Kentucky is well-known for its horses, and for good reason. You can’t hardly take a drive anywhere in the Bluegrass State without spotting horses grazing the hills and pastures, or hanging their heads over a painted fence to say “hello.” And there's no better time to experience Kentucky horse culture than in fall, when the temps are cooling and the leaves are changing colors. Immerse yourself in Bluegrass beauty this fall with these five favorite Kentucky horse experiences.  

1. Trail ride at the Kentucky Horse Park

Take a horseback ride at the Kentucky Horse Park to view the park in a way most visitors don’t — from horseback. The park offers 35-minute guided trail rides (for only $30) around the outskirts of the park that are suitable for first-time riders. Rides are offered daily at set times, which change seasonally. If you’ve got kids in your family, they’re sure to love the park’s pony rides. Kids ages 2–12 can ride three times around the paddock, weather permitting, for $6. After your ride, check out all the Kentucky Horse Park has to offer.

2. Visit a Kentucky horse farm in Horse Country

Pick up your Horse Country passport at any participating horse farm, and start collecting your stamps today. Horse Country, Inc. includes a variety of horse farms, equine medical clinics and equine attractions scattered around central Kentucky. Use the sample itineraries or create your own, and enjoy your fall drive.

3. Catch a race at Keeneland’s Fall Meet

Pounding hooves, fresh dirt peppering the air and the crowd cheering — experience the thrills of horse racing at the Keeneland Fall Meet. Keeneland gates usually open at 11 a.m. and the first post is at 1:05 p.m. General admission is only $7 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $10 Friday–Sunday ($15 on opening weekend) and is available to reserve or purchase at the gate. If you want a seat, check out the reserved grandstand tickets for $15–$30.

4. Visit the Derby Museum

Yes, we know the Derby isn’t until the first Saturday in May, but why wait until then to visit the Kentucky Derby Museum? The museum, located right next to the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, is steeped in the rich history of Kentucky horse racing. With more than 20,000 racing materials and a historical walking tour of the Churchill Downs grounds included for $15, you can plan your visit to Derby Museum for any day of the week.

5. Explore Kentucky horseback riding trails

One of the best ways to see all of fall’s glorious colors is on horseback. You can trailer your own horse and camp at various parks throughout the state, or there are many stable options, too, if you don’t have a horse of your own. At Land Between The Lakes, you can explore the area via horseback with a trail ride near Wranglers Campground at Rockin U Riding Stables. Over on the southeast part of the state in Pikeville, enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains during a trail ride operated by MuddyBoots with H&M Stables.