United Arab Emirates. Further Ado Spendthrift Farm is on the hunt for another Kentucky Derby win with Further Ado, a son of top stallion Gun Runner (Three Chimneys Farm). Further Ado was last seen winning the G1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, the same place where he went through the sales ring as a yearling for $275,000. Yet another connection to Horse Country is his feed on the racetrack – Hallway Feeds! Golden Tempo Golden Tempo is trained by Cherie DeVaux, a top conditioner who could become the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. From his time as a foal to his current days on the track, Golden Tempo has eaten Hallway Feeds. Fulleffort – SCRATCHED Great White Great White is owned by Three Chimneys Farm, where he was born and raised. His trainer, John Ennis, feeds Hallway Feeds on the racetrack. Ocelli Ocelli was consigned by Taylor Made Farm as a yearling, where he sold for $12,000. Robusta Robusta is a son of Accelerate, who had a short stallion career at Lane’s End Farm before retiring from stud duty to join the Hall of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Horse Country’s Guide to the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event April 10, 2026 In town for the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park? This annual event brings the best of the eventing world to the heart of Horse Country. There’s nothing quite like the elegance of dressage, athleticism of cross country and thrills of stadium jumping, plus, the shopping, vendor fair and demonstrations make this event a must-experience for any horse lover. While you’re in Lexington for the event, be sure to check out some of the other equine attractions and experiences nearby to make the most of your time in the Horse Capital of the World. We’ve put together a list of some stops to add to your Kentucky Three Day Event itinerary! Get your tickets to the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event There’s truly nothing like this special event. Each year, the world’s top eventing athletes converge on the Kentucky Horse Park to compete for the title.The Defender Kentucky Three Day Event is one of only seven CCI 5* events in the world, which is the highest level of the Olympic sport of eventing. The competition begins on Thursday, April 23 with the dressage phase, followed up by the cross country phase on Saturday, April 25 and the conclusion, stadium jumping on Sunday, April 26. Along with the eventing competition, the Kentucky International CSI5* show jumping competition will take place, Wednesday through Saturday, presented by our friends at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute! Learn more about this event and purchase tickets here. Attend Events & Demonstrations One of the best parts of the Kentucky Three Day Event is the opportunity to learn more through the events, demonstrations and clinics taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park and beyond. Be sure to visit the trade fair to check in equine industry businesses, nonprofits and more, including Horse Country and some of our nonprofit touring members! New Vocations is hosting their annual Open Barn & BBQ on Thursday, April 23, a fun evening featuring demonstrations, food trucks, live music and more. Go Racing at Keeneland Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington is wrapping up their Spring Race Meet this week, with racing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Keeneland is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most prominent racecourses in the entire world, thanks to its great impact on the equine industry in Kentucky and beyond. Racing at Keeneland is often dubbed as ‘racing as it was meant to be’, and is a great way to immerse yourself in the sport of horse racing. Check out our Guide to Keeneland for some tips and tricks to make the most of your day at the races. Visit a Horse Farm Go behind the scenes at farms and facilities focused on providing top tier care to equines of all breeds and disciplines, immerse yourself in Kentucky’s Thoroughbred racing culture, or see a little bit of everything! We recommend checking out our list of the farms & facilities near the Kentucky Horse Park to easily add those to your schedule for the weekend, or browse all of our available tours by clicking here. Experience the best of Central Kentucky Lexington and the surrounding area has a little bit of something for everyone, whether you’re a bourbon aficionado, outdoor enthusiast or a food connoisseur. The food scene in Central Kentucky often focuses on locally-sourced and inspired meals, including spots like Wallace Station, Windy Corner Market and more. Along with horses, Kentucky is well known for its bourbon! The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is the ultimate source for all distillery tours and unique experiences relating to Kentucky’s native spirit. Our friends at VisitLex are a great resource to learn more about all that Lexington has to offer.
