The Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park is easy to find if you follow the signs from the Interstate and highways surrounding the City of Lexington. We had no trouble at all finding the place. The Park consists of 1200 acres and is fenced with white plank fencing. The white fences on the rolling green hills lets passersby know that this is horse country. The Park is a unique attraction, dedicated to that magnificent species, the horse.

The Park has two excellent museums that educate visitors on horse history and breeds. It also features twin theaters and more than fifty breeds of horses call the Park home.

Educational Programs

The Educational Program has a wide variety of courses for adults and children, as well as weekend classes that are designed for both experienced and beginning riders. Each year the Park offers a six month course, the Equine Management Program. If we lived closer, I would take full advantage of the Park’s Educational Program.

Visitor Information

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Information Center when you enter the park. The staff is courteous, friendly and will be happy to help you plan your stay at the Park so you don’t miss anything. You can also watch the presentation, "Thou Shalt Fly Without Wings," at the Center. It is shown several times a day and is a great introduction to your day at the Park.

The Hall of Champions

The horses that reside in the Hall of Champions are magnificent specimens. Take in a presentation and see the beautiful Thoroughbred legends 

John Henry at the Lentucky Horse Park

Henry, Gypsy Supreme, Western Dreamer and Cigar, among others. These beautiful horses will make your visit come alive with the excitement of the ring and the track.

International Museum of the Horse

This is a great place to learn more about the horses of Kentucky. When my husband and I visited the Kentucky Horse Park, the exhibition was Kentucky Bloodlines: The Legacy of Henry Clay. We learned a lot about this learned man and his role in brining magnificent breeding stock to the Lexington area. His story will be told at the Museum until October 31, when it will be replaced with another fantastic exhibit. We certainly enjoyed learning how Kentucky became one of the greatest horse breeding Meccas in the world.

Man O’ War Memorial

Man O’ War Memorial

One of the things that I enjoyed most on my visit was the beautiful bronze statue of Man O’ War. You will see it as your enter the Park and it is magnificent. If you wish, you can stand by the graveside of Man O’ War and learn about his exemplary career in the world of race horses. Man O’ War had a twenty-eight foot stride. His jockey, Isaac Burns Murphy, who to this day holds the record for highest percentage of winning rides, is buried not far away. Man and horse; together for eternity.

Gift Shop

Inside the gift shop you will find all types of gifts and souvenirs. T-shirts seem to be the most popular among tourists. They were beautifully done with pictures of horses on them and the words, Kentucky Horse Park. Other gifts and souvenirs included stuffed horses, books, different types of clothing, pens, pencils, bells and some great books on horses. From the gift shop you can enter a room where there is a presentation movie and a hoard of information on famous race horses of the past.

Campground

Spend a night, or several nights, at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground. There are almost three hundred campsites that have hookup for electricity and water. Included for your convenience are fire rings, picnic tables, paved pads, two bathhouses, two dump stations, a Laundromat and more. Take a dip in the Olympic sized swimming pool, play a game of tennis or basketball, pitch horseshoes or step out to a square dance at the recreation center.

If you are visiting the area of Lexington, Kentucky, I highly recommend you take the time to visit the Kentucky Horse Park. It’s a great experience for all those who love horses.