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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How to Spend a Day in Ashland

Kentucky Appalachians

Start your day at Sky37, where you can savor some of the best Brazilian coffee while meeting the humble and welcoming owners, Jason and Carma. Their custom ceramic pour-over ensures the perfect drip, and they source their coffee beans directly from farmers in Brazil.

Don't miss out on their delicious Breakfast Rice Bowl and the brown-sugar caramelized pineapple, which are simply irresistible. Jason and Carma’s whole goal is to make people feel like they’re at home, and that’s exactly what they accomplish — we didn’t want to leave.

For lunch, head to Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar. You’ll find wood-fired pizza here with superb crust and unique topping combos. We ordered The Flying Piggie with tender bbq pork, mozzarella, toasted butter pickles, and onion strings. Other menu highlights — fresh raw Oysters, Hickory Grilled Wings, and Wood-Fire Grilled Mussels with a beurre blanc sauce.

The Ashland Hot Chicken Sandwich served at The Mill.

We recommend having dinner at The Mill, which serves delicious comfort food like the Ashland Hot Chicken Sandwich — crispy, juicy chicken, slathered in homemade hot sauce, nestled between buttery, fluffy toast, and served with perfectly cooked fries. While you might be full from the day, don’t miss their dessert. This is their specialty, as the owner herself makes all their baked goods in house and changes the options offered with the season.

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Caitlin Sakdalan

Caitlin is a social media influencer, storyteller, and content & community expert. She is the creator behind the hugely popular @befatbehappy Instagram page.

Kentucky Horse Country