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The 6 Best Horse Farm Tours in Lexington, Kentucky

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Lexington, Kentucky, is known for two things: whiskey and horses. Often referred to as the Horse Capital of the World, the city is home to more than 400 horse farms and the famous Keeneland Race Course (featured in several movies). It has bred more Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown winners than anywhere else in the world. Race fans and equestrians alike flock to Lexington to see how these horses live and train. With so many venues to interact with these horses, it can be hard to decide where to start. Here is your go-to roundup of Lexington, Kentucky's best horse farm tours.

Jonabell Farm

Courtesy of Jonabell Farm

Jonabell Farm, home to HH Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation, is one of the most successful breeding sites globally, producing more than 200 stakes-winning racehorses. This tour takes guests through the history and current-day practices of Jonabell, as well as an up-close viewing of their current stallions. A shuttle tour is also available, featuring a scenic drive over Jonabells’ 800 acres of paddocks to see the mares and foals on the farm.

Three Chimneys Farm

Three Chimneys is one of the most respected stud farms in the business. This tour takes guests through the palatial stables and allows for some facetime with their current horses. The tour continues on to walk visitors through the breeding process and all safety measures that Three Chimneys takes to ensure the health and safety of these prestigious horses. It concludes with a walk around the green paddocks where the horses enjoy acres of land. This scenic farm is an excellent stop for newbies or lifelong fans of the sport. 

Claiborne Farm

Courtesy of Claiborne Farm

This 109-year-old farm is often cited as the "Horse Capital of the World." Claiborne Farm boasts 3,000 acres for its prized stallions to run and has been home to 300 sires of champions, 10 Kentucky Derby, and six Triple Crown winners. This tour lets guests view the breeding shed and current horses that call Claiborne home and ends with viewing the famous Secretariat's gravesite. This is a can't-miss for any horse racing fan—in fact, the Queen of England has visited twice!  

Denali Stud

Courtesy of Denali Stud Farm

Denali Stud is a world-renowned horse farm that has trained a litany of winning horses and has sold more than $475 million worth of horses since 1990. A Denali tour will take guests through their impressive history and current breeding and training practices. In the spring, guests can get up close and personal with the mares and foals, and on lucky days guests have been able to watch foals be born!

New Vocations

Courtesy of New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program

Get a unique view of what happens after the racing stops. New Vocations is the oldest and largest racehorse adoption program in the United States. Focusing on rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming, this organization saves retired racehorses from an otherwise uncertain future and promotes their use as riding horses, sport horses, or simply great companions. Working with more than 500 horses a year, New Vocations has managed to rehome more than 7,500 horses since its inception in 1992.

While not a farm tour, Keeneland is an absolute must for any equestrian fan visiting Lexington. The famous racetrack is also the largest thoroughbred sale site globally and offers several different tours that take guests behind the scenes of both the racing and sales sides. The horses' morning workouts are free and open to the public, and guests interested in betting during a race can talk to the newly instituted “bet-ologists” who walk newcomers through the wagering process.

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6 Horse Farm Tours In Kentucky That Are Perfectly Enchanting

Andrea Limke

A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.

More by this Author

While it’s possible to live in Kentucky and not have a love for horses, it’s not very likely. Even if you’ve never been to a horse race or visited a farm, chances are you have a soft spot in your heart for these beautiful animals. Lexington, Kentucky is known as the “Horse Capital of the World” and features more than 400 horse farms throughout the region. A large area of central Kentucky is home to these farms and you are welcome to visit many of them. To get started, try these six horse farm tours in the Bluegrass State that are perfectly enchanting.

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A horse farm tour is a great experience for both local Kentuckians and those visiting our state, and there are plenty of opportunities to take one in the heart of horse country. Have you toured a horse farm in Kentucky? Are there others that weren’t included on this list that we should check out? Let us know in the comments!

If you’d like to plan an extended visit to horse country, check out the region’s website here . And consider a stay at a horse-themed bed and breakfast, featured in our previous article here .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Horse Farm Tours in Lexington, KY

Bringing you 30 years of unique horse farm tour experience. Exclusive insider access to the most prestigious farms. Explore the barns, feed the horses, and touch the yearlings and mares! See thoroughbred horses with championship lineage.