Kentucky Oaks and Derby prep races headline Keeneland Opening Weekend April 8, 2026 The Keeneland Spring Meet heralds the arrival of Spring in the Bluegrass each year. This April, Keeneland debuted its new Paddock Building, featuring elevated seating and dining options with a classic Keeneland feel. The addition of these new spaces added to the excitement of a major year at Keeneland, which will culminate in the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships this fall. Spendthrift Farm‘s Further Ado stamped himself an early favorite for the Kentucky Derby with a thrilling victory in the G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes on Saturday, April 4. Further Ado sat just off the pace under jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. before kicking clear in the stretch to win by eleven lengths. The son of Three Chimneys Farm stallion Gun Runner earned 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, solidifying his spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. The G1 Central Bank Ashland Stakes, a points race for the Kentucky Oaks, headlined the Opening Day card at Keeneland. The Ben Colebrook-trained Percy’s Bar made her first start of the year a winning one, with a definitive victory over the heavily favored Zany. Percy’s Bar was bred and raised at Airdrie Stud in Midway, and is a daughter of Airdrie stallion Upstart. The filly earned 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks with her victory in the Ashland Stakes. Along with prep races for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby, top horses from across the country competed in graded stakes races for a variety of divisions. Stonestreet Stables homebred Eclatant fought for a gritty victory in the G1 Resolute Racing Madison Stakes, stamping herself as a leader among older fillies and mares. Eclatant is a daughter of Into Mischief, one of the country’s leading stallions, who stands at Spendthrift Farm. My Boy Prince added to an exciting weekend for the Airdrie Stud stallion roster when the son of Cairo Prince powered home to win the G2 Valvoline Global Shakertown Stakes on the turf. Storm’s Wake became the newest graded stakes winner for Mill Ridge Farm stallion Oscar Performance, with her victory in the G2 Appalachian Stakes by a neck over Imaginationthelady and Lion Lake (IRE). Further Ado wins the G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Photo courtesy of Spendthrift Farm. Stonestreet Stables homebred Eclatant wins the G1 Resolute Racing Madison Stakes at Keeneland. Photo courtesy of Spendthrift Farm. The Keeneland Spring Meet continues through Friday, April 24, with racing daily (excluding Mondays, Tuesdays and Easter Sunday). All guests who purchase a ticket for a Horse Country tour in April will receive free general admission tickets to Keeneland – the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ultimate day in Kentucky’s Horse Country, with a farm tour and racing at Keeneland! Experience Keeneland in a unique way through a variety of tours that offer an insider’s look at this National Historic Landmark. The Keeneland Owner’s Experience takes guests through the paddock, winner’s circle and trackside, to experience how a racehorse owner would spend a day at the races. The Morning Works Tour, Backstretch Tour and Behind-the-Scenes Racing Tour all elevate a morning at Keeneland, with expert tour guides providing insight on how racehorses are trained, and why Keeneland is an institution unlike any other. This Spring, Keeneland debuted the newest addition to the property, the Paddock Building. These new spaces combine the elegance and tradition of Keeneland with modern dining options and incredible raceday views. Tickets are available in the new 1936 Room, which offers a paddock lawn in addition to indoor spaces, the Sycamore Room, Dogwood Room, Ivy Room, and Rooftop, a premium dining space and outdoor terrace bar.
Top Five Things to do this Spring in Horse Country April 3, 2026 April in Kentucky’s Horse Country is an exciting time to enjoy the best of what the Bluegrass has to offer! Racing at Keeneland has returned, the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event is on the horizon, and young foals are growing up throughout the region. It’s one of our favorite times of year to explore Central Kentucky, and we’ve put together a list of our top things to see and do this month. Enjoy Racing at Keeneland Enjoy horse racing as it was meant to be at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington. Set amongst the stunning scenes of horse farms and home to some of the most exciting races of the year, Keeneland is truly a treasure, and a favorite of locals and travelers alike. The 2026 Spring Meet kicks off on Friday, April 3. Racing will take place daily, excluding Mondays, Tuesdays and Easter Sunday, through Friday, April 24. The Road to the Kentucky Derby passes through Keeneland with two qualifying races – the G1 Blue Grass Stakes and G3 Lexington Stakes. P.S. – Horse Country tour guests in April receive one complimentary racing ticket for each ticketed tour guest as a part of your tour purchase. Racing at Keeneland is held daily from April 3rd – 24th, excluding Mondays, Tuesdays and Easter Sunday. Keeneland is open to the public each morning from 5:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. for morning workouts. Experience world-class equestrian sport at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event There’s truly nothing like this special event. Each year, the world’s top eventing athletes converge on the Kentucky Horse Park to compete for the title. The Defender Kentucky Three Day Event is one of only seven CCI 5* events in the world, which is the highest level of the Olympic sport of eventing. The competition begins on Thursday, April 23 with the dressage phase, followed up by the cross country phase on Saturday, April 25 and the conclusion, stadium jumping on Sunday, April 26. Along with the eventing competition, the Kentucky International CSI5* show jumping competition will take place, Wednesday through Saturday, presented by our friends at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute! Learn more about this event and purchase tickets here. Cross Country Day (Saturday, April 25) at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event is known for thrilling competition. The event concludes on Sunday, April 26 with the excitement of stadium jumping. Tour a farm in the Horse Capital of the World While we’re biased, there’s truly nothing like getting up close with horses. Whether you’re feeding a horse a carrot for the first time or snuggling a horse for the tenth time that day, we firmly believe that horses are good for the soul. Horse Country is lucky to work with touring partners that believe this as well, providing interactive experiences with horses throughout Kentucky’s Bluegrass region. Spring is foaling season, which means that thousands of young horses are growing up on the rolling hills of Central Kentucky. If petting horses sounds like your jam, you’ll love visiting momma mares and baby foals at a nursery farm or seeing adoptable horses at an aftercare or sanctuary farm. These tours allow for guests to get up close and personal with mares and foals or adoptable horses, often in training for second careers after retiring from the racetrack. Family friendly tours are available at many of Horse Country’s touring locations. Pet and feed horses on an interactive tour in Horse Country. Eat and Explore Local While you’re here for the horses, take some time to enjoy the many things that Central Kentucky has to offer. One