Horses and Horse Activities
KENTUCKY HORSE PARK
Contact:
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Pike
Lexington, KY 40511
(800) 678-8813; FAX (606) 254-0253
The best way to experience Kentucky’s grand equine tradition is at the unique Kentucky Horse Park. The park is located on 1,032 acres in the heart of the world-famous Bluegrass region and offers something to see and do for all age groups and interests. After a stop at the Man O’War Memorial begin your self-guided tour at the visitor center. A wide-screen film presentation is featured. Then take the walking farm tour where you can watch the harness maker and farrier on your way to the exciting Parade of Breeds show. Over 40 horse breeds perform in the show ring with riders in native costume. The Hall of Champions presents racing greats such as Forego, Rambling Willie, and John Henry. The International Museum of the Horse traces the history of the horse from prehistoric times to the present. For the more adventuresome, you may take one of the guided carriage tours or guide yourself on horseback from the on-site riding stables. For a small additional charge, you may also visit the American Saddle Horse Museum. You’ll get extra excitement from your visit if you’re there for some of the 85 horse shows and events held throughout the year. During the Christmas holidays, the Horse Park draws thousands of people with its "Southern Lights", a drive-thru lighted Christmas display. Admission charged.
Location: Iron Works Pike via I-75, Exit 120
Tour Times: April-October open 7 days a week, 9-5, November-March, Wed.-Sun., 9-5.
Time required: 3-4 hours
Park Rates: $14 for adults - $9 for students ages 13-17yrs. $7.00 for children 7-12yrs, free for children under 6.
Lessons, Riding and more!
Riding Lessons:
Burr Oak Farm
Bonnie and Fred Neuville
2179 Cincinnati Pike
(502) 863-0887
Whisper Woods
(Trail rides, lessons, camping, private parties)
265 Wright Lane
(502) 570-9663
Gayla Driving Center (Carriage Driving)
3329 Cynthiana Road
(502) 863-5113
High Point Equestrian Center (Stabling)
3943 Frankfort Road
(502) 863-2944
Werk Way Stables
1076 Leesburg Road
(502) 863-0416
Trail Riding in the area:
Wildwood Stables
Madison County
(606) 527-6602; (606) 527-6673
Deer Run Stables
Madison County
(606) 527-6339
Horse Farms to visit:
Some of the world’s most magnificent horse farms can be found in the area. Many welcome visitors to their farm free of charge, but generally request that you make an appointment. A list of the thoroughbred/standardbred farms in the county is provided below:
Audubon, Blue Spring, Can Run, Caper Hill, Chestnut Hill, Coal Ridge, David’s Farm, Echo Valley; Dromoland, Dwells Rest, Elkhorn Place, Fair Hill, Lantern Hill, Matagorda, Richfields, Mulholland Bros., McMillian Bros., Ring Side, Sunrise Acres, Valkyre Stud, Waterwild, Whitfield Stud, Wincrest, Wintergreen, and Woodview.
Lexington Area:
Historic Tours, Inc. horse farm tours & Keeneland (606) 268-2906. Reservations required.
Three Chimney’s-Home of top stallions: Seattle Slew and Slew of Gold
(606) 873-7053
Charge: Free, Reservations required