Come See Why We Are Top Rated

You'll never know what you're going to see or experience on your Unique Horse Farm Tour. Every tour brings it's own excitement and entertainment. We love interacting with our guests! Watch this video of one of our lovely guests singing "My Old Kentucky Home" to horses on our tour.

Ready for a fun filled day of trapshooting clay pigeons and touring bourbon distilleries? Your visit to the Blue Grass Sportsmen's League is sure to make an exciting start to a one of a kind day.

We take your safety seriously!

When you travel with us, we want to make sure you enjoy your trip to the fullest. Our buses are sanitized between each tour and we offer masks and hand sanitizer, so you can relax and delight in all our tour has to offer. Also, feel free to call and inquire if you'd like your own private tour.

Horse Farm Tours

in Lexington, KY

Are you visiting Lexington, KY, and searching for something more than you run-of-the-mill tourist options? Join Unique Horse Farm Tours and explore the singular industries for which Kentucky is famous and gives you a chance to see history in action.

Many of the horse farms in this area have been operated by the same families for generations, relying on the same methods the grandparents developed to maintain their success into the 21st century. Our unique tours in Lexington, KY, give area visitors a peek at the time-honored traditions that have contributed to the area's wealth and identity for over a century.

Book a tour for your group today.

Unique Horse Farm Tours offers an excellent and intriguing excursion for couples, families, and other groups. Whether you've come to Lexington for a weekend getaway or a business conference, we invite you to take in the sights this region has to offer.

Many of the farms we visit are typically closed to the public. We've developed relationships with these locations and can provide you with a peek at the inner workings of some of the most famous names in the horse breeding industry. If you're set on exploring the area, why not get the insider experience with Unique Horse Farm Tours?

Bourbon Tours

in Kentucky

There are few feelings more satisfying than a drink of mellow Kentucky bourbon. The state is known for creating the best bourbon in the world, and you can have the chance to sample that history firsthand. You’ll visit three area distilleries and learn all about the history of Kentucky bourbon and, of course, taste some of the finest liquor they have to offer.

We start at the Buffalo Trace Distillery where you learn about history, see the bourbon aging and finally see how the liquid is packaged. The Woodford Reserve has more than 200 flavors and can train you to tell the difference between the flavors. The final stop is the birthplace of Wild Turkey. Experience the full flavor of all-natural non-GMO bourbon filtered from limestone and made with water from the Kentucky River.

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Explore the Horse Capital of the World

There’s simply no better place to get up close and personal with horses, thanks to Lexington’s abundance of farms and by extension, horse farm tours. Each tour is different, with some being working farms, others medical centers to teach you how horses are cared for, and some even allow you to meet racing legends of past and present.

Plan A Tour

There are about 450 horse farms in the Bluegrass region—150 in Fayette County alone—each with something unique to offer. Plan a horse farm experience that fits your style!

Book Directly With A Farm

If you’re more of an independent traveler, booking tours yourself is still a possibility! These farms, which range from Thoroughbred showplaces to smaller farms with different breeds of horses, gladly welcome individual visitors.

Claiborne Farm

Megson farms, old friends at dream chase farm, our mims retirement haven.

Visit Horse Country is the region’s top agency for connecting guests with the right farm and immersive experience for them.

Customize With Tour Providers

With a private tour, you can customize based on what you want to experience! Companies can chauffeur your small group around or can provide a step-on for a larger group—either way, you’ll get a VIP experience on world-class horse farms.

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Take a closer look at what each of these farms has to offer.

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Hermitage Farm in Oldham County

Future Kentucky Derby Champions, Farm-To-Table Dining, and the Best Kentucky Bourbon

All things kentucky, only in oldham, the historic hermitage farm in oldham county, ky.

