COVID-19 Updates

Updates from Horse Country & Our Members

Missing tours and need a break from COVID content? Check out our FREE virtual tours here.

Update 8/17/2021

8.17.21 We understand COVID-19 continues to be a factor in how our guests and members participate in experiences. We and our members are committed to providing safe and fun experiences in Horse Country, and recommendations and best practices may change based on changing circumstances. Please be sure to note any policies that are in place in tour descriptions and/or confirmations. If you have specific questions about any experience, please feel free to contact us at 859-963-1004 or [email protected].

If you are not feeling well or have any symptoms of illness, we kindly ask that you plan to not participate on a tour.  

Thank you for all your support and for visiting. We look forward to having you soon!

Update 6/21/2021

6.21.21 Effective June 11, 2021, in accordance with direction from the Governor’s office, the state of Kentucky lifted all capacity restrictions on events/activities as well as the statewide mask mandate.
Horse Country member locations may have unique or individual policies and procedures related to COVID-19, and we are working hard to keep all information on tour descriptions and confirmation emails up to date. If you have specific questions about any experience, please feel free to contact us at 859-963-1004 or [email protected].

If you are not feeling well or have any symptoms of illness, we kindly ask that you plan to not participate on a tour.  

Some members have not yet reopened tours for 2021; we will continue to update subscribers (subscribe below!) and voucher holders from 2020 as soon as tours are updated. 
Thank you for all your support and for visiting. We look forward to having you soon!

Update 5/12/2021

5.12.21 Since Horse Country reopened in July last year, we and our members have been offering outdoor-focused, fun & interactive experiences with updating COVID protocols. More and more tours are being offered, and more members are re-joining the touring program. You can check all available tours here, private tours here, and tours for the next few days here.  

We recognize that, for safety & comfort of our guests and our members, COVID-related adjustments can be important. Please note that, in accordance with ongoing and changing recommendations, members are making individual adjustments to those COVID protocols. We are updating all experiences with changes as we know them. If you have questions about what to expect from your experience, please contact us. 

Some members have not yet reopened tours for 2021; we will continue to update subscribers (subscribe below!) and voucher holders from 2020 as soon as tours are updated. Other questions? Please feel free to contact us at 859-963-1004 or [email protected].

Update 4/22/21

4.22.21 Happy Triple Crown season, guests! We appreciate your interest in visiting with us in Horse Country. While closed for a period in 2020, Horse Country has been offering outdoor-focused, fun & interactive experiences with COVID protocols in place for several months now. More and more tours are being offered, and more members are re-joining the touring program. You can check all available tours here, private tours here, and tours for the next few days here.  

We recognize that, for safety & comfort of our guests and our members, COVID-related adjustments can be important. While specific capacities and adjustments are up to each member, here are some of the steps we’re taking to make sure you have a safe and fun experience with us:

  • Outdoor tours – most of our locations offer experiences focused in outdoor areas and/or open air facilities
  • Social distancing – large spaces and small groups support social distancing best practices
  • Masks on tours – guests & guides are asked to wear masks throughout tours
  • Reduced capacity – tour capacity has been reduced from normal sizes
  • Private options – new private options are now available for your family or group to book without the company of other guests on your tour. 
  • Flexible booking policies for COVID related cancellations – if your plans have been impacted by COVID-related concerns, we have implemented new flexible rescheduling policies so you can care for yourself, your family and others around you.  

Some members have not yet reopened tours for 2021; we will continue to update subscribers (subscribe below!) and voucher holders from 2020 as soon as tours are updated. Other questions? Please feel free to contact us at 859-963-1004 or [email protected].

Update 3/1/21

UPDATE 3/1/21Thank you for considering a visit to Horse Country! Spring is always one of the most popular times to visit us and we’re happy to be offering safe and fun experiences at more and more member locations, all with COVID-safe protocols in place for your safety and comfort. You can check all available tours here, private tours here, and tours for the next few days here.  
Here are some of the steps we’re taking to make sure you have a safe and fun experience with us:

  • Outdoor tours – most of our locations offer experiences focused in outdoor areas and/or open air facilities
  • Social distancing – large spaces and small groups support social distancing best practices
  • Masks on tours – guests & guides wear masks throughout tours
  • Reduced capacity – tour capacity has been reduced from normal sizes
  • Private options – new private options are now available for your family or group to book without the company of other guests on your tour. 
  • Flexible booking policies for COVID related cancellations – if your plans have been impacted by COVID-related concerns, we have implemented new flexible rescheduling policies so you can care for yourself, your family and others around you.  

Some members have not yet reopened tours for 2021; we will continue to update subscribers (subscribe below!) and voucher holders from 2020 as soon as tours are updated. Other questions? Please feel free to contact us at 859-963-1004 or [email protected].