of our favorite ways to spend a morning in Lexington starts out in Downtown! The Lexington Farmers Market takes place in downtown each Saturday, and is a great spot to grab coffee and breakfast items, along with locally made items, and of course, farm fresh groceries! Once you’re done perusing the market, head into the Old Courthouse and check out the Lexington Visitors Center. Learn about things to do in the area, pick up Lexington-inspired merchandise and more. If a small town is more your vibe, we recommend visiting Midway, Paris or Versailles. These quaint towns each have walkable downtowns with great shopping, places to eat and more. Start planning your trip with our itineraries for each – Day Trip to Paris, Day Trip to Versailles and more. Visit Downtown Lexington to enjoy great eateries, shopping and art. Take a stroll through one of the nearby downtown areas. Take in the beauty of the Bluegrass Let’s face it, we could all use some time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and spend some time outdoors. Join us for a tour and enjoy the beauty of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, the rolling hills and fence lines dotting the horizon make for some scenic views, and we’re always game to get some fresh air! Not sure where to start? We get it, there is a lot to see and do here in Horse Country. We recommend starting out at the Book Your Tour page to check out the different categories and locations of tours that we offer. If you’re still having trouble deciding which tour to book, feel free to reach out to our concierge team at (859) 963-104 or [email protected] and one of our concierge team members will chat about our offerings and find the perfect fit for you and your group.
Guide to the Keeneland Spring Meet April 3, 2026 The Keeneland Spring Meet is one of the most time honored traditions here in Central Kentucky. Whether you’re a Keeneland regular or checking out this National Historic Landmark for the very first time, racing at Keeneland is a special experience. Make the most of your day at the races with our Guide to the Keeneland Spring Meet! The Keeneland Spring race meet begins on Friday, April 3 and continues through Friday, April 24, with no races on Mondays, Tuesdays or Easter Sunday. 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. Tickets will be distributed beginning in late March and can be found in confirmation emails for tickets booked for April tours. Rise and Shine Even if you’re not a morning person, a morning at the track is worth the early alarm and a little extra caffeine to start the day. Training takes place at Keeneland from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., seven days a week. Each morning, the ‘backside’, or barn area, of Keeneland, comes alive before dawn. Horses will take to the track in preparation for their next race, as just like any other athlete, they have a consistent workout routine to stay in tip-top shape. While at Keeneland for morning training, you might see horses out for a casual jog, or completing a more serious ‘breeze’ that mimics the speed of a race more closely. Be on the lookout for Keeneland team members, who are typically on site each morning to answer questions and provide some insider information about the horses you’re seeing. Our recommendation? Get to Keeneland around 8am to enjoy breakfast at the Track Kitchen, beloved by locals for its home-style, Southern meals. You might even see some of racing’s most famous jockeys, owners and trainers. After you’re done eating, drive to the Keeneland Welcome Center, where you can enter the grandstand to watch morning training until 10 a.m. or so. Race Day ‘Musts’ On a race day at Keeneland, there are so many things to see, enjoy and experience. After arriving at the track, we recommend picking up a race day program and heading to the paddock to see the horses as they are saddled before the race. You’ll have a chance to get a good look at each of the contenders before they head to the track! Keeneland has great options for a meal or snack while you’re at the races, from the famed Keeneland burgoo to sweet treats like bread pudding, ice cream and more. Carve out some time in your day to enjoy some of these great bites while you’re at the races. If you’re a cocktail connoisseur, we recommend some of Keeneland signature beverages, the Keeneland Breeze or the Tito’s Trifecta. Just be sure to enjoy responsibly! While you’re there, be sure to soak in the tradition and excitement of a day at Keeneland. This special place is a National Historic Landmark and has been home to some important moments in Kentucky’s racing and cultural history. Before you leave, stop by the Keeneland store for a special memento of your time at the track. From beautiful race day outfits to homegoods that represent the best of the Bluegrass, there’s something for everyone! Our 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. Check in with a BETologist, Keeneland’s resident wagering experts, for handicapping tips. Go Behind-the-Scenes Keeneland offers a variety of experiences that offer a unique look into the world of Thoroughbred racing. The Keeneland Morning Works tour, Keeneland Backstretch tour and Behind-the-Scenes Racing tour are offered during the morning, at various times. These tours are best for guests who are interested in learning more about the history of Keeneland and its impact on the international Thoroughbred racing and sales stages, all while getting an insider’s look at this famed racecourse. The Keeneland Owner’s Experience is offered on select races days, and is truly a one of a kind experience. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the races like a racehorse owner does, including visits to the paddock, walking ring, winner’s circle, and more! Our recommendation? Take a tour of Keeneland for a unique experience unlike any other. You’ll have the chance to visit exclusive areas and hear fascinating stories from your expert guide. Explore Lexington, Kentucky Whether you’re a Lexington local or traveling to the area to attend the races, fall is a special time to visit and experience the best of what the region has to offer. Kentucky is most well known for two things – horses and bourbon – both of which are prominent here in the greater Lexington area. We’re proud to partner with 28 horse farms and facilities who have opened their gates to tour guests. If you’ve ever wanted to meet a Kentucky Derby winner, feed carrots to future champions or just learn about the intriguing world of horses, Horse Country is here to connect you with the perfect experience. Our friends at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail work with dozens of bourbon distilleries around the state that offer tours and special experiences – many of which are available daily. For both horse farm and bourbon tours, we recommend planning ahead & booking early to ensure the best availability! Lexington is also home to a great restaurant scene, from upscale steakhouses to hole-in-the-wall spots. VisitLex is an incredible resource to help you find your ideal eatery, from international cuisine to local spots, food trucks and more. If you’re interested in learning even more abuot Lexington’s food culture, and history, Bites of the Bluegrass offers incredible walking food tours in downtown. If a day spent outdoors on a hiking trail is more up your alley, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington is a great escape located not too far out of town. Take a drive east to Red River Gorge to spend the day exploring some of Kentucky’s most famed natural wonders including Natural Bridge State Park.