20 minutes from downtown Louisville

A visit to Kentucky means a tour of Hermitage Farm with dinner and bourbon at Barn8 Restaurant

For our  “ All Things Kentucky” Tour Package (available Wed. – Sun.) , including lunch and bourbon tasting, be sure to check out our Oldham Day Tour or Afternoon Tour Packages under Horse Farm Tours & Packages below ! Come enjoy a true Kentucky thoroughbred tour and bourbon experience, complete with farm-to-table lunch or dinner dining year round!

Hermitage Farm celebrates Kentucky’s unique heritage and the signature industries that make us a place like nowhere else. Experience their renowned thoroughbred horse operations , sustainable, organic farm-to-table restaurant , bourbon bar and mint julep experience , and contemporary art throughout — a 19th-century estate re-imagined through 21st-century eyes.

Groups of 8+, please contact the Oldham Tourism Office for FREE assistance with planning your outing!  

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Horse Farm & Tour Packages

1 of 15 farms to tour here in the farm tour capital of kentucky.

Hermitage Day Tour Package ( Wednesday – Sunday)      Choose:   MORNING  11am – 2:15pm   |   AFTERNOON  1pm – 4pm    Includes garden & sustainability tour among the gardens and greenhouse, horse tour , farm fresh picnic style lunch from Barn8 , a Kentucky bourbon tasting , visit the sport horse barn to pet and take photos with the horses . The farm tour continues with the history and legacy of thoroughbreds in Kentucky and specifically at Hermitage.   $79  adults  |  $49  kids 6-12  |   FREE  Kids 5 & under  

Horse Farm Tour Only ( Wednesday – Sunday )   Experience a closer look at the inner workings of a fully operational Thoroughbred horse farm! Our tours guide you through Hermitage Farm’s illustrious history in the equine industry. See our historic and competition carriages on display, and meet the highly-trained horses who pull them in competitions around the world. The tour is between 50 and 60 minutes long and involves approximately 0.5 miles of walking.    $25 adult  

ArtWalk Light Experience: Wednesday – Sunday  DUSK – 10pm (regardless of time on ticket) .   Walk through the most beautiful and immersive art installation Kentucky has to offer. Each night, after the sun sets, the woods behind Barn8 come alive. Over 1,500 feet of boardwalk weave alongside a creek as intricate projections illuminate the surrounding landscape. Tickets are available online or in-person at Barn8 restaurant.    $10pp

NEW!  Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar

Farm fresh dining & picnics – only in oldham.

Barn8 Restaurant at Hermitage (Wednesday – Sunday Dinner) is a fresh, modern take on farm-to-table dinner dining . Originally building #8 of Hermitage Farm’s historic horse stables , this innovative and delightful venue treats guests to sumptuous Kentucky flavors, all carefully composed from on-site gardens, greenhouses, as well as their bison farm across the street. This unique southern experience is truly food-forward.

Barn8 Picnic Lunch: Wednesday – Saturday  11am – 3pm pickup. Try a gourmet picnic lunch prepared fresh daily by Barn8 Restaurant using local ingredients! Your lunch will include a sandwich or wrap, one side, one pastry, and your choice of cold bottled beverage. Must be ordered at least 48 hours in advance .  $20 per person.

Kentucky Bourbon Tastings & Mint Julep Experiences

Bourbon Tasting Experience:   Wednesday – Sunday . Held in the NEW Barn6 Speakeasy , their guided tastings are enjoyable for bourbon connoisseurs and novices alike. Join our delightful bourbon stewards in learning about Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage, all while enjoying flights of select bourbons, and crafting your own delicious cocktails. Classic Tasting flight consists of recognizable products that feature the best of what Kentucky has to offer, while our Signature Tasting is comprised of unique single barrel selects and private releases chosen by our staff that you won’t taste anywhere else.  $29 Classic & $59 Signature

*While in Oldham County, check out our   Craft Distillery , home of Jefferson’s bourbons.

