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The Horse Capital of the World: Why Kentucky is the Best Place for Horse Enthusiasts

The Horse Capital of the World: Why Kentucky is the Best Place for Horse Enthusiasts
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“A horse is the projection of people’s dreams about themselves—strong, powerful, beautiful—and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence,” said Pam Brown.

Horse fanatics, have you been here yet? If you love horses, to ride them, watch them, see them race, see them graze, then you need to add central Kentucky to your list of must-visit destinations immediately. Located in the heart of horse country and dubbed the “Horse Capital of the World,” Kentucky is home to the world’s top thoroughbred horse farms, with endless miles of rolling hills lined with the fences that house championship winners as well as new colts awaiting their turn. From the first-known circular horse racing track from as far back as the 1780s until today, racehorses have been an icon of Kentucky, and this reputation continues to grow year after year. We hope to wet your appetite as you read on.

What You Need to Know About Kentucky’s Horses

Kentucky is famous for its horses, and with good reason! These beautiful animals have a rich history in the Bluegrass State. Today, the bluegrass region is home to more than 400 horse farms (1), and its horses are prized for their speed, stamina, and strength. The region’s climate and soil are ideal for growing grass, and the area’s limestone deposits provide an essential source of nutrients for the horses(2) Some of the most famous horses in history were bred in Kentucky, including Secretariat, the Triple Crown winner who is still considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Other well-known Kentucky-bred horses include Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, and Barbaro. Even if you’re not a fan of horse racing, these iconic animals are sure to capture your interest. In addition to being renowned for their racing abilities, Kentucky horses are also known for their beauty. The state is home to several different breeds of horse, including the American Saddlebred, the thoroughbred, and the Tennessee Walking Horse. These majestic creatures are a sight to behold, and many visitors enjoy taking horseback rides through Kentucky’s scenic countryside. Whether you’re interested in history, racing, or just admiring beautiful animals, Kentucky’s horses are sure to impress. So make sure to add them to your list of must-see attractions on your next visit to the Bluegrass State!

What Connection is There Between Bluegrass and Horses?

Due to the commonly found deposits of limestone under Kentucky’s soil, the grass that grows on the surface becomes rich in calcium and other minerals. To the early settlers, the grass had such a richness in color that it appeared blue. Hence the nickname, The Bluegrass State. When the already genetically strong thoroughbreds eat this grass, the extra nutrients increase the horses’ structure, giving them a stronger form. When you combine this natural growth with selective breeding techniques, the successful results on the race track become easy to imagine. Because of this cycle, Kentucky thoroughbreds have become nearly unstoppable in the sport of kings.

Why is Kentucky the Perfect Destination for Horse Lovers?

The American Saddlebred Museum

The American Saddlebred Museum is located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The Foundation was established in 1986(3) to preserve and promote the history and heritage of the American Saddlebred horse. As a home to the world’s largest collection of Saddlebred artifacts, the museum includes a more than 3000 volume library of breed-related works(4). The museum also offers educational programs and events that help to educate the public about the breed’s rich history. 

Scenic drives

The state of Kentucky is blessed with a wealth of natural beauty, and there are few better ways to appreciate it than by taking a scenic drive. Scenic drives like Old Frankfort Pike offer beautiful views of historic horse farms and miles of plank and stone fences. This is one of the best routes to take if you only have a few hours to see some of our world-famous scenery.  Kentucky is home to 37 Scenic Byways  (5) . Whether you’re looking for stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains, peaceful forests, or idyllic farmland, there’s sure to be a drive that’s perfect for you. And with fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to enjoy the changing leaves. So gas up your car and hit the road; you’re in for an unforgettable journey.

Horse-related events

Each year, Kentucky plays host to a number of horse-related events. From the world-renowned Kentucky Derby to the excitement of the Keeneland Race Meet, there is something for everyone who loves these magnificent animals. Visitors can also enjoy horse shows, rodeos, and even a parade devoted to these adored animals. No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be an event that will capture your imagination. So why not come to Kentucky and experience the thrill of being around these amazing animals? You will not be let down.

The Keeneland library

A visit to the Keeneland Library is like a journey back in time, where you can immerse yourself in all things horse racing. Established in 1939 and with nearly 30,000 books on the subject (6), it’s no wonder that this library is considered a treasure trove of information for fans and aspiring jockeys alike. If you’re looking to learn more about horses and their care, or want to gain some racing stats and classification knowledge, be sure to add the Keeneland Library to your bucket list!

What Makes Horse Therapy So Trendy?

Among other horse sights, Kentucky has some of the best hippotherapy clinics in the country, including organizations like the Kentucky Foothills Therapeutic Horsemanship Center. They are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with different kinds of disabilities by helping them discover the age-old connection between horse and human. Multiple other horse therapy centers can be found throughout the state. The trend is highly influenced by the drive to seek alternative medical solutions that don’t include drug therapy. So if you’re looking for a place to improve your riding skills or just want to enjoy some beautiful scenery, Kentucky should be at the top of your list. With its rolling hills and picturesque farms, Kentucky is a truly special place and is perfect for horses and those who love them. For an intriguing video on how we at Old World Timber are preserving the magnificent history of this thoroughbred tradition, see below!
If you’re looking for a place to call home as a horse enthusiast, look no further than Kentucky. With world-renowned racing venues, ample acreage for riding and training, and an abundance of equine resources, Kentucky has something to offer everyone who loves horses. So come on over and  see why Kentucky is called the Horse Capital of the World!