Update 1/19/21

UPDATE 1/19/21

Our commitment to fan development and delivering memorable experiences in 2021 is as strong as ever. What we learned during touring season 2020 informs our decisions in 2021 with your best interest in mind.  Our priority is a convenient and uneventful experience for all our guests, which includes minimizing the need to change or cancel scheduled Horse Country tours. To that end, tour dates may not be available for booking as far in advance as they have been historically. 

As our member locations are ready to safely host tours again, those dates and locations will be bookable on our site. If a specific location is not listed or no dates are available to book, they are not yet hosting or their planned date to resume is not yet available to book.

If you are a voucher holder from a cancelled experience from 2020, you will receive priority notification for early booking as appropriate and timely.  We will reach out with such updated information as it is available for those locations and/or for high demand tour times. 

We continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our community and are guided by state and national advisories on tourist and group activities.  We appreciate your patience as we navigate what continues to be dynamic circumstances. 


If you have other questions, feel free to reach out: [email protected] or 859-963-1004 and we will be glad to assist. 

Update 12/14/20

UPDATE 12/14

As we prepare for a new year, the staff and members of Horse Country are incredibly grateful for the kind and enthusiastic support our guests have offered. You have given encouraging words, booked visits with us, been flexible with changes and respectful of necessary COVID adjustments including reduced group sizes, masks and wellness checks.

We know that, despite recent positive news of the COVID-19 vaccine, circumstances around travel including regulations, requirements and guest comfort may continue to change rapidly. The team at Horse Country will continue to be available for questions and will update this site with any new policies or information as we know them. 

Tours for 2021 will be posted on the site for sale, but for a limited bookahed basis, in order to reduce complications of reschedules or refunds, and provide the best service we possibly can during changing circumstances. Most members have indicated they plan to resume touring in 2021, but we do not yet know details for many of them, so stay tuned, reach out and of course subscribe to our updates (scroll to the bottom of this page to sign up for our free e-newsletter) for all the latest!

We wish you the happiest of holidays and all the best for the new year, and we look forward to hosting you again soon!

Update 8/3/20

UPDATE 8/3

On July 27, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear recommended visitors coming from any state or territory with a current positive test rate of 15% or higher should self-quarantine upon entering Kentucky. If you are visiting from out of state and have a tour scheduled within that timeframe, you may contact us to reschedule, receive a voucher or refund for a tour date at a later time. At the time of this announcement, the states included are:   

1. Alabama

2. Arizona

3. Florida

4. Georgia

5. Idaho

6. Mississippi

7. Nevada

8. Puerto Rico

9. South Carolina

10. Texas

Effective July 10, 2020 at 5PM, the Governor of Kentucky has mandated face masks be worn in public. Tour protocols have been updated accordingly. Please plan to bring and wear a mask.
We would also like to reiterate:
While any public space presents a risk of exposure to COVID-19, we are working with our members to establish protocols and adjustments that enhance sanitation, limit access to enclosed spaces, and provide ample space for guests to distance. Additionally, members are monitoring the health of workers and are following guidelines for symptomatic or exposed employees. 

Likewise, we ask you to do the same. As tours reopen, we will be asking our guests to be responsible travelers – if you have been exposed or are feeling unwell, please do not attend experiences. If you are running a fever of more than 100.4 we will ask you please to stay home until a later date. If your tour is impacted by exposure or illness, please contact us and we are happy to reschedule you. 

Update 7/13/20

UPDATE 7/13:
Effective July 10, 2020 at 5PM, the Governor of Kentucky has mandated face masks be worn in public. Tour protocols have been updated accordingly. Please plan to bring and wear a mask.

Though some tours have re-opened and some activity has resumed, there is still the possibility that scheduled tours could be subject to change or cancellation. If your confirmed tour is impacted in any way, you will be contacted by Horse Country as soon as manageable.

We would also like to reiterate:
While any public space presents a risk of exposure to COVID-19, we are working with our members to establish protocols and adjustments that enhance sanitation, limit access to enclosed spaces, and provide ample space for guests to distance. Additionally, members are monitoring the health of workers and are following guidelines for symptomatic or exposed employees. 

Likewise, we ask you to do the same. As tours reopen, we will be asking our guests to be responsible travelers – if you have been exposed or are feeling unwell, please do not attend experiences. If you are running a fever of more than 100.4 we will ask you please to stay home until a later date. If your tour is impacted by exposure or illness, please contact us and we are happy to reschedule you. 

Also, please note: there are third party service fees associated with making a booking at one of our member locations – cancellations initiated by the guest do mean that the guest incurs those nonrefundable fees, so we just want you to know: if you’re unsure about your plans, we feel confident that there will be availability even if you wait a bit longer to book your tickets and firm up plans. If you have questions about your visit or want to talk it through with one of us, feel free to call 859-963-1004. See you soon!  
If you’re interested in finding out more about tours upcoming, please check our upcoming tours page or this update.  

