Discover Lexington’s Equine Legacy
The Heart of Horse Country
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 meadowlands reminded some immigrants of their home in the British Isles, so many settled here and brought their love of horses. 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
Learn more about horses and their place in history
Built in 1969, the Thoroughbred Center sits just outside of Lexington's city limits, on prime central Kentucky farmland.
(859) 293-1853
Old Friends is "a Kentucky facility for retired thoroughbreds," a place where equine champions can live out their remaining days with dignity.
(502) 863-1775
Founded on October 15, 1936, Keeneland is a one-of-a-kind Thoroughbred racetrack and an auction company.
(859) 254-3412
The Commonwealth of Kentucky purchased this property in 1972 and opened the Kentucky Horse Park to the public in 1978.
(859) 233-4303
Tour Companies
Unforgettable journeys through the rolling pastures and historic grounds of Lexington’s horse country
Two tours daily at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, including a stop at a local horse farm, Keeneland Race Course, and other points of interest.
(859) 233-2152
Departing from Kentucky Horse Park, usually three times a day, with behind-the-scenes stories about the people and horses.
(859) 213-6653
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.
(859) 260-8687
Tours are given daily at 8:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. seven days a week year-round, including a drive by Calumet, two or three farms, plus Keeneland.
(859) 268-2906
Horseback Riding
Central Kentucky offers fantastic horseback riding experiences in the rolling bluegrass hills of Lexington’s horse country
Ride in the heart of Daniel Boone Country, just 10 minutes from Lexington.
(615) 268-9960
Explore the park's beautiful countryside on horseback. Horseback and pony rides are available April through October.
(859) 233-4303
Whispering Woods Riding Stables
The only local Horseback Riding Stables that offer over 250 acres of Riding trails.
(502) 570-9663
Experience the Horse Capital of the World
Stay at Chez Lyndon Manor and explore all that Lexington has to offer