Everyone knows Kentucky has the greatest two minutes of horse racing each year - the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs - but there is so much more to discover when it comes to Kentucky’s Equestrian Heritage.

In the Bluegrass State there are many great ways to see horses work and play, among millions of acres of farm land dedicated to our equine friends. You can enjoy horse farms tours, training centres, equine medical clinics, breakfast at the track and other equine attractions dedicated to sharing Kentucky’s Equestrian Heritage. You can follow the complete journey of the Thoroughbred from birth through their racing career all the way to retirement.

Birthplace of Horses

If you are interested in horse farms tours, Lexington (recognised as the “Horse Capital of the World”) has a lot to offer from great places to stay to stunning Thoroughbred farms, find out more about Horse Farms Tours here. Furthermore in Lexington you will find The Kentucky Horse Park, the only park in the world devoted solely to the relationship between man and horse.  There’s no better place to see 35 different breeds and enjoy daily events.

Horse Racing

Kentucky boasts a number of great Thoroughbred racetracks; two of the most famous tracks are Churchill Downs in Louisville, where the Kentucky Derby takes place, and Keeneland in Lexington, where the Historic Keeneland Spring Race Meet is held. You can visit both tracks even outside racing season and enjoy watching the horses train. In addition, the Churchill Downs museum celebrates the tradition, history, hospitality and pride of the world-renowned event that is the Kentucky Derby, find out more about the museum here and all about the Derby here.

Horse Retirement

Visit pampered superstars at a retirement home for horses at Old Friends Retirement Farm in Georgetown.

If you want to discover some of the flavours of Kentucky, you can try some of our fantastic Horse Country recipes or if the Derby is on your mind – try Derby pie, you'll find the recipe here, or the famous Mint Julep recipe is here.

For more information on any of the above, email kentucky@deep-south-usa.com.