Future Champions Itinerary March 23, 2026 Thousands of Thoroughbred foals are born each year across Central Kentucky. The rolling hills and nutrient-rich bluegrass of the region help horses develop strong bones and muscles, making this one of the best places in the entire world to raise young horses. Some of the world’s best racehorses were born and raised right here in the Lexington, Kentucky area, and we always say that you’ll never know who you’ll meet on a Horse Country tour! That foal you take a selfie with could go on to be the next Kentucky Derby winner. This ‘Future Champions’ Itinerary visits farms with strong connections to the Kentucky Derby, including two farms where Kentucky Derby champions were born and two farms where Derby winners currently reside. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with foals and see some of the champion sires who reside in the Bluegrass region. This itinerary is based on tour availability on Thursdays and Fridays in Spring and Summer of 2026. Thursday EXPLORE Make a stop in Downtown Versailles before heading to your tour of Gainsborough Farm. Grab a coffee and pastry at The Amsden, a local favorite with great drinks + popular seasonal flavors. Take a stroll through the charming downtown area, and grab a selfie in from of the Horse Country mural! TOUR 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in Versailles Visit the birthplace of 2025 Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty – Gainsborough Farm! Gainsborough Farm is one of two nursery farms in Central Kentucky owned by Godolphin, the largest Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation in the world. On this shuttle tour, you’ll meet mares and foals, while learning about the incredible racehorses raised on this property. Plus, you might even see Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous, along with many other famed racehorses. The Gainsborough Farm shuttle tour is available on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Click here to learn more and book your tour. Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty in his early days at Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Kentucky Enjoy a shuttle ride through the farm to meet mares and foals at Gainsborough Farm EAT & EXPLORE Head to the small town of Midway, Kentucky for a meal, shopping and more. Stroll through the downtown area that feels like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie, and be sure to stop by Midway Makers Market, Midway Art Studios or some of the other darling shops for a keepsake from your time in the Bluegrass. Enjoy lunch at the Brown Barrel or Midway Bakery & Cafe, two of our favorite local spots to grab a bite to eat between tours! Take a stroll through Downtown Midway, home to local shops and eateries Grab a bite to eat at the Midway Bakery & Cafe TOUR 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet past Kentucky Derby winners and potential future champions on a tour of Airdrie Stud! This tour begins at the stallion division where you’ll see two Kentucky Derby winners – Mystik Dan and Mage – in their new careers as stallions. After visiting with these studs, you’ll drive through the farm to see mares and foals. You never know who you’ll meet when visiting these sweet babies! Tours of Airdrie Stud are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. (Summer tours offered at 10 a.m.). Click here to learn more and book your tour. Meet Kentucky Derby winners Mage and Mystik Dan at Airdrie Stud Get up close and personal to future champions when you visit the nursery division of Airdrie Stud FRIDAY TOUR 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. in Lexington Start your day with a tour of Magdalena Farm, the Lexington base for leading racehorse trainer Kenny McPeek. On this tour, you’ll get a chance to see mares, foals, yearlings and even some racehorses in training. Magdalena Farm is most well known for being the birthplace of Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, who was trained by McPeek for the entirety of his racing career. You might even meet his dam, or mother, Ma’am! Tours of Magdalena are offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at various times. Click here to learn more and book your tour Meet momma mares and baby foals on a tour of Magdalena Farm in Lexington Ma’am, the dam of Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, and her 2026 foal, a colt by Into Mischief EAT 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Enjoy lunch at Windy Corner Market, owned and operated by beloved local restaurateur Ouita Michel. Windy Corner is perfectly placed among rolling hills and horse farms, with a menu that is as quintesentially Kentucky as it gets! We recommend grabbing an Ale-8 (Kentucky’s signature soda) with your meal and heading to one of the picnic tables to enjoy lunch, and the scenery. Windy Corner Market is located between Lexington and Paris, the perfect stopping point between horse farm tours! Enjoy some comfort food, baked goods and a bottle of Ale-8, Kentucky’s signature soda TOUR 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wrap up your visit with a tour of the stallion division of Spendthrift Farm in Lexington. Tours of Spendthrift begin in the incredible B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Center, where you’ll see memorabilia from some of racing’s biggest events, including the blanket of roses worn by Authentic after his Kentucky Derby win. From there, you’ll walk to the stallion barns, home to many leading stallinos, including Into Mischief, sire of three Kentucky Derby winners, and one of his Derby-winning sons, Authentic. You’ll learn more about Thoroughbred breeding and racing and see the stallions whose bloodlines are producing the next generation of superstar athletes. Tours of Spendthrift Farm are offered on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Click here to learn more and book your tour See the blanket of roses and trophy won by 2020 Kentucky Derby champion Authentic View a selection of the Spendthrift Farm stallions Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in Spring and Summer of 2026. 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.
