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 Berea & Red River Gorge

Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon, and Boone Region

Have casual breakfast at Native Bagel Co, where you can indulge in their hand-rolled bagels. We loved the classic sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich, but the surprise hit was the one our server recommended — a cheese bagel with rosemary honey cream cheese.

The classic sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich at Native Bagel Co. in Berea.

Then, walk it off by heading to Red River Gorge, where there are several nice hikes in Natural Bridge State Park. For lunch, locals recommended Red River Rockhouse and Miguel’s Pizza. My fiance’s name is Miguel and one of his favorite foods is pizza, so we had to check it out. They let you customize everything! If you need a caffeine boost before leaving, stop by Daniel Boone Coffee Shop.

Head back to Berea, and stay the night at Boone Tavern Hotel. Explore the artisan shops and walk around this charming college town. After a long day, stay in for dinner at Boone Tavern Restaurant. They offer Kentucky classics like Spoonbread or Hot Brown at the hotel's restaurant.

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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