“…Goin’ to run all night, Goin’ to run all day, I’ll bet my money on the bobtail nag somebody bet on the bay.”
-Stephen Foster’s Camptown Races
Kentucky Horse Park & Kentucky 3 Day Event
Our first place on this list is probably the one place in the world where you can you learn the most about horses? The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY is no secret! Whether it be in one of the four museums, on a trail ride, chatting with the parks mounted police, watching the Parade of Breeds Show or while meeting famous Thoroughbreds in the Hall of Champions… there is so much to see and learn at the Kentucky Horse Park. Even if you have been around horses your whole life there is always something new to see and learn. The park also hosts the popular Kentucky Three-Day Event , an event that boasts top riders who compete from all over the world. You can check out the many other events they host throughout the year here.
Unique Horse Farms Tour
While visiting Lexington Kentucky for an Equine Photography Workshop I did a ton of searching online for the best things to do and see while I was there. After researching and going back and forth about going on one of the Horse Farm Tours, I finally decided after reading all of the amazing reviews for Shaun’s Unique Horse Farm Tours that I was going to go on my last day in Lexington. I am so incredibly glad I did! It was the best thing I did my entire trip. Shaun was not only so incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Lexington and the race horse heritage that surrounds the city, but he was also full of awesome stories. From tales of hanging out with the most elite race horse breeders and trainers, to taking tours to the horse sale and almost having someone buy a horse, and of course his never ending knowledge of race horses from bloodlines to who won races….and my favorite part about the entire tour was that the horses at the farms we visited absolutely adored this man and you could tell they looked forward to his visits with groups of people that would love on them. You can read more in depth about the 4 stops we made on the tour in one of my other blog post here: Unique Horse Farm Tours Lexington Kentucky | Karinda K Equine Photography
I can’t say enough good things about Unique Horse Farm Tours, it is at the top of my list of things to do while visiting Lexington.
Do it Yourself Driving Tour
Like we said in our best places to visit in Louiville, KY post, nothing beats experiencing Kentucky like hitting the open road, where only black board fence and rolling hills lead the way to adventure. All you need is a car and maybe a cell phone and you can spend hours driving the back-roads of Lexington and seeing all of the beautiful farms. Just head to google and start searching for a self guided driving tour, you can find many like this one here. Or you can stop by the Lexington Visitors Center for a map of the Bluegrass Driving Tour.
Timeless beauty and sophistication grace the property of the Keeneland race track and I know you guys will love visiting this place! From the moment you park your car you will get lost in the beauty of its landscape. Hike on over to the track after dawn to witness the morning workout and breathe in the fresh Kentucky air at this historic landmark. After having an authentic home-style track breakfast at the Track Kitchen remember to brush up on your racing knowledge and history by taking a tour and of course shop afterwards. Ladies, it is never to early to look for next years derby hat! Plan your unforgettable day here.
They say the Red Mile is where tradition meets fun! Head on over there one evening and check out race night to test your luck by placing a bet on your favorite to win. This happens to be the second oldest harness track in the world and they also host various horse sales throughout the year. They also boast The Red Barn Stable of Memories. If you are looking for a jaw dropping place to get married whether you live in Kentucky or not. This barn would be one of the absolute best destination weddings for the horse lover. And I know a photographer who would love to shoot it for you… 😉
So many places to check out! Let us know your favorite places to visit in Lexington, Kentucky by commenting on this post!