Build Your Own Old Fashioned Experience:   Friday – Saturday by Reservation . Learn to craft your very own signature Old Fashioned as our instructors unfold the tasty tale of the drink’s origin. Use ingredients sourced directly from our farm to create your own personal spin on the most iconic bourbon cocktail. This is choose your own adventure scenario — but the ending is always delicious.   $39 adults

Hermitage: An Historic Thoroughbred Farm

In 1936, legendary horse breeder Warner Jones took over Hermitage Farm and started raising winners of the Kentucky Derby , Kentucky Oaks, Breeder’s Cup , and more than 200 stakes races. We continue to operate boarding facilities and a post-operative recuperation center as well as other services. Owners looking for a controlled environment where their horses can thrive are welcome here. Visitors to Hermitage Farm can see the daily workings of a legendary thoroughbred operation . Schedule a tour to see what makes our farm world-famous.

The Winners’ Circle. Hermitage Farm has produced winners for over 80 years . One of our best-known champions was Dark Star , who defeated Native Dancer in the 1953 Kentucky Derby . We’ve also foaled more recent champions, including Jack Sullivan, C.S. Silk, and the Bob Baffert-trained West Coast .

Carriage Driving at Hermitage Farm. Carriage Driving is one of our passions. A competitive form of harness horse driving , CDE drivers complete three tests of great skill: Dressage, Marathon, and Obstacle Driving . Hermitage Farm co-owner Steve Wilson is a four-time USEF Pair Champion and founded the Kentucky Classic in 2010.

The Kentucky Classic Event. Hermitage Farm hosts one of the premier Combined Driving Event competitions in the US: the three-day Kentucky Classic Combined Driving Eventing Competition and Family Festival, featuring competitors from around the world.

Hermitage Farm Event Spaces

The Greenhouse (up to 56 seated, 200 standing)

Our state of the art Greenhouse could be the perfect venue for your next social reception or company dinner. With two accessible chambers, the Citrus Room and the Living Wall Room, this modern and innovative structure holds the capacity for a dinner of up to 50 seated guests—or as many as 200 guests standing.

The Stud Barn (up to 60 seated, 90 standing)

The newly renovated Stud Barn allows for a more intimate event experience. Complete with an outdoor patio, not only does the Stud Barn house our carriage driving horses, but it also serves as our very own carriage museum. Featuring customized leather tack and a trophy room containing awards and commemorations from Hermitage Farm’s illustrious racing history, this venue provides the ideal setting for events with a uniquely earthy and equestrian atmosphere.

The Main House (up to 200)

The historic Main House, originally built in 1835, serves as a luxurious accommodation for any special occasion. This charming, history-preserving home offers a picturesque backdrop for wedding ceremonies and an intimate interior for receptions or corporate retreats. With lavishly decorated rooms that exhibit an impressive collection of contemporary art, as an event space the Main House offers the perfect blend of historic elegance and modern conveniences–including overnight accommodations for up to 14 guests. For lodgings of a smaller size, we also offer our cozy Smokehouse with accommodations of up to 4 guests, located in the backyard of the Main House.

The Hayloft (up to 175)

Located on the second floor of Barn8 Restaurant , this space features the unique texture of its original, rustic character, and a breathtaking overlook of the surrounding greenery. Including a floor-to-ceiling bourbon barrel rick, radiant globe lights, lush draperies, and some other artistic focal points, not only is the Hayloft a perfect location for weddings and celebrations, but corporate events as well, thanks to our built-in, audio-visual technology. Rental includes tables, chairs, linens, and all serviceware .

The Paddock & Patio (outdoors up to 700)

Located behind the stately Main House, the limestone Patio offers a charming courtyard setting for tented or open-aired gatherings of up to 200 seated or 400 standing guests. For wedding parties looking for a larger venue, our expansive Paddock offers a true farmland experience. Adjacent to the Main House, the Paddock can accommodate 500 seated or 700 standing guests, with the chance to dine amongst pin oak trees, iconic black plank fences, and the lush scenery of the Bluegrass State’s rolling pastures.

Hermitage Farm General Admission

Hermitage Farm requires a ticket if not taking a tour or enjoying dinner. Tickets may be purchased online in advance or at the gate. Guests may count the price of General Admission towards any specialty tour ticket price.