Five Horse Farms where you can meet a Kentucky Derby Winner March 19, 2026 If you have ever wanted to meet a Kentucky Derby winner, look no further than these five farms in Kentucky’s Horse Country. While the Kentucky Derby is in Louisville, Lexington is home to Kentucky Derby winners. These farms offer tours of their stallion divisions where guests can see these equine stars in their retirement at stud, where they are producing the next generation of champions! Most stallion tours are hands-off experiences, though you’ll have the chance to take photos and admire these horses in their incredible surroundings. Airdrie Stud Airdrie Stud in Midway, Kentucky has a rich history of raising champion Thoroughbreds. Legends like Lexington, Preakness and more once called this storied land home. Today, the farm is home to two Kentucky Derby winners. Mystik Dan won the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in a thrilling photo finish, and recently retired to stud duty at Airdrie. Mage, winner of the 2023 Run for the Roses, is in his second year at stud. Tours of Airdrie Stud are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning in April through August. These tours offer an interactive experience with horses of all ages, and you might even get to feed a peppermint to a Kentucky Derby winner! Book a Tour Coolmore at Ashford Stud Coolmore at Ashford Stud is widely known as the Home of Champions, thanks to their stellar roster of stallions. That famed stallion roster is headlined by Justify, who won the 2018 Kentucky Derby on the way to his historic Triple Crown victory. Tours of Coolmore at Ashford Stud are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m. throughout the year. These tours include a stallion showing and a walk through the stallion barns at Ashford Stud. Book a Tour Darby Dan Farm Lexington’s Darby Dan Farm is exactly what you might imagine when you think of a classic Kentucky horse farm. The farm was even a filming location for Disney’s major motion picture, Secretariat! The farm is home to Country House, who wore the iconic blanket of roses in 2019. Country House has become a quality stallion, with stakes winning progeny early in his stallion career. Darby Dan Farm offers private experiences year-round. These tours are best for small groups looking for an intimate experience on a horse farm, where you’ll see stallions or mares and foals, depending on the time of year. Book a Tour Jonabell Farm Jonabell Farm in Lexington is home to two Kentucky Derby winners, and is home to the trophy of 2025 Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty. When visiting Jonabell Farm, you’re most likely to see 2016 winner Nyquist and 2007 winner Street Sense enjoying time in their paddocks. You’ll hear about what these racing legends have in common aside from their Derby victory, and get a look at the impressive stallion division. While visiting Jonabell, be sure to snap a photo of Sovereignty’s 2025 Kentucky Derby trophy, the featured piece in their legendary trophy room. Tours of Jonabell Farm are offered Thursday through Sunday at 10 a.m. through October. Book a Tour Spendthrift Farm Spendthrift Farm in Lexington is the only place in the entire world where you can meet a Kentucky Derby winner and his sire. 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic stands at stud alongside his sire, or father, Into Mischief. Spendthrift is known worldwide for its impact on Thoroughbred breeding and racing, and is home to mares, foals and stallions. Their state-of-the-art B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Center is a must-see for any fans of horse racing or history. Spendthrift Farm offers stallion tours at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. These tours start at the Visitors Center before venturing to the stallion barns, where there will typically be a short stallion show before a walk through the barns. Book a Tour
Valentine’s Day Carrot-Gram Fundraiser February 9, 2026 Love is in the air in Horse Country! Join us this Valentine’s Day to express our love and gratitude to our horses here in Horse Country. There’s no better way to ask your favorite horse to be your equine valentine than sending them a carrot! Plus, this year, send your favorite Kentucky Derby winner a rose! In the spirit of sharing our love for the horses, land and people of Kentucky, we will be donating proceeds from these purchases to the Stable Recovery program. Please note, not all carrot-grams will be delivered on February 14th. Each horse will be fed carrots as befitting their diet and overall health. Tour a horse farm on Valentine’s Day Looking for a fun activity on Valentine’s Day? Join us for a tour of a local horse farm! From stallions to mares and foals to adoptable horses, there’s a lot to see, and even more noses to boop and horses to pet! 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Keeneland Morning Works Tour in Lexington 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour in Nicholasville 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Valentine’s ‘Carrot-Gram’ Tour at BraveHearts Equine Center in Paris 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Mill Ridge Farm Tour in Lexington 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares & Foals Tour in Nicholasville 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Second Stride Tour in Prospect 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at Chestnut Hall Tour in Prospect 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WinStar Farm Stallion Tour in Versailles 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Mill Ridge Farm Tour in Lexington 1 p.m. – 12 p.m. Kentucky Equine Adoption Center in Nicholasville
