5 Best Ways To Experience The Horse
In Georgetown, KY!
Written By: Dylan Marson
A journey through the Bluegrass just isn’t complete without a stop in Horse Country and Georgetown has all kinds of horsey experiences just waiting to be discovered! Whether you are a longtime equestrian or a newbie horse-lover, your next horsey experience is waiting for you here. These are the 5 best ways to experience the horse in Georgetown, KY
1. Old Friends
You can find many equestrian tours across Kentucky, but very few can offer an experience as personal and interactive as Old Friends Retirement Farm. For passers by, this patch of rolling pasture and fence lines might blend in with the surrounding horse country, but this unassuming farm brings visitors up close and personal with major stars of the track including the oldest living Kentucky Derby Winner, Silver Charm!
The entire operation, founded & run by longtime horseracing fan Michael Blowen, was conceived as a way to help ensure quality of living for equestrian athletes after their retirement. And through years of hard work and the generosity of others, it has grown into a living history museum of the racing industry. Visitors will come face to face with real equestrian athletes and get to hear about each of their individual stories, victories and defeats. You might even end up feeding a Kentucky Derby Winner some carrots!
2. Scenic Drives
No matter where you drive throughout Central Kentucky it's hard to avoid the many miles of stacked stone fences and scenic horse pastures. These two distinct features turn a leisurely drive through the country into a scenic adventure through the homes of some of Kentucky’s most majestic residents. Check it out by clicking here!
3. Kentucky Horse Park
By far our most accessible horsey experience, the Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm that feels more like an equestrian theme park. Boasting an impressive collection of horse breeds and horse-related activities, this must-visit attraction straddles Georgetown and Lexington with over 1,200 acres of farmland. The serene walkable grounds will guide you to horse shows performed throughout the day, the daily parade of breeds, an educational meet and greet with the many different breeds on the farm, the International Museum of the Horse, horseback/pony rides, carriage tours and more! Whether you are a diehard horse-lover or a curious passerby, this Kentucky state-run attraction is sure to fill up your day.
4. Whispering Woods Riding Stable
For those who want to take a more adventurous approach to experiencing horse country, Whispering Woods Riding Stable provides 250 acres of scenic rugged trails that are perfect for both first time riders and experienced equestrians alike. (Click here for a 1st time rider’s experience!) Able to accommodate large & small groups, their roster of gaited horses are very personable and easy to ride. Combined with the helpful trail guides who accompany and teach you along the way, you simply get to saddle up and enjoy the experience of riding through the Bluegrass on horseback. For those with small children, pony rides are also available.
5. Festival of the Horse
Georgetown is known as Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters, and every year we like to show our appreciation to our equine friends with our largest event of the year: The Festival of the Horse. Three days of parades, craft vendors, food, live music and (of course) HORSES! All located in the beautiful streets of historic Downtown Georgetown, this palooza of activities returns September 9-11, 2022. Horse lovers especially won’t want to miss Toyota’s Grand Parade of Horses (Sept. 10th) as our favorite equine friends show off all of their costumes and carriages in Gtown style.