Adults: $15    Youth (13-17): $13     Child (6-12): $11 , Under 5: Free

Group Tours: Discounted tour pricing is available for motorcoach tours through the Oldham Tourism office. CONTACT US for more information. For more Group Tour ideas, visit our Groups page . For groups of 10+, contact the Oldham KY Tourism office for COMPLIMENTARY ASSISTANCE with your entire group itinerary in Oldham County!

Hermitage Farm

10500 w. us highway 42, goshen ky  40026  |  (502) 398-9289.

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Book your behind-the-scenes experience at one of our 20+ member locations.

Many locations offer unique, private for tours small groups on request, or we can help curate one!

Experiences built to your needs, for large groups. Weddings, client entertainment, and more!

Can’t make the trip? Many Horse Country farms offer online experiences.

Tours by Location

Browse the available tours by geographic location.

A peek into Horse Country

Just some of the sights you may see while on your behind the scenes experience…

What do our guests have to say about Horse Country?

Real reviews. Straight from the horse’s mouth.

Jonabell Farm

Very insightful tour and our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable...beautiful farm with magnificent horses. We learned a lot about racing and stallions beyond what we expected. Loved it!

John - Check out the tour they attended!

Coolmore at Ashford Stud

We had a great time on the tour visiting with the stallions! Our guide was plesant and provided the group with many interesting facts about the farm. A must see for racing fans to see the stallions up close.

Doreen - Check out the tour they attended!

Gainesway Farm

Absolutely fabulous horse farm. Beauty everywhere. Great guided tour. TAPIT—need I say anymore.

Blair - Check out the tour they attended!

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Well organized and knowledgeable staff. The tour was excellent and the technology is top notch. Very informative especially after a 30 year absence from the horse industry.

Shawn - Check out the tour they attended!

Hallway Feeds

Excellent tour! Very informative and up close. Guides/employees are very passionate about the horse food industry.

Richard - Check out the tour they attended!

Secretariat Center

This is a great facility doing great things in providing a soft place for racehorses to land and learn a new career!! The tour is wonderful and even hands on!!

Mary - Check out the tour they attended!

Spendthrift Farm

The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, and it was great to see the horses up close and learn the history of the farm. Loved seeing the breeding shed!

Autumn - Check out the tour they attended!

Spy Coast Farm

Lisa was a great guide. There was a lot of different things to see at Spy Coast, rehab, riders working horses, jumping, stallions, mares with foals, and even more.

Sandra - Check out the tour they attended!

New Vocations

It was wonderful to hear the “story” of New Vocations. The passion, mission and vision show a true dedication to these amazing horses.

Leslie - Check out the tour they attended!

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital

The staff was so friendly! We learned a lot on the driving tour and enjoyed seeing where everything takes place. I would definitely come back!

Korrie - Check out the tour they attended!

Airdrie Stud

We got to see all the Stallions up close & personal, followed by a lovely tour of the property to see the foals & mares.

Michael - Check out the tour they attended!

Lane’s End Farm

The beauty of the farm, the fantastic tour, and of course seeing and petting the amazing animals. Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and friendly. It was a true Kentucky only experience

Diane - Check out the tour they attended!

Still need help?

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Kentucky Horse Country

Visit Kentucky’s most famous Horse Country attractions- legendary horse farms & race tracks

Legendary horses including Kentucky Derby winners and Breeders’ Cup champions call Kentucky home. Many stud horse farms offer tours to see these fantastic animals. To find the next star, see foals at a horse nursery or visit a training facility where yearlings prep for their maiden race.

The Bluegrass State is also home to two of the most famous horse racing tracks in the world – Churchill Downs and Keeneland Race Course. During April, May, June, September, October and November, watch live horse racing and place your bets! Keep in mind that the Kentucky Derby takes place the first weekend in May each year. The Kentucky Derby Museum is open year-round to explore the legacy of the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” and take historic walking tours of Churchill Downs.

Mint Julep offers public horse farm tours and other horse-related experiences on custom tours year-round. Public ticketed bus tours will be available the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday of Derby Week Tours .