Derby Week Horse Farm Tours January 30, 2026 There are many ways to visit Horse Country for this year’s edition of the Kentucky Derby – whether you want to join in a public tour or see if there is a private experience that suits your group best. It’s our busiest time of the year, so be sure to get your ticketsfor Derby Week horse farm tours soon! After all, Louisville may be home to the Kentucky Derby, but Horse Country is home to Kentucky Derby winners! Our Derby Week horse farm tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to breed, raise, and train champion equine athletes. From the farms who bred and raised the Kentucky Derby winners of the past to the homes of Kentucky Derby winners in the present and the future Kentucky Derby dreams in foals across the Bluegrass – experience the Kentucky Derby traditions of Horse Country. Click Here to Book Your Tour Derby Week Horse Farm Public Tour Schedules Derby Week is considered Wednesday, April 29 – Sunday, May 3. Availability is subject to change as tours sell out. We recommend booking early to guarantee the best availability! Need assistance with booking? Reach out to our customer service team by phone at (859) 963-1004 or by email at [email protected]. Wednesday, April 29 Sunrise Training Tour at Keeneland – 7:30 a.m. Keeneland Morning Works Tour – 8:30 a.m. Keeneland Morning Works Tour – 9 a.m. Keeneland Backstretch Tour – 9 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 9 a.m. Denali Stud – 10 a.m. Godolphin at Gainsborough Farm – 10 a.m. Godolphin at Jonabell Farm – 10 a.m. Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – 10 a.m. McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm – 10 a.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 10 a.m. Second Stride – 10 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares & Foals Tour – 10 a.m. Lane’s End Farm Stallion Tour – 10:30 a.m. Pin Oak Stud Training Center Experience – 10:30 a.m. Spy Coast Farm Grand Tour – 10:30 a.m. Spendthrift Farm Shuttle Experience – 11 a.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 11 a.m. Extended Shuttle Tour of WinStar Farm – 11:30 a.m. Lane’s End Farm Stallion Tour – 12 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares & Foals Tour – 12 p.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 12:30 p.m. Spendthrift Farm Stallion Tour – 12:30 p.m. Gainesway Farm – 1 p.m. Godolphin at Gainsborough Farm – 1 p.m. Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – 1 p.m. New Vocations – 1 p.m. Pin Oak Nursery Experience – 1 p.m. Secretariat Center – 1 p.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 1 p.m. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute – 1:30 p.m. Hallway Feeds – 1:30 p.m. Denali Stud – 2 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 2 p.m. Coolmore at Ashford Stud – 2:30 p.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 2:30 p.m. Airdrie Stud – 3 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30 Sunrise Training Tour at Keeneland – 7:30 a.m. Keeneland Morning Works Tour – 8:30 a.m. BraveHearts Equine Center – 9 a.m. Keeneland Morning Works Tour – 9 a.m. Keeneland Backstretch Tour – 9 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 9 a.m. Lane’s End Farm Stallion Tour – 9 a.m. Denali Stud – 10 a.m. Godolphin at Gainsborough Farm – 10 a.m. Godolphin at Jonabell Farm – 10 a.m. Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – 10 a.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 10 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 10 a.m. Second Stride – 10 a.m. Pin Oak Stud Nursery Tour – 10:30 a.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 11 a.m. Three Chimneys Farm – 11 a.m. BraveHearts Equine Center – 12 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 12 p.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 12:30 p.m. Spendthrift Farm Stallion Tour – 12:30 p.m. Godolphin at Gainsborough Farm – 1 p.m. Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – 1 p.m. McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm -1 p.m. Pin Oak Stud Nursery Tour – 1 p.m. Secretariat Center – 1 p.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 1 p.m. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute – 1:30 p.m. Hallway Feeds – 1:30 p.m. Denali Stud – 2 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 2 p.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 2:30 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 Sunrise Training Tour at Keeneland – 7:30 a.m. Keeneland Morning Works Tour – 8:30 a.m. Keeneland Morning Works Tour – 9 a.m. Keeneland Backstretch Tour – 9 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 9 a.m. Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – 10 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 10 a.m. Pin Oak Stud Nursery Tour – 10:30 a.m. Spy Coast Farm Grand Tour – 10:30 a.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 11 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 12 p.m. Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – 1 p.m. New Vocations – 1 p.m. Pin Oak Stud Nursery Tour – 1 p.m. Secretariat Center – 1 p.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 1 p.m. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute – 1:30 p.m. Hallway Feeds – 1:30 p.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 2 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 2 p.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 3 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2 Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 9 a.m. Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – 10 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 10 a.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 11 a.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 11 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 12 p.m. Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – 1 p.m. Pin Oak Stud Nursery Tour – 1 p.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 1 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 2 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3 Keeneland Morning Works Tour – 9 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 9 a.m. Godolphin at Gainsborough Farm – 10 a.m. Godolphin at Jonabell Farm – 10 a.