I admit I do not know much about horses. Although my in-laws raise horses and my nieces participate in horse shows almost every weekend, my experience is limited to the occasional ride or pat on the head. When we were invited to the Kentucky Horse Park, the leading tourist attraction for all things “horse” and one of the world’s best equine competition facilities, I was hoping to broaden my knowledge of horses. I could have easily spent two days at the Horse Park and probably still not have experienced all of the programs they offered.
We began our self-guided tour at the Big Barn, one of the largest horse barns in America, and watched the draft horses being groomed for shows and horse drawn carriage rides. From there we walked over to The Horses of the World show, a twenty minute presentation of horse facts on different breeds from around the world. After the show the trainers host a “meet and greet”, allowing guest to ask questions . take pictures and pet the horses. My favorite was the beautiful Gypsy Vanner, a rare breed for the US.
Kids will have a wonderful time touring the Kid’s Barn, an interactive facility featuring hands-on displays, fun horse facts and a favorite for my son, a well groomed and extremely relaxed cat, who was happy to pose for pictures or at least sleep through them.
After lunch we took one of the short horse drawn trolley tours around the park. Although the tour only lasted ten or fifteen minutes, we learned many facts about the property and passed by the horse graveyard. When questioned on how several horse could be contained in such a small plot, the guide explained horses were usually buried with only their head, heart and hooves for luck.
For racing fans a walk through the Hall of Champions is a must. This barn contains several former Kentucky Derby winners, Breeder’s Cup winners and more, including Go for Gin, Funny Cide, Da Hoss and Cigar. We stopped to watch the Hall of Champions show which gives a brief history of each horse, funny facts and up close viewings and opportunities for pictures. It was the first time in my life I was able to say I’d been up close and personal with a Kentucky Derby winner.
As we were on a tight schedule, I wasn’t able to see all of the museums, but our tour through the International Museum of the Horse was a walk through history as we saw how horses had been used throughout the ages. I was definitely thankful for my car as I saw the wagons and carriages used in the past.
If you go:
Tickets during the summer season are $16 for adults, and $8 for children 5-12 and are good for two days.
Believe me, you could easily spend two days at this park! Be sure to plan time to attend the free shows included in the park pass.
Parking is an additional $5 per vehicle.
We received complementary admission to the Kentucky Horse Park, but all opinions are my own.
I don’t know about horses either, but I have always wanted a pet one!
What a gorgeous white horse.. and that brown horse is as well, but wow, he’s also massive! Sounds like you guys had quite an experience. 🙂
I think my daughter would love this! She used to go to 4H camp, and when she got back all she could do was talk about how much she loved riding the horses!
I haven’t been on a horse in 16 years! I think this would be a great activity to do with the family!
This would be such a great place to visit. We all love horses around here.
Wow, what a beautiful place! And the horses is just beautiful!!
I am a big time horse lover. Grew up riding and now live in the city so I don’t get to experience much in the way of horses anymore. Very sad. I would love this place and could spend a lot of time there.
That sounds like such a fun place to visit. Horses are such beautiful creatures, spending a day around them would be magnificent!
Beautiful photos. Seems like a wonderful place. Thanks for sharing the experience.
How cool is this place! We’d love to see it someday! Horses are fascinating.
what beautiful horses! Looks like a fun place to visit with the family.
I absolute love horses. This is amazing!
I love horses! I got a chance to ride one recently! Loved it
My kids would love the Kids Barn
I think my kids would really enjoy this. They have always wanted to ride a horse and I promised them one day. I would love to take them here for a visit to get up close and personal.
I love horses and so I will have to check this out!! Looks like a great place!!
What a great way to spend a day. Its both educational and relaxing – just the way I like it.I love to visit places like this!
I think that would be a fascinating place to visit. Is that one horse as big as it looks or is that man just not that tall?
I’ve never heard of this place, looks like fun for the kids!
This sounds like a place I would love to visit with my family some day. Great photos!
I love horses. This would be the perfect place for me to visit.
This is such a fun place. I can think of several people that would absolutely love this.
my kids would really enjoy visting that place. I think I would too.
I’m not a horse person, but I have several friend who REALLY are. I’ll send them a link!
I lvoe horses this would be a wonderful place for me to visit. Should beautiful pictures.
I love horses and this is a place to learn a lot more about them. It is also a beautiful location.
Horses are such beautiful animals. My daughter would love this.
Nice park. Looks like a ton of fun. I love horses. The two day admission is an added bonus.
What beautiful horses! That looks like such a fun place. My kids would adore it.
That is an amazing place. So interesting and I have put this on my list.
Wow! This looks like a horse lovers dream! Very cool!
We are not into horses, never even ridden one, but this does look like a great place for kids who would like to learn more about horses. Cool place!
I’m there with you..I have very limited in my knowledge about horses.
I know that if I want to get anywhere near them I need to be doped up on allergy meds.
How close can you get to the horses?
This looks like a really interesting place to go and visit.
This sounds like such a cool place to visit. My youngest daughter would love this place. She loves horses.
I love finding a place where you could easily spend a couple of days and be happy. This place looks great!
What a beautiful horse! My daughter and I both love horses. I was thinking about taking her for a few lessons before the Summer is over.
I love the Kentucky Horse Park! I need to go back soon – no excuses because it’s only an hour away from me.
How nice! My sister in law loves horses – I’ll have to tell her about this place.
I love horses and have my own.I would love to visit here and so would my kiddies,My oldest daughter is just like me and is really in to horses.
We saw signs for this as we were heading south for vacation a few weeks ago but I didn’t really know what it was. My middle daughter loves horses so we might have to take her as a birthday surprise. It’s really not that far a drive for us.
I wish it was close to me. My boys would have a field day there.
That sounds like such a cool place. I could easily spend a couple of days there and still want more 🙂