Horse Farms & Attractions

Horse country.

These are just a few of the horse-inspired destinations we go to. Reach out to us for more information on Horse Country via phone 502-583-1433 or via email at [email protected] .

• Churchill Downs
• Coolmore @ Ashford Stud
• Hermitage Farm
• Kentucky Derby Museum
• Old Friends Retirement Farm
• Taylor Made
• Sun Valley Farm

Choose Your Tour Type

Custom tour itinerary with horse country destinations.

Add horse farms to your customized tour itinerary to give your group a full Kentucky experience. More than 20 horse farms open their doors for tours. Your visit Horse Country can include stud farms, nurseries, clinics and training facilities. Ask your experience coordinator to suggest the best destination for your tour.

Groups also love a history lesson at landmarks like Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum, and Keeneland Race Course.

Kentucky Derby Week Horse Country Tours

Travel through scenic rolling hills and Kentucky countryside on a full-day Horse Country experience during the Kentucky Derby Week. Visit world-renowned thoroughbred stallion farms in Kentucky’s Horse Country during Kentucky Derby week. Ticketed tours to horses farms and bourbon distilleries are available during Derby Week for online booking. To visit horse farms, Churchill Downs or a horse race in Louisville or Lexington any other time of the year, please contact us and work with an Experience Coordinator to tailor a custom tour itinerary.

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Top 10 Horse Places in the United States

Emily Fought

• September 3, 2019

These cities welcome horse lovers with open arms!

Travelers can visit some amazing horse places in the United States for their next getaway. Each equestrian destination offers something unique! From live horse racing and A-rated shows to scenic trail rides and beach adventures this top list of equestrian places will wow you. Some of these cities are hidden gems, while others are well-known by the horse community. Add your favorite to your dream vacation!

10. Bryce Canyon, Utah

Located in Southwestern Utah, the Bryce Canyon National Park is an exquisite place definitely worth checking out. This popular horse destination is a favorite among trail riders. It consists of a collection of natural amphitheaters and structures called hoodoos. A beautiful color palette of orange, red, and white covers the rocks. Enjoy a guided ride in one of the world’s most unique horse-friendly spots.

9. North Salem, New York

Just a short distance from New York City, this town is filled with beautiful horse farms. It has over 100 miles of protected trails for the dedicated horseman and woman. It seems almost everyone in this area has a horse or is a rider! It’s infectious. With gorgeous weather nine months of the year, it’s no wonder this place is an equestrian’s paradise.

8. Middleburg, Virginia

English riders can appreciate this horsey place. Famous for its stonewalls and green pastures, Middleburg is well-loved by the horse community. Some people consider it the nation’s horse and hunt capital. It features mild weather, historic charm, and good-natured people. While you’re visiting, consider attending the Upperville Colt & Horse Show. It was one of the first shows to be organized in the United States.

7. Woodstock, Vermont

Spend your summer days checking out this small town. A flourishing horse community, miles of trails, and cool weather make it a favorite among riders. The Green Mountain Horse Association has a top-notch facility that is appreciated by all horse fans. 

6. Aiken, South Carolina

Filled with a rich horse history and culture, Aiken is popular in the winter. It boasts some of the finest facilities in the United States. Top equestrian competitions draw people from all over! It’s well known for polo, fox hunting, eventing, show jumping, and trail riding. It truly is a horse-riding paradise. 

5. Woodside, California

This wealthy town is no stranger is elegant horse farms. With a thriving horse community, it establishes horse-friendly policies and works hard to maintain them. Furthermore, riders can enjoy an elaborate trail system. The weather makes it possible to ride year-round! 

4. Wellington, Florida

There are lots of events in this world-famous city! Wellington caters to both equestrians and polo players. You can view top-level competitions at the International Polo Club and Palm Beach Equestrian Center. Add it to the list of desirable winter destinations with its balmy weather.

3. Louisville, Kentucky

Racing fans will want to head over to Louisville. It hosts the first event of the Triple Crown also known as the Kentucky Derby. This famous race takes place at the Churchill Downs track. There’s even a Kentucky Derby Museum! During the off-season, you can watch simulcast racing.