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 10 a.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 10 a.m. Lane’s End Farm Stallion Tour – 10:30 a.m. Spy Coast Farm Grand Tour – 10:30 a.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 11 a.m. Lane’s End Farm Stallion Tour – 12 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 12 p.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 12:30 p.m. Godolphin at Gainsborough Farm – 1 p.m. McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm – 1 p.m. Pin Oak Stud Nursery Tour – 1 p.m. TRF at Chestnut Hall – 1 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Mares and Foals Tour – 2 p.m. Mill Ridge Farm – 2:30 p.m. Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour – 3:30 p.m. Meet momma mares and their foals, the next generation of equine champions. Meet Kentucky Derby winning stallions like Authentic (Spendthrift Farm) on a Derby Week horse farm tour. Derby Week Horse Farm Private Tour Schedules Private tours are best for small groups interested in booking an intimate experience on a horse farm – just for you and your group of up to 10. These tours are booked by request, and may be flexible on start time. Need assistance with booking? Reach out to our customer service team by phone at (859) 963-1004 or by email at [email protected]. Have a group larger than 10? Please reach out to our Lead Concierge Jamie Hulet by email at [email protected], and she will assist you in arranging a private or large group experience. We can accomodate groups of 50+ with advance notice, though Derby Week availability may be limited! Wednesday, April 29 Private Training Center Experience at WinStar Farm – 8:30 a.m. Private Experience at Mill Ridge Farm – 9 a.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 10 a.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 11 a.m. Private Experience at WinStar Farm – 1 p.m. Private Meet the Stallion Experience at WinStar Farm – 1 p.m. Private Experience at TRF at Chestnut Hall – 2 p.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 2:30 p.m. Private Experience at Mill Ridge Farm – 3 p.m. Thursday, April 30 Private Experience at Mill Ridge Farm – 9 a.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 10 a.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 11 a.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 1 p.m. Private Experience at TRF at Chestnut Hall – 2 p.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 2:30 p.m. Private Experience at Mill Ridge Farm – 3 p.m. Friday, May 1 Private Experience at New Vocations – 10 a.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 11 a.m. Private Experience at TRF at Chestnut Hall – 2 p.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2 Private Experience at New Vocations – 10 a.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 11 a.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 1 p.m. Private Experience at TRF at Chestnut Hall – 2 p.m. Private Experience at New Vocations – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3 Private Experience at Mill Ridge Farm – 9 a.m. Private Experience at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – 1 p.m. Private Experience at TRF at Chestnut Hall – 2 p.m. Private Experience at Mill Ridge Farm – 3 p.m. Click Here to View Private Tours Private tours are great for guests interested in a uniquely Kentucky experience during Derby Week. Get up close and personal to horses in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region.
Five Reasons to Tour a Horse Farm in 2026 January 27, 2026 In honor of National Plan for Vacation Day, we’ve compiled some of our top reasons to add a horse farm tour through Horse Country to your 2026 bucket list. While this isn’t a fully-inclusive list of why you should visit the Horse Capital of the World, we hope it gets the creative juices flowing as you look to plan trips in 2026. Spring is just around the corner, and it’s always great to start planning early to ensure you can check off all of the must-see locations on your itinerary. Let’s take a look at some of the best reasons to book a horse farm tour through Horse Country, though there are admittedly too many for us to list! Meet equine champions Central Kentucky is home to some of the biggest names in horse racing, from Kentucky Derby winners to Breeders’ Cup champions. These equine celebrities have found success on the biggest of stages, and are now living at top-level breeding farms. Some of the a-listers you could see while here in Horse Country include… Triple Crown winner Justify (Coolmore at Ashford Stud), Kentucky Derby winners Mystik Dan & Mage (Airdrie Stud), Nyquist & Street Sense (Jonabell Farm), Horse of the Year and Breeders’ Cup Classic winners Authentic (Spendthrift Farm) and Flightline (Lane’s End Farm). Check out our Champion Studs tour page for more details on how to visit the homes of equine superstars like these and more. Enjoy authentic experiences you won’t find anywhere else When joining a Horse Country tour, you are getting an authentic experience in the Horse Capital of the World. Our members are working horse farms and facilities, with top-notch tour guides that know the ins and outs of not only the farm itself, but the equine industry as a whole. Each tour is a new experience, you may see a Kentucky Derby winner getting a bath, a foal on its first day of life, or witness an equine surgery with some of the best veterinarians in the world. There is truly nowhere else but Kentucky where you can get a behind-the-scenes equine experience like these tours. Get up close and personal in the Horse Capital of the World While we’re biased, there’s truly nothing like getting up close with horses. Whether you’re feeding a horse a carrot