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Explore Lexington
The Horse Capital of the World
Horses
The Horse Capital of the World
Before the Europeans settled in central Kentucky, the region was home to grazing herds of buffalo. The Iroquois Indians called the area the "meadow land" which became the origin of our state's name "Kentucky."
In the 19th century central Kentucky's meadow lands reminded some immigrants of their home in the British Isles - so many settled here and brought their love of horses with them. Soon thoroughbred breeding, trading and racing became a primary enterprise in the Lexington area. In the first Kentucky Legislative Assembly a bill was introduced by Daniel Boone for "improving the breed of horses" and eventually Lexington gained the reputation of being the "Horse Capital of the World."
Equine Exhibition Centers
The Thoroughbred Center
Built in 1969, the Thoroughbred Center is located just outside the city limits of Lexington, on prime central Kentucky farmland.
Visit Website →Old Friends
Old Friends is "a Kentucky facility for retired thoroughbreds," a place where equine champions can live out their remaining days with dignity.
Visit Website →Keeneland
Founded on October 15, 1936, Keeneland is a one of a kind Thoroughbred racetrack and an auction company.
Visit Website →Kentucky Horse Park
The Commonwealth of Kentucky purchased this property in 1972 and opened the Kentucky Horse Park to the public in 1978.
Visit Website →Horse Farm Tour Companies
Blue Grass Tours
Two tours daily at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and 1:30 on Sunday, including a stop at a local horse farm, Keeneland Race Course, and other points of interest.
Visit Website →Horse Farm Tours, Inc.
Tours are given daily at 8:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. seven days a week year-round, includes a drive by Calumet, two or three farms, plus Keeneland.
Visit Website →Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Farm Tours
Experience why Kentucky is world famous! These tours take you through the heart and soul of Kentucky's beautiful Bluegrass Horse Country.
Visit Website →Unique Horse Farm Tours
Departing from Kentucky Horse Park, usually three times a day, giving a behind-the-scenes stories about the people and horses.
Visit Website →Places to Ride Horses
Deer Run Stable
Ride in the heart of Daniel Boone Country, just 10 minutes from Lexington.
Visit Website →Kentucky Horse Park
Explore the park's beautiful countryside on horseback. Horseback and pony rides are available April through October.
Visit Website →Whispering Woods Riding Stables
The only local Horseback Riding Stables that offers over 250 acres of Riding trails.
Visit Website →More Things to Do
Experience the Horse Capital of the World
Stay at Chez Lyndon Manor and explore all that Lexington has to offer.
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