2. Ocala, Florida

Named the horse capital of the world, Ocala is filled with green fields and spectacular barns. Many professional riders and trainers head down to this place in the winter months to soak up its mild weather. While you’re there, it’s essential to check out the Florida Horse Park. You can catch international-level competitions in three-day eventing, polo, and other disciplines.

1. Lexington, Kentucky

The world’s best breeders live in Lexington. There’s no mystery why this horse place is so popular. Known as the Bluegrass region, it seems to have the perfect conditions for raising and training youngsters. Don’t forget the fact that it’s home to the Kentucky Horse Park . Horse lovers will thoroughly enjoy this tourist attraction!

Whether you stay for a weekend or move your life there, these top horse places in the United States are perfect for equestrians. Sign me up for one of these getaways!

Love this blog post? We think you will like: A Bucket List for Equestrians by Emily Fought

Emily Fought discovered her passion for horses early on in life. When she isn't writing about them, you can find her in the barn riding. Although Emily's background is in dressage, she enjoys cross-training and is an avid trail rider. She resides in Northeastern Ohio with her husband and small dog. Together, they own and operate Humblewood Farm. Emily not only writes for YourHorseFarm.com but CowgirlMagazine.com as well!

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Does anyone know of any living communities (other than the Amish) where you can get about with a horse and buggy, or by horseback, and where you won’t be fined if your horse takes a dump on a main thoroughfare?

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Donation OPTIONS

SEE OUR REVIEWS

MOre than a century

Founded in 1888, Ryerss Farm is the country’s oldest non-profit organization of its kind, dedicated to providing a comfortable retirement for horses, which faithfully served their former owners or which were rescued from abusive situations.

How can you help?

Our mission.

At Ryerss Farm, our business is caring for aged, abused or injured horses, providing a home where they can spend their golden years out to pasture.  The horses at Ryerss are never worked, go to auction or are used for experiments.  They simply spend their days grazing and enjoying life with their friends, as part of the herd.

BEFORE  

After  

  let there be light  .

Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines received a very generous donation of $30,000 from The Irving and Phyllis Millstein Foundation for Animal Welfare  to upgrade the lighting in our main stable. All sixty stalls have had the original, single incandescent bulb fixtures removed and replaced with new multiple LED fixtures that make the stalls much brighter and safer for our elderly horses.

The aisles have also been refitted with new LED fixtures that replaced the original 30-year-old fluorescent fixtures. The aisles are much brighter and make the whole stable easier to navigate. An additional benefit from this wonderful “gift of light” is that our annual electricity usage for the stable will be markedly lower. All of the new light fixtures were manufactured in the USA using American labor.

Ryerss Farm is very grateful to the Irving and Phyllis Millstein Foundation for this amazing, transformational gift which makes our mission of caring for elderly, abused, or injured horses that much easier and safer. We also give our thanks to  Animal Grantmakers for arranging a tour of the Farm during their October conference in Philadelphia, which fostered this grant.

MEET  our Residents

NEW WAYS TO Donate  

Stay Tuned for our Self-Guided Driving Tour of Horse Country! Coming Soon!

Farm Tours of Ocala

A guided "insider's tour" of ocala's horse country.

Tours are $65 per person.  Mon to Sat. (CLOSED ON SUNDAYS)  starting at 830 AM. The tour is 3 to 3.5 hours long with lots of interaction with the horses at 3 locations. We are conducting Public Tours again in our vans with a limit of 8 people and a minimum of 3. Our guides have had Covid Vaccines.  Not a requirement but If you are uncomfortable with other people in the van, you can follow along in your own vehicle as your choice and we will call you via bluetooth. Sorry there is no discount for this. 

If you would like an afternoon tour, the pricing is $65 per person with a 6 PERSON MINIMUM . Please call to book and be aware that there is very limited availability  with  advanced notice  for afternoon tours. Please contact us at [email protected] for an afternoon tour.