for the first time or snuggling a horse for the tenth time that day, we firmly believe that horses are good for the soul. Horse Country is lucky to work with touring partners that believe this as well, providing interactive experiences with horses throughout Kentucky’s Bluegrass region. If petting horses sounds like your jam, you’ll love visiting momma mares and baby foals at a nursery farm or seeing adoptable horses at an aftercare or sanctuary farm. These tours allow for guests to get up close and personal with mares and foals or adoptable horses, often in training for second careers after retiring from the racetrack. Go behind the scenes into the world of equine care Our membership spans not only horse farms, but equine care facilities that support the physical health of horses from the foaling barn to the finish line, and beyond. Tours of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute take guests through the many facets of a working equine hospital, including their surgery and medicine centers that services all kinds of equines – from lesson horses to Olympic competitors. Hallway Feeds is known as the feed mill of champions, and for good reason, as horses fueled by Hallway regularly perform at the top level of all types of equestrian sport. Visits to Keeneland Racecourse provide a unique look into the life of a racehorse, including their morning training routine and what it takes to make it to the starting gate. Take in the beauty of the Bluegrass Let’s face it, we could all use some time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and spend some time outdoors. Join us for a tour and enjoy the beauty of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, the rolling hills and fence lines dotting the horizon make for some scenic views, and we’re always game to get some fresh air! Not sure where to start? We get it, there is a lot to see and do here in Horse Country. We recommend starting out at the Book Your Tour page to check out the different categories and locations of tours that we offer. If you’re still having trouble deciding which tour to book, feel free to reach out to our concierge team at (859) 963-104 or [email protected] and one of our concierge team members will chat about our offerings and find the perfect fit for you and your group.
Winter in Woodford County Itinerary January 27, 2026 Woodford County sits in the heart of Kentucky’s Horse Country, just a 20 minute drive from downtown Lexington, and is home to dozens of top horse farms. Make the most of winter in the Bluegrass with this day trip itinerary, centered on Versailles and Woodford County, with tours of two well-known horse farms, a distillery, and other local favorites. This itinerary is based on tour availability on Thursdays and Fridays in January, February and March of 2026. EXPLORE Make a stop in Downtown Versailles before heading to your tour of Pin Oak Stud. Grab a coffee and pastry at The Amsden, a local favorite with great drinks + popular seasonal flavors. Take a stroll through the charming downtown area, and grab a selfie in from of the Horse Country mural! TOUR Get an inside look at how Thoroughbred racehorses are trained and cared for at Pin Oak Stud in Versailles. Pin Oak is a private breeding and racing operation with a focus on raising homebreds for success on the racetrack. A large part of this process is starting and training many of their own racehorses at the farm’s training center. When visiting the Pin Oak Stud Training Center, you’ll have the opportunity to meet some of their horses in training, see horses train on the track or in the shedrow, and learn about the process of getting horses ready to go to the racetrack. The Pin Oak Stud Training Center Experience is available on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Click here to learn more and book your tour. EAT Grab lunch at Ricardo’s in Downtown Versailles, a local favorite loved for its casual, American fare. Ricardos is located in a former railroad station that once served Versailles at the peak of rail travel. Grab a sandwich, salad, pasta or another meal in between farm tours (P.S. be sure to get some of the house-made chips!). Plus, check out their wide selection of Kentucky bourbon at the bar. TOUR Head to Coolmore at Ashford Stud, widely known as the ‘Home of Champions’. Ashford Stud is the American headquarters of world-renowned breeding and racing operation Coolmore, and where you’ll find their stallions! Tours of Coolmore visit the stallion division, where you’ll have the chance to see a stallion or two shown, then the tour visits three stallion barns to view the horses in their stalls. This tour is great for guests looking to see champion racehorses turned leading studs, and for anyone with an interest in learning more about Kentucky’s breeding industry. On the tour, you might see famed horses like Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown winner Justify, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone, Netflix ‘Race for the Crown’ star Fierceness, or many others. Winter tours of Coolmore at Ashford Stud are available on Thursdays and Fridays at 2:30pm. Click here to learn more and book your tour. EXPLORE Warm up with a visit to Woodford Reserve Distillery, just a few miles from Coolmore at Ashford Stud. Woodford Reserve offers immersive tours + tastings that provide a unique insight into the world of Bourbon. Even if you don’t have time for a tour, we highly recommend visiting the gift shop to grab a drink from the bar and pick up a bottle of Bourbon or another gift to commemorate your time in Kentucky. As always, be sure to enjoy responsibly, and check out our friends at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for more details about Bourbon tours in Kentucky. Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in January, February and March of 2026. 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.
