Our Favorite Horse Activities in Lexington
Horses. They’re gorgeous, powerful and everywhere in Lexington. Lexington is thee world capital of thoroughbreds after all, so that means there’s no shortage of horse activities.
We’ve assembled the top seven destinations for horse activities in Lexington.
From five star race tracks and theme parks to quirky horse-themed entertainment, it’s a yeehaw for us and a giddy-up for you!
Keeneland
Keeneland is the go-to place to find amazing horse races, auctions and even great food. It is also home to one of the most notable equestrian reference libraries — with a collection that will delight any thoroughbred fanatic.
The Red Mile
If you’re looking for a unique horse racing experience, you’re looking for the Red Mile. Famous for its harness racing, this track boasts a full-spectrum racing and betting complex. Over the last several years, they’ve partnered with Keeneland (above) to renovate the grounds into a state-of-the-art facility for horse racing.
Kentucky Horse Park
Kentucky Horse Park provides a diverse array of activities packed into one place. What was once a Standardbred farm for training is now a horse farm with multiple art galleries, several museums (including their International Museum of the Horse which is a Smithsonian Affiliate), and even an actual theme park built around horses. With a stadium and indoor arena for competition, there’s no shortage of action… but it’s the scope of everything they have to offer that truly sets this park apart.
Horse Farm Tours
If visiting one track in a day isn’t enough for you, you’re going to want to check out one of the many horse farm tours available in and around Lexington. The region has around 450 horse farms, so there is no shortage of things to see while you’re here. Book a private tour or join one of their many guided group tours of all the incredible farms in the area.
The Thoroughbred Center
If you are around the world of horse racing enough, you can’t help but wonder how these magnificent animals become world-renowned champions. The Thoroughbred Center gives you an inside look at horse training with their tours. And — big bonus! — if you are a thoroughbred owner in Lexington, you can even train your horse here at their world-class facilities.
Breakout
Are you a fan of thoroughbred horses and solving mysteries? If so, Lexington is just about the only place in the world where those two passions can meet. Breakout is an escape room company that has an experience specifically built around racehorses. How very Lexington of you!
Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm
Old Friends runs a retirement and rescue facility for thoroughbreds at Dream Chase Farm. Here, you can meet past Kentucky Derby winners, horses who’ve starred in movies and a host of other beautiful equines who are living out their golden years the way they deserve. It’s a heart warming, star struck experience for any horse lover.