When it comes to horses and equestrian events in Kentucky, most people usually think of Churchill Downs and the iconic Kentucky Derby as the ultimate measurement of the equine elite. For horse enthusiasts, experienced riders and novices, the rolling hills outside Louisville in Shelby County and in Oldham County offer the ideal backdrop for an adventurous getaway in Kentucky Horse Country and the Bourbon, Horses & History Region.
Equine experiences are located in these cities and counties:
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Louisville – Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs
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Shelby County – American Saddlebred Capital of the World
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Oldham County – Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky™
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Plan your summer visit around Horse Show Events
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Frequently Asked Questions
Louisville – Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs
Kentucky Derby Museum is one of Louisville’s top attractions where you can experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby year-round at Kentucky Derby Museum. Your ticket includes:
- Two floors of self-guided exhibits .
- An 18-minute immersive film.
- A Guided Track Visit (scheduled upon check-in).
- Specialty tours offer exclusive access to areas normally closed to the public—including the Barn and Backside of Churchill Downs.
Shelby County – American Saddlebred Capital of the World
Shelbyville in Shelby County Kentucky is known as the American Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World, based on its abundance of horse farms, specialty training and some of the country’s best breeding facilities.
In fact, the American Saddlebred was first bred here, producing the versatile but elegant breed known for its athleticism, grace and discipline that is often the star of American horse shows.
Some of the most beautiful and unique Kentucky horse farm tours can be found in Shelbyville and surrounding Shelby County, with advance reservations requested.
Experience a touch of Iceland in the heart of Kentucky at Léttleiki Icelandics, a nationally recognized Icelandic horse farm nestled on historic Swallowland Farm in Shelbyville. Home to one of North America’s premier Icelandic horse programs and the largest Icelandic horse farm, visitors can discover the charm of these gentle, sure-footed horses through riding lessons, special events, and unforgettable equestrian experiences surrounded by Kentucky Bluegrass beauty.
HorseSensing is a unique horse farm located in Bagdad, near Shelbyville. The founder of HorseSensing fell in love with the American Saddlebred at an early age and, as a licensed psychologist and recovering addict, recognized the value of focused equine therapy. Contact HorseSensing directly to arrange a tour.
The best way to experience Kentucky Horse Country is on horseback. Red Fern Riding Center at Shelby Trails Park in Simpsonville offers riding classes for all ages and levels of experience.
This Summer is the perfect time to explore Kentucky Horse Country with guided horseback rides along nature trails with access to over 385 acres of scenic maintained trails. Red Fern also offers on-site training programs with experienced long-term staff for both young and old horses and as well as comfortable and safe boarding facilities with both indoor and outdoor areas.
If you’re looking to stay in the Shelbyville area, you’ll have your choice of accommodations from the charm of a cozy bed and breakfast inn, a classy downtown loft, the reliability of a national chain hotel, or the fun of sleeping under the stars at a family-friendly campsite.
And, you won’t go hungry…there are plenty of places to dine for every palate, from legendary Kentucky Hot Browns and delicious southern fare to a great selection of other cuisine choices.
Oldham County – Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky
There’s a reason that Oldham County is called the Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky. It offers thirteen unique farm tours including animal farm tours featuring horses. Travel about twenty minutes northeast from Louisville along I-71 and you’ll be in Kentucky’s bluegrass farming country.
As you drive through Oldham County and the famous bluegrass area of Kentucky, you’ll find many types of farms with unique educational farm experiences that you can visit.
- Dairy Farms
- A bee-keeping farm with an apiary
- A historic home from 1832 with a guest house you can stay in
- A captivating historic 1930’s farm
- A native plant nursery and greenhouses
- An historic Thoroughbred farm
If you’re looking for the authentic Kentucky horse experience…you’ve arrived. Hermitage Farm historic Thoroughbred Farm just off US Hwy. 42 in Goshen KY has everything Kentucky you’re looking for. Home of champion Thoroughbreds, Hermitage Farms has foaled and raised over 200 stakes winners and is the premiere horse breeding and rehabilitation facility for Kentucky champions.
A selection of tour packages will allow you to see this renowned Thoroughbred operation up close, enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience with most food raised on the farmland and taste some of the best Bourbons in Kentucky.
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation located on Chestnut Hall Farm near Prospect, is the bucolic sanctuary for retired Thoroughbreds, including those that have retired from competition and those who have never raced.
This is an opportunity for an up-close look and to possibly feed, groom and interact with these beautiful retirees. Tours are available by reservation only.
Second Stride Retired Horse Farm, has a 20-year history as partner with the horseracing industry with the goal to find adoption opportunities for racehorses after retirement from racing careers.
The tour will include retired racehorses in barns and paddocks as they are prepared for adoption, training sessions and lots of interesting information about the horse racing industry. Tours are by reservation only.
In the full Kentucky spirit, complete your stay in Oldham County in a charming equine themed Bed & Breakfast inn.
Bluegrass Country Estate Equine Bed & Breakfast is located within L’Esprit, a unique equestrian development near LaGrange in Oldham County. Surrounded by picturesque horse farms and pastures, Bluegrass Country Estate offers deluxe accommodations and amenities, and with its new horse barn has redefined the concept of lodging for both horse and rider.
Wake up in the morning at the Pillow & Paddock Equine Bed & Breakfast, surrounded by six beautiful acres of rolling bluegrass hills, with peaceful pastures and foals playing in the paddocks.
Start your day with a tasty Pillow & Paddock breakfast, then spend time roaming the property or take a very short drive to historic downtown LaGrange for shopping and to see its unique freight train that runs down the middle of Main Street. End your day with a nightcap in the Inn’s charming 1920’s style movie theater and speakeasy.
Plan your summer visit around Horse Shows
This summer promises a full line up of opportunities to witness the elegance and discipline of the best equine competitors at Shelby County Fairgrounds. During your visit experience some of the best Kentucky Horse Shows in 2026.
- Shelbyville, Fair Classic Horse Show
- Shelbyville, Shelby County Fair Horse Show
- Shelbyville, Shelby Summer Classic Horse Show
- Shelby and Oldham Counties, 42 Fleur De Lis Mini-Trial Series
- Louisville, World’s Championship Horse Show, Kentucky State Fair
For more information about equine experiences located in these cities and counties:
Louisville
Oldham County
Shelby County
FAQs
What are good activities for families visiting these farms?
There are educational farm tours that are family friendly, riding lessons for students of all ages and fun activities in the nearby communities..
Where to stay near these horse farms?
There are branded hotels, short term vacation rentals, unique hotels and romantic bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) depending on your itinerary or length of stay in Louisville, Oldham County and Shelby County.
What are some good restaurants near these farms?
In addition to the delectable mix of restaurants in Crestwood, LaGrange, Shelbyville and Simpsonville, there are unique farm dining experiences. And from May to November there is a foodie farm tour.
Where can we go riding in this area?
Across the region guided horseback riding experiences take you through wooded trails and open fields. Equestrians can bring their horses to Simpsonville’s Shelby Trails Park, 21 wooded acres of groomed, hiking and horseback riding trails. Several Shelby County equestrian venues, including Kismet Farm, Lettleiki Icelandics, and Walnut Way Farm, offer a variety of riding lessons to students of all ages and skill levels.
Do we need a reservation to tour horse farms?
During tour season, April to November, you can call the farms directly to book your tour if you have less than 10 people. All Farm Tours are fun and informative!