• MOST POPULAR!

Enjoy a guided insider’s tour of Ocala’s working farms and discover why Marion County is the “Horse Capital of the World!”

• Hour Glass 3 Hrs 30 Min

Important Information: Private Tours

 We are phasing in our tours to one day a week on Fridays. Regretfully,we cannot accommodate our guest`s schedules and here is why. The farms we visit have not allowed visitors for months and until further notice, they are comfortable with one day a week on Fridays ONLY.  There is only one private group per Tour. It’s actually a great value as Pre COVID we were booked solid with Private Tours starting at $350. To provide safety for our guests, guides and venues, we comply with CDC guidelines and masks are required when you are outside your vehicle when the tour makes a stop. Your group will follow the tour van in your own vehicle and the guide will call you so that you can listen via Bluetooth. 

Pricing: $200 1-4 people, $300 5-6 people, $400 7-10 people. To book, click ”Book My Tour” We look forward to having you! 

The reason the start time is 8:30 is there’s more action and farms are closed in the afternoons.

Please be patient with this arrangement as this is a huge transition from how Pre COVID 19, we conducted our tours. We will maintain strict safety protocols. Farm Tours of Ocala is a small woman owned business that along with everyone else, has had tremendous financial struggles though this pandemic.

Starting at $65 Per Person | 3 Hrs 30 Min

Enjoy a guided tour of Ocala`s Horse Country! This “Insider`s” tour will get you behind the gates of 3 locations for a hands-on experience with some of the most magnificent horses of Ocala. You will meet babies, retired champions,and future champions! On this farm tour, you will discover why Marion County is trademarked as “The Horse Capital of The World” and get an overview, insider tips on the new World Equestrian Center. This tour is a great way to see all that Ocala has to offer! Our guides are vaccinated and boosted. Masks are optional. Book Your Tour Fast!  As we are a small boutique tour of no more than 10 people on each tour.

At Farm Tours of Ocala , our tour guides are avid horse-people and long-time residents of Ocala’s Horse Country. Go behind the scenes of working farms, venues that get you up-close and personal with equine athletes and the professionals who train and care for them. You can chat with the professionals and share our guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge of the Marion Country horse scene.

Purchase the perfect gift: a gift card with a value of your choosing!

Give them an experience they’ll remember!

Great Tour!

Diane, our tour leader, was so informative about every part of the tour. I can’t believe how much we saw and learned during the four hours together…I knew nothing about horses before this tour, but Diane made the whole experience a joy, especially when we had the opportunities to get up close and personal with the horses and foals.

-Kathy D. on TripAdvisor

Amazing Tour!

What a wonderful tour! We so enjoyed seeing the thoroughbreds and Arabians at our first two stops. The owner of Pleasant Acres was so accommodating and informational about the stallion horses…We saw beautiful horse farms and were amazed at getting up close and personal with the horses…We loved the tour!!!

-Miriam T. on TripAdvisor

Great Time!

The tour was fantastic. I was impressed with all the information the guides provided. Transportation to and from was comfortable and the barns/farms we visited were amazing and the owner even came out and spoke with us at Pleasure Stallions. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone going to Ocala a horse person or not.

-Constance W. on TripAdvisor

Happy Clients Share Their Thoughts

Diane, our tour leader, was so informative about every part of the tour. I can’t believe how much we saw and learned during the four hours together…I knew nothing about horses before this tour, but Diane made the whole experience a joy, especially when we had the opportunities to get up close and personal with the horses and foals.

What a wonderful tour! We so enjoyed seeing the thoroughbreds and Arabians at our first two stops. The owner of Pleasant Acres was so accommodating and informational about the stallion horses…We saw beautiful horse farms and were amazed at getting up close and personal with the horses…We loved the tour!!!

Karen was a terrific guide: friendly, knowledgeable and funny. We enjoyed our tour, learned a lot and saw a lot of farms and horses we never could have seen on our own. Highly recommended.

Wonderful tour! We had such a good time. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and we were able to visit some fantastic farms and meet many beautiful horses. Highly recommend.