It’s prime time for all things equine this time of year, from the pursuit of the elusive Triple Crown to an exploration of Kentucky’s Blue Grass region. Epicenter of that area is Lexington. If you’re in search of equine insights, this is the place to start. Might we suggest:
- A trip to the American Saddlebred Museum. This museum showcases Kentucky’s native horse, the American Saddlebred. You’d be surprised at the role this magnificent breed played in the formation of the nation, how it’s evolved into the elegant, athletic and versatile breed of horse it is today. Explore the wide array of interactive exhibits and bring the kids along. They have their own space at the ASB Museum.
- Get close to the real thing, to thoroughly Thoroughbred horses, at Kentucky Horse Park. This is a working horse farm/theme park, one dedicated to man’s relationship with what some call the earth’s most beautiful animal. The star of the show is White Prince, the park’s white Thoroughbred. While there, carve out a good piece of time and plumb the depths of the International Museum of the Horse, perhaps the definitive showcase of its kind.
- Honor a Lexington tradition. Get up early in the morning. And head out to Keeneland Race Course for break of day workouts. This is where and when seasoned, savvy horse aficionados gather. Join them. It’s a legitimate National Historic Landmark, one of the most genteel, beautiful race courses in the world. Work up an appetite watching the Thoroughbreds strut their stuff for the trainers. Then, head for the Track Kitchen for a proper southern breakfast. Order up Breakfast with the Works and it will tide you over till suppertime. We promise.
- If you’re a real devotee, consider a sojourn to The Thoroughbred Center and go behind the scenes at this working training facility. Tours start at 9 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
Whatever you do, don’t try to race around to all these place in a day, even a couple of days. Take time to navigate the circuit at a slow, steady clip, not a gallop.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Atli Harðarson)
