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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Give the gift of the Bluegrass State

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Part of the fun of a Kentucky vacation is finding something truly unique to bring home. Here are some Kentucky-crafted gift ideas that are easily shipped to share your Kentucky experience.

For those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, one of Kentucky’s best-known delicacies is its bourbon balls. This “spirited” confection combines bourbon, pecans, butter and vanilla into a compact ball covered in chocolate, making it impossible to have just one. Candy makers and bourbon distillers from across the state regularly ship hundreds of boxes all over the world.

Ale-8-One is a great gift idea for those who love refreshing beverages. This iconic ginger and citrus flavored soft drink, born in Winchester, Kentucky nearly a century ago, has been a beloved beverage for generations. Its unique blend of ginger, caramel, and spices offers a refreshing and tangy taste. Whether enjoyed over ice, mixed with a splash of bourbon, or simply sipped straight from the bottle, Ale-8-One is a perfect choice for any occasion.

For truly one-of-a-kind gifts, Kentucky has several world class arts enclaves showcasing the works of hundreds of Kentucky artisans.

Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is a vibrant hub offering a diverse selection of handcrafted gifts, from exquisite pottery and intricate jewelry to stunning wood carvings and beautiful textiles.

The Appalachian Artisan Center in Hindman highlights the beauty of Appalachia through its handmade treasures. From magnificent quilts to made dulcimers, metalworks and more, there are plenty of unique and meaningful gifts for you to discover.

Paducah in far western Kentucky is widely known as the home the National Quilt Museum, but its downtown is also the place to find dozens of quirky little shops with unique gift offerings.

Interested in crafting that bourbon cocktail? Kentucky has you covered. There are hundreds of shops and bourbon-related attractions that have what you need to make the perfect old fashioned, hot toddy or mint julep.

There is no wrong way to share Kentucky experience, so why not send a gift that’s truly a piece of authentic Kentucky.

Author Information

Ben Mackin

Ben Mackin is a communications specialist for the Kentucky Department of Tourism. Before joining KDT, Ben worked as a staff writer and freelancer for a number of publications including the Vicksburg Post, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily and the State Journal in Frankfort.

Kentucky Horse Country