Complete Guide to Horse Farm Tours

Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World, and one of the best ways to experience that firsthand is through a horse farm tour. When I first discovered Visit Horse Country, I was surprised by just how many tour options exist. There are dozens of farms and experiences within a short drive of downtown Lexington, covering everything from watching newborn foals take their first steps to standing next to a stallion worth more than most houses.

How It Works

All tours are booked through Visit Horse Country. Prices typically range from $20 to $75 depending on the experience. Tours run anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours and group sizes vary by farm. One important thing to know is that some farms do not allow Uber or Lyft, so you will need your own vehicle. Check each tour listing for specific details before you book.

Mares and Foals Tours

These are the tours that make most people fall in love with horse country. There is nothing quite like watching a mare with her foal in a spring paddock.

• Mill Ridge Farm
• Taylor Made Farm
• Gainsborough Farm (Godolphin, owned by the Ruler of Dubai)
• Pin Oak Stud
• Spendthrift Farm
• Lanes End Farm
• Stonestreet Farm
• Denali Stud
• McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm

Stallion Tours

If you want to get up close with some of the most valuable athletes in the world, stallion tours are it. These are the horses whose bloodlines shape the future of racing.

• Coolmore at Ashford Stud
• Taylor Made Farm Stallion Tour
• Jonabell Farm (Godolphin)
• WinStar Farm
• Lanes End Farm
• Three Chimneys Farm
• Gainesway Farm
• Airdrie Stud
• Spendthrift Farm

Keeneland Experiences

Keeneland offers several behind the scenes experiences that go way beyond just watching the races.

• Keeneland Morning Works Tour
• Keeneland Backstretch Tour
• Behind the Scenes Racing Tour
• Keeneland Owners Experience
• Sunrise Training Tour
• Keeneland Behind the Scenes Sales Experience

Unique Experiences

These are the tours that don't fit neatly into one category but are absolutely worth your time.

• Movie Horses of the Bluegrass at Double Dan Horsemanship
• Mahjong Night at Lanes End Farm
• Hallway Feeds
• Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
• Spy Coast Farm
• Runnymede Farm (the oldest continuously operated Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky)

Retirement and Rescue Farms

Some of the most rewarding tours are at farms dedicated to giving horses a second chapter. These organizations do incredible work.

• Secretariat Center
• New Vocations
• Second Stride
• BraveHearts Equine Center
• Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
• Visit TRF at Chestnut Hall

Before You Book

Tour dates and availability change regularly. Some tours are seasonal, especially the mares and foals experiences which are best in spring. Always check visithorsecountry.com for current scheduling and booking before making plans.

Final Thoughts

People call Lexington the Horse Capital of the World for a reason. There are over 4,000 horse farms in this area and the industry touches every part of life here. Whether you are a lifelong horse person or someone who has never been within ten feet of a thoroughbred, a horse farm tour is one of the best ways to understand what makes this city so special. Book a tour, see it for yourself, and you will understand why so many people fall in love with this place.

Looking to live close to horse country? Contact us to explore homes near Lexington's most beautiful farms and countryside.