7 Best Horse Farm Tours In Lexington, KY
If there’s one thing Lexington, Kentucky is known for, it’s horses. In the heart of the Bluegrass Region, this area isn’t just beautiful—it’s the Horse Capital of the World. From lush rolling pastures to world-famous thoroughbred farms, Lexington is where legends are born and racing history comes to life.
As a Kentucky local, I can tell you that visiting a horse farm is one of the best ways to truly experience what makes this region so special. Whether you’re a lifelong horse lover or simply curious about these impressive animals, you’ll find something for everyone.
In this guide, I’ll share the 7 best horse farm tours in Lexington, including famous names like Claiborne and Mill Ridge Farm, as well as local hidden gems that offer an up-close (and personal!) look at the world of thoroughbreds. You’ll find insider tips for planning your visit, where to stay, and how to make the most of your trip through Kentucky’s stunning horse country.
This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links below, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend experiences that I believe are 100% worth it.
Why Visit a Horse Farm near Lexington?
Lexington isn’t known as the Horse Capital of The World for nothing. With beautiful rolling hills and pastures surrounded by white fences, a visit to a horse farm is a must-do on your Kentucky bucket list.
Lexington and the surrounding area has become the ideal place to breed and raise racehorses due to the limestone under the soil. This unique rock gives an extra dose of calcium, providing a natural advantage for the horses to grow big and strong.
Experiencing a horse farm tour in Lexington gives you a rare chance to see that process up close.
On most tours, you’ll walk through beautiful barns, meet mares and foals, and learn about the entire life of a racehorse—from birth to training to the racetrack.
Many farms also share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about famous horses who have trained or been bred there.
Where to Stay Near The Horse Farms
The Sire Hotel (Downtown Lexington $$) – Within walking distance of Rupp Arena and the Lexington Convention Center, this boutique hotel offers a luxurious stay.
The Kentucky Castle (Versailles, $$$) – Looking to stay in an actual castle? Check out this unique hotel close to the airport, Keeneland and multiple horse farms.
Courtyard by Marriott (Lexington/Keeneland Airport, $$) – A great location with easy access to all the horse farm activities, this is a more affordable and always reliable option.
Montgomery Bed and Breakfast (Versailles, $$) – A unique and charming bed and breakfast in the middle of the Horse Capital of the World. Enjoy the southern hospitality and delicious food.
Best Horse Farms to Visit in Lexington, Kentucky
With many options to choose from, I have highlighted some of my top recommendations for the best horse farms to visit near Lexington, KY.
1. Claiborne Farm (Paris, KY)
Claiborne Farm is one of the most popular horse farms in the bluegrass region. It is most famously known as the home of the Triple Crown winner, Secretariat.
Tours at Claiborne Farm will walk you through the entire breeding operation and give you an in-depth look at where more than 80 champions have called home.
I have taken several tours here when hosting out of town guests and I highly recommend it as a great way to experience the history and culture of horse racing in Kentucky.
Tip: Horse Farm tours can involve a lot of walking. Claiborne offers an All-Farm Shuttle Tour for $30 that I definitely recommend. You will also get to see more of the farm on this tour as they operate on 3,000 acres.
2. Coolmore America – Ashford Stud (Versailles, KY)
Ashford Stud is the American location for Coolmore, one of the largest racehorse breeding operations. Known as the Home of Champions, the stallion roster is led by Triple Crown winners, American Pharoah and Justify.
A visit to Ashford Stud will walk you through daily life of a thoroughbred stallion operation. I recommend this tour for people who are interested in learning more about the business side of thoroughbred racing.
You will have the chance to meet some stallions and take pictures, however this is mostly a hands-off tour so you won’t have a chance to interact closely with any horses.
3. WinStar Farm (Versailles, KY)
WinStar Farm gets my vote for the most beautiful horse farm tour in Lexington. This is a privately owned working Thoroughbred horse farm and the tours here give you an inside look into the daily life of their stallions.
Looking for a different tour experience? WinStar farms offers some of the most unique tour experiences such as morning yoga on the farm!
Or head to the farm’s exclusive training center and watch the horses’ morning workout while enjoying coffee and donuts.
