Equestrian Experiences

Equestrian experiences abound in the Bluegrass State — the bright green grass perfect for grazing grows abundantly in our pastures. Go horseback riding through Daniel Boone National Forest or Mammoth Cave National Park. Tour a horse farm (more than 400 in the Lexington area alone!) and spend time with a titleholder-in-training or Kentucky Derby horses retired to stud. And don’t miss the high-stepping hoofbeats heard ‘round Shelbyville, the American Saddlebred Capital of the World, each August during the Shelbyville Horse Show.

From the legendary Kentucky Derby to the one-of-a-kind Kentucky Horse Park, it’s undeniable that Kentucky’s horse culture has the inside track.
The first Saturday in May attracts more than 150,000 fans to Churchill Downs to witness the Kentucky Derby, “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” but every day is Derby Day at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville. Get hands-on with interactive exhibits, take in the 360-degree film and take a guided visit to the Churchill Downs track.

The renowned Louisville course isn’t the only place to hear and feel the thundering of hooves. Keeneland in Lexington is a National Historic Landmark; it’s hosted spring and fall thoroughbred races since the 1930s, and today spectators tailgate on “The Hill” with fare from food trucks while live bluegrass plays in the background.

Other horse racing courses are sprinkled around the state, and for something a little different check out harness racing at Red Mile Racetrack in Lexington. The second-oldest harness track in the world, the clay-course Red Mile attracts more than 18,000 fans to its season, July through the second week of October.

At the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, celebrate local horse heritage every day. See American Saddlebreds to Old Kentucky Saddlers being trained and groomed in the Breeds Barn. Admire retired racehorses in the Hall of Champions. Take a trail ride on horseback or saddle up the kids for pony rides. Attend equestrian events, including show jumping, dressage and polo.

Even if you don’t come to Kentucky a horse lover, you’ll almost certainly leave as one.

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There's Only One Bourbon Country

Bourbon, Horses & History Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon, and Boone Region

The Scots have their scotch; Italians, their wine; Russians, their vodka… In America, we have our bourbon, “America’s Native Spirit.” Bourbon is the only spirit that is a distinctive product of the United States.

In Kentucky we take great pride in that, considering that 95 percent the world’s bourbon is distilled, aged and bottled right here in the state’s bourbon country. This corn-based, caramel-colored sipping icon is big business for the Bluegrass State. But more than industry, bourbon is a culture, a history and heritage built by generations of Kentuckians beginning in the18th century. Today, you too can experience the culture of Kentucky bourbon country.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® AND OTHER DISTILLERIES

Follow the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail® through the heart of bourbon country and visit 47 member distilleries and others located in bourbon country. Experience the bourbon making process, view the facilities and the amazingly beautiful surrounding landscapes, and then stick around for an after-tour bourbon tasting.

URBAN BOURBON EXPERIENCES

After you’ve toured bourbon country by day, you can experience the Urban Bourbon Experiences in Louisville by night. The trail consists of “the world’s best bourbon bars,” all of which must serve at least 50 different kinds of bourbon and hold at least one bourbon-related event each month. Many even specialize in bourbon-related food dishes. Use the search below to explore more about bourbon attractions and events. Bourbon Attractions

NOTE: All bourbon attractions are available in English only.

Kentucky Horse Country