04 Dec Horse Country Holiday Itinerary
Are you wondering what activities to participate in now that the chilly weather has made an appearance? Lucky for you, Horse Country has December tours available now! Check out our suggested itinerary and explore the wintery beauty of Horse Country for a holiday-themed trip in Kentucky.
Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in December 2024. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.
Thursday
Mill Ridge Farm | 10:30am – 12pm
Enjoy all the horsey-snuggles one can imagine at one of Kentucky’s storied nursery farms. Tours of Mill Ridge Farm include a visit to see their two champion stallions as well as stops to see mares and young horses all throughout the farm. You’ll even get to feed carrots to the mares and the youngin’s, something that’s sure to warm your heart even on the chilliest of days.
May we suggest… an early lunch at Minton‘s after your tour?
Hallway Feeds | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Stay warm and get an inside look into the core of one of Kentucky’s premier feed companies! Guests will immerse themselves in the captivating story of Hallway Feeds, followed by an enlightening tour through the plant to learn about the intricate feed production process. You’ll even get the chance to get hands-on and taste the essence of the feed-making experience!
Be sure to check out… one of the many distillery tours in Central Kentucky! The Bluegrass is known for horses and bourbon, and there are a number of distillery tours in Lexington and the surrounding cities. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is the ultimate resource for all things bourbon, be sure to check out their website to find your perfect tour.
Friday
May we suggest…Black Type Coffee in Midway before your tour for coffee or cocoa and a treat? Be sure to check out the shopping in downtown Midway while you’re there.
Spy Coast Farm | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Visit Spy Coast Farm, one of the industry’s leading sporthorse operations, and learn more about their breeding, training, and rehabilitation business. Guests will shuttle around the farm and stop off at the Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, Stallion Barn, CEM Quarantine, Young Horse Development, Equine Education Center, and the Reproduction Center. You’ll likely get to be hands-on with the resident mares and maybe even some of the horses in training.
May we suggest… Red State BBQ (located just down the road from Spy Coast and Hagyard) for lunch between your tours? Enjoy BBQ and Southern sides & desserts at this local favorite.
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute | 1:30pm -3pm.
This walking tour guides you through the history of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, one of the largest and most well-respected equine hospitals in the world, while viewing day-to-day operations of a fully functioning equine hospital, including the Davidson Surgery Center and McGee Medicine Center. You’ll get unique look at what it takes to provide horses with top class medical care.
Be sure to check out… Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park. It is a fun, drive-through light show and you might even meet Santa at the Holiday Village!
Saturday
Keeneland Morning Works Tour | 8:30am – 9:30am
Visit one of Kentucky’s most treasured venues, Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, and catch a glimpse of morning training at the track. While there is not a large horse population at Keeneland in the winter months, you’ll still likely see some horses training in the morning while hearing more about how Keeneland grew to become the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house and one of the most prominent racetracks in the world.
Be sure to check out… the Keeneland Gift Shop for all of your holiday shopping needs, and then head to the Track Kitchen for a coffee and a hearty breakfast to warm up!
Magdalena Farm | 1pm – 2pm
Get an inside look at Magdalena Farm, the Lexington base of famed racehorse trainer Kenny McPeek, whose 2024 victories include the Kentucky Derby with Mystik Dan and the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup Distaff with Thorpedo Anna. While visiting Magdalena, you’ll have the chance to meet horses of all ages, from weanlings (almost yearlings!) to racehorses in training and broodmares, all while learning about the history of this storied property. Plus, one of this year’s top racehorses, Thorpedo Anna, is currently enjoying a winter vacation at Magdalena Farm, and is often seen on tours.
Be sure to check out… Triangle Park Ice Skating Rink for a perfect winter night!
About Horse Country, Inc.
Based in Lexington, Ky, Horse Country is a not-for-profit membership organization that offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the equine industry through tours of member farms, veterinary clinics and other equine attractions in Kentucky. Check out Horse Country on social media: Instagram @visithorsecountry Facebook @visithorsecountry and Twitter @kyhorsecountry. For more information: www.visithorsecountry.com.