Update 5/29/20

UPDATE 5/29: Please be advised that, due to the impact of COVID-19 on our business operations, the staff of Horse Country, Inc. are furloughed to a part-time basis. While we will continue to provide service to guests and members during this time, please be patient as response times may be slower than normal. Despite the incredible impact of this pandemic on our not-for-profit organization, we remain appreciative to our guests and members and look forward with hope to the future. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about tours upcoming, please check our upcoming tours page or this update.  

Update 5/21/20

UPDATE 5/21: On May 19, Governor Beshear provided updated guidance that outdoor attractions may reopen beginning June 8. In accordance with that guidance, some members of Horse Country may be reopening through the month of June; others will reopen at later dates. If you’re interested in being updated on new dates, you can always join our email list by subscribing below (scroll to the bottom).

While any public space presents a risk of exposure to COVID-19, we are working with our members to establish protocols and adjustments that enhance sanitation, limit access to enclosed spaces, and provide ample space for guests to distance. Additionally, members are monitoring the health of workers and are following guidelines for symptomatic or exposed employees. 

Likewise, we ask you to do the same. As tours reopen, we will be asking our guests to be responsible travelers – if you have been exposed or are feeling unwell, please do not attend experiences. If you are running a fever of more than 100.4 we will ask you please to stay home until a later date. If your tour is impacted by exposure or illness, please contact us and we are happy to reschedule you. 

Also, please note: there are third party service fees associated with making a booking at one of our member locations – cancellations initiated by the guest do mean that the guest incurs those nonrefundable fees, so we just want you to know: if you’re unsure about your plans, we feel confident that there will be availability even if you wait a bit longer to book your tickets and firm up plans. If you have questions about your visit or want to talk it through with one of us, feel free to call 859-963-1004. See you soon!  

Update 5/11/20

UPDATE 5/11: Today, in Kentucky, things are beginning to change. Our Governor has begun reopening parts of our Commonwealth to activity on a guided plan. While tours are cancelled through the month of May, we don’t have specific information to share with you about future dates yet. We do want you to know we’re working every day to establish best practices for future tours to keep your health and wellbeing, and that of our teams, at the forefront of operations. We look forward to a time we can welcome you back safely and will share updated information as we have it.

Currently, some June tours do still have dates, though it’s possible additional cancellations could occur through the future (including dates beyond June, based on evolving information). We also understand you may be hesitant to book right now for the future, so if we can answer any questions at all, please never hesitate to reach out. We’ll do our best to work with guests and again look forward to welcoming you soon!

We’re asking for your help during this time – if a tour is cancelled, or your travel is impacted, would you consider accepting a voucher for future travel? We know “future travel” is hard to consider right now, so we’re being flexible on the timing; but this will help us be ready to come back strong once things normalize. We also now have gift cards available for sale in case you might consider supporting us in that way for your future travel (available here).

With the postponement of the Kentucky Derby to September 5, we have worked members to ensure all booked guests are able to visit the location(s) of their original booking, on the same day or days of the Derby week as availabile. Our team reached out to everyone who had bookings for the spring Derby week. If you did not hear from us, please check your email – including spam or junk folders – for important information. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 859-963-1004. Thank you for your patience and kindness.

Update 3/17/20

First, we want to thank you for coming to visit us, or considering coming to visit us. Horse Country is a small not for profit organization (if you’ve ever called, chances are you’ve spoken to me, Stephanie or Olivia), and we love that our work is connecting you to our wonderful member locations and their equine charges. 

We recognize, along with the world, this is a constantly evolving situation, with new information sometimes hourly. We’re doing our very best to keep up, make good decisions with our members and update impacted guests as quickly as possible. So, rest assured, if you have an impacted tour – you’ll hear from us. 

As we are a membership organization serving many unique locations, we represent the unique schedules and decisions of those individual places – they too are making their best decisions from day to day. Not everyone is making the same decisions, nor for the same period of time, nor on the same timeline (which is why you may have received more than one contact as cancellations cascade). 

We’re asking for your help during this time – if a tour is cancelled, or your travel is impacted, would you consider accepting a voucher for future travel? We know “future travel” is hard to consider right now, so we’re being flexible on the timing; but this will help us be ready to come back strong once things normalize. We also now have gift cards available for sale in case you might consider supporting us in that way for your future travel (available here).

With the postponement of the Kentucky Derby to September 5, we have worked members to ensure all booked guests are able to visit the location(s) of their original booking, on the same day or days of the Derby week as availabile. Our team reached out to everyone who had bookings for the spring Derby week. If you did not hear from us, please check your email – including spam or junk folders – for important information. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 859-963-1004. Thank you for your patience and kindness.


As always, feel free to reach out to us with questions – [email protected] or 859-963-1004.

Sincerely,
Anne Hardy
Executive Director

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