4. Mill Ridge Horse Farm (Lexington, KY)
Mill Ridge Farm is located close to the Lexington airport and Keeneland Race Track so I recommend this farm as the easiest addition to a Weekend in Lexington.
This farm is a full service Thoroughbred farm and gives visitors a well-rounded tour of mares, foals, yearlings and three stallions. You may even have the chance to get hands-on with some of the horses!
5. Taylor Made Farms (Nicholasville, KY)
Taylor Made Farms started in 1976 and is still family owned and operated. It has grown into the leader in Thoroughbred Sales in America and offers great tours for visitors to experience the culture and history of horse racing,
A visit here will let you get up close and snap some pictures of famous race horses.
6. Keeneland (Lexington, KY)
While not technically a “horse farm”, a trip to Lexington isn’t complete without a visit to Keeneland Race Course, one of the most beautiful and historic racetracks in the world. Even if Keeneland is not in session, it is still worth a visit! This is where my husband and I took our engagement pictures.
Opened in 1936, Keeneland offers guided tours that take you behind the scenes of its iconic paddocks, grandstands, and barns, giving visitors an inside look at how thoroughbred racing truly works.
My favorite tour at Keeneland is the Morning Works Tour which allows you to see the horses training on the track and gives you a behind the scenes look at a day in their life.
7. Old Friends Farm (Georgetown, KY)
Old Friends Farm is my personal favorite horse farm tour! If you’re looking for a chance to interact, feed and pet racehorses, this is the place for you!
Old Friends is a farm for over 300 retired racehorses, including some derby winners!
The tours here are some of the best in town and walk you through the life of a racehorse after they are finished working.
I recently took a tour here and really enjoyed feeding the horses carrots and giving them lots of love.
What To Expect on a Horse Farm Tour
Duration: Most horse farm tours will last between 1-2 hours. Be sure to check your booking for specific details. I recommend being prepared for the tour to go over in time as the guides will usually extend if people have questions.
How To Book: Be sure to book your tours in advance! Many of the tours will fill up, especially in the spring/fall when Keeneland is in session.
What To Wear: When deciding what to wear, it’s important to remember that you are visiting a horse farm and can be exposed to everything that goes along with horses and farm operation. I recommend comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. I also recommend packing a jacket or umbrella as many of the tours will go rain or shine.
Horse Interaction: Many of the tours will not actually allow you to pet or feed the horses. Racehorses have a different demeanor from your average horse and guides will prioritize both yours and the horse’s safety when leading a tour. If you are really hoping for horse interaction, I recommend visiting Old Friends Farm.
Local Tips For Visitors
Best Time To Visit: The most popular time to visit Lexington is in the fall. The leaves are beginning to change and the weather is cool enough to enjoy being outside. I recommend planning a visit when Keeneland is in session to experience a full weekend in horse country.
The spring is also a great time to visit as the weather warms up and you may have a good chance of seeing some new babies at the farms.
Combine Your Visit: Visiting a Horse Farm is the perfect addition to a weekend in Lexington, Check out a race at Keeneland, a sporting event at the University of Kentucky or head out on the Bourbon Trail. Looking for more outdoor adventure? Red River Gorge is only an hour drive away for some great hiking and rock climbing.
Looking For More Help Planning Your Trip to Lexington? Check out my Kentucky Guides
48 Hours in Lexington, Kentucky: Horses, History and Bourbon
2 Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect Trip
12 Best Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Ultimate Local’s Guide
Ultimate Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
The Best Places to Stay on the Bourbon Trail (From a KY local)
Whether you spend a morning exploring a family-owned farm or a full weekend touring the best horse farms near Lexington, you’ll quickly see why Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region is unlike anywhere else. Between the rolling hills, warm hospitality, and rich culture, this is a destination that captures the soul of the South.
So grab your camera, book a tour or two, and get ready to fall in love with the beauty of Kentucky’s horse country. And if you’re planning your trip soon, be sure to check out my guides to, The Bourbon Trail, Red River Gorge and things to do in Lexington to round out your perfect Kentucky getaway.
