Lexington, Kentucky: “The Horse Capital of the World”
In the world of horse racing the well-known city to visit, or live, is Lexington Kentucky. Situated in the midst of the “Bluegrass” region of Kentucky, over 400 horse farms dot the landscape around the city. Also known as “Thoroughbred City”, Lexington is a veritable mecca for those individuals who seek to breed, raise, ride, or purchase beautiful horses that most often bring multiple trips to the “Winner’s Circle” at racetracks around the world. There are so many reasons why Lexington has risen to great prominence in the horse world. The location, the amenities, and the people who live there are all a part of that rich tradition.
Natural Advantages of Lexington KY:
Lexington is situated atop a huge limestone shelf. Water in the area, running through this limestone, nurtures the ground and the grasses where horses graze. Unlike anywhere else in the world, this combination of minerals and the ground those minerals serve produce incredibly strong and resilient horses. Strong skeletal structures in the horses that are raised in the area allow for greater strength and speed. Being able to withstand the rigors of racing, riding, and working is a real plus for them. This is particularly true for thoroughbred horses. Yet, all of the varying breeds of horses that are raised and stabled here benefit from the land and the water.
Facilities:
Horse breeders, owners, and caretakers all benefit from the beautifully appointed and maintained farms. The health of those farms is critical in the world of horses. It is not unusual to hear visitors exclaim at the elegance and thoughtfulness evident at Lexington farms. Great thought and care is exercised in the construction and maintenance of the facilities. Expansive stables, with wide aisles to minimize frisky and strong-willed horses from injuring one another is a must. Large stalls make care and inspection of the animals much easier. Stall entries are designed so that the horses are safe, yet able to see one another. Because horses are truly “herd” animals, that connection is vital to the development and sense of well-being needed for the horses to thrive.
Beautiful pastures, well-maintained and protected in order to gently allow for the freedom, yet control, of the environment for the horses is not only aesthetically pleasing but also encourages freedom of movement so important for strong development. Millions of dollars are spent each year by purchasers who come from around the world to view, inspect, and buy the best of the breeds. Attention to detail at the farms is a good indicator of the health of those horses as well as the care that they are receiving.
Essential Amenities:
Premier equine research facilities are located in the Lexington area. The very best veterinarians, deeply educated in equine care and needs, are found here as well. More than 15 equine health care clinics are located in the area. Highly skilled equine transport companies are a must and of course they are found here as well.
The University of Kentucky, situated in Lexington, is proud to offer equine studies and degree programs. Their research facilities are well known and respected. There are academies where aspiring jockeys may learn and develop their skills. An emphasis on the respect and treatment of the horses they will ride is an integral part of this training. An outstanding jockey will need to be knowledgeable not only as regards the horse(s) they may ride, but also the signs of needed care that these beautiful animals may exhibit. The millions of dollars invested in these horses demands excellent care, training, and heightened awareness when something is amiss with the horse itself. Jockeys and trainers learn to work together to promote the safety of the horses in their care, even as they coax the optimum performance from those animals.
Racetracks and Workouts:
Arguably the most beautiful racetrack worldwide is in Lexington, the Keeneland Race Course. Racing happens here every Spring and every Fall. There are very few horses who have run the Kentucky Derby who have not trained or raced here. Early each morning guests are welcomed to watch the daily workout of horses at varying stages of their training. At least twice each year this facility is the center of horse viewing and sales. The complex is incredibly large and houses horses, restaurants, museums, gift shops and more. Although the actual race is in Louisville, Keeneland boasts that they hold the largest Kentucky Derby party in the state each year.
The Thoroughbred Center is a wonderful place where the champions of future races are trained and exhibited. More than 1,000 horses can be seen here on any given day, as they learn the discipline needed for a racehorse. Training horses is serious business in Lexington. Both money and time are invested in the best training possible, to assure the safety of the horse, the jockey, and of course the investment that both represent.
The Red Mile Harness Track located in Lexington is the second oldest racing track in the United States. Red Mill still hosts races as well as national and international juried horse shows. The Saddlebred Horse Show, the largest in the world, is held at Red Mile each year. The Junior League Horse Show has been a constant presence for over 70 years.
Hospitality:
Great attention has been given to the delight that is the visitor industry in Lexington. First class places for potential buyers to stay while surveying the horses are available. Some of the most famous people in the world quietly come to those places and enjoy the array of luxury, privacy, and beauty the area provides. The business of purchasing the beautiful horses raised here is serious, and some say it is second to none. It takes time and patience to find the right animal for a buyer’s need. Hotels, Inns, and private lodgings are maintained for the health and comfort of those who come to Lexington for business. Southern hospitality is practiced here. Relaxed and delighted purchasers are the goal of the industry so that the sales will be handled to mutual advantage for buyers and sellers.
Many owners whose horses are racing in the Kentucky Derby each year choose to stay in lodgings found in the Horse Capital of the World. Tourists are drawn to Lexington because of all that is available here for guests. The area is teeming with museums, parks, statues and historic memorabilia dedicated to the world of horses. Entire libraries are filled with books, films, and more all dedicated to the history of horses here in the USA as well as around the world. It has become a centralized draw for students wanting to delve into equine studies.
Last but by no means least are the riding academies for amateurs who want to learn how to handle a horse. There are beautiful parks and trails where one may bring their own horse and ride in midst of Kentucky’s nature wonderland.
Retirement:
Lexington horse folks pride themselves on their care of horses who are no longer able to compete. Some are retired to stud; others are given care and nurture until they die. At least 13 Equine Retirement facilities exist in and around Lexington. At the Blackburn Correctional Facility, prisoners spend time caring for horses that have been retired. Lexington is the place wherein most Kentucky Derby winners are stabled either off-season or in retirement. Part of degree or certification programs at varying colleges concerns the care and comfort of horses who have been retired. Providing dignity and delight to these great animals is taken seriously. Tourists are excited to learn that there are tours allowing them to watch and marvel at some of the greatest living horses of all time.
Be sure to include Lexington Kentucky, “Horse Capital of the World” and “Thoroughbred City”, on your next travel adventure. You may find yourself standing next to royalty, both human and equine, when you do! — Ryan Smith
