For anyone who will be near the Kentucky Horse Park, there are tons of very entertaining farm tours in the vicinity. They have a wide variety of options, including some of the very top thoroughbred breeding operations, plus OTTB adoption centers, sport horse farms, vet clinics, Keeneland race course, etc., etc.
Prices start at $15-$20, and most of the tours last from 1 to 2 hours. I believe there are several different companies that organize tours, and I’ve had very good luck with this one.
And when I say the top thoroughbred farms, I mean the very best ones. Here are the two Triple Crown winners I saw on my visit to Coolmore.
I did a private tour of several of the top farms a number of years ago and Coolmore was definitely my favorite, I saw so many KY Derby and Breeders Cup winners. Winstar was a great experience too.
The history of Claiborne, although not a modern facility, simply can’t be missed.
Yes, it’s a great place. I’ve been there twice.
I did a little very basic math and figured out that War Front had earned something like $67,000,000 in the breeding shed between my two visits a few years apart. Lol.
I’d be surprised if anyone on these boards didn’t know about these farm tours. 
I have Coolmore, Spendthrift , and Claiborne booked next weekend during an AQHA show at the KHP. (has hunter classes and a Derby on Saturday) . I have been to Coolmore, but during Summer/USHJA Derby Finals when the studs were shuttled to So Hemisphere. Although Peggy and I were really lucky that Justify had just retired and was schooling to stand for the public, so we got to spend quite a bit of time with him. Hopefully will get to see American Pharoah up close this trip. .
I think you will get to see American Pharaoh, knock wood. When I was there last week, they brought him out first, followed by Justify.
We did not see Tiz the Law on the tour, but maybe he is not ready yet for the big tour groups, since he’s only four.
If you get the same tour guide (Kevin?), you will hear a huge amount of information from him. You might have to ask him to repeat something once in a while, since he talks pretty quickly with an Irish accent. Lol.
Have fun!!
Then be surprised!
I am! I haven’t ever taken one, but for all the photos and comments about people who have done them, I’m honestly stunned (collective) we didn’t all know! Worth the PSA, then!
People definitely don’t all know, or don’t realize how nice they are, or easy to get to, or something. A friend was planning a trip to see Derby Finals in 2022 and seemed surprised when I suggested a farm tour or two.
I believe the Horse Country Tours company I’ve used lately is a relatively recent addition to the Lexington business community. Prior to that, I went on a couple of bus tours that included multiple locations, with no options to pick and choose the stops.
Which was fine, but it’s nice to be able to plan tours based on more specific interests.
Several farms also offer online newsletters, like this cute one today from Claiborne.
https://mailchi.mp/claibornefarm/the-latest-news-from-claiborne-farm-5l43f2s7ef-1230844?e=360c21c292
Update on my June 2021 KHP trip and Horse Country Farm tours. I went back to Coolmore and saw both American Pharoah and Justify. Justify has grown up from a goofy 3 year old just off the track when Peggy and I saw him two years ago, to Mr Studly now. He could win any Conformation Hunter class on the line. Guides said American Pharoah could be saddled and go out for a trail ride. Coolmore is the most beautiful farm. Spendthrift was interesting, and Claiborne contrasted to Coolmore as an older efficient working farm. I am attaching a photo of War Front’s rear end, which would rival any QH in muscle and strength, And may be one reason for the $63M income.
I also stayed at a nice horsewoman–owned AirBnb in Midway, half the rate of a 3 star hotel. Really enjoyable trip.
I totally, totally, totally think American Pharaoh could sire some lovely show hunters. Just waiting for a slow one to pop up in the OTTB listings. Lol.
Totally! If I was buying a weanling as a runner, I would choose Justify. Pharoah would be my choice for a hunter. Will be interesting to see how his quiet disposition works as a racing sire.
I think Horse Country tours are 3-4, maybe 5 years old. Taylor Made Farm was one of the founders. Tours morph and change a bit with the season or year. The 2 hour Shuttle Tour of WinStar was very nice, and I heard same about shuttle tour of Lane’s End also. . Despite the lack of big name stallions who are in the So Hemisphere, the Farm Tours make going to the USHJA Hunter Derby in August a real full vacation. Great girls trip.
Yes, I was doing the Taylor Made farm tour a year or two ago, and one of the family members who owns the farm joined the tour, and was talking about the idea of getting the whole thing started to let people see behind the scenes a bit more. I’ve toured a bunch of different places, and I still have more I would like to see as time allows whenever I get to Kentucky again.
I always think it’s interesting to see how different horse people use different approaches to tackle the universal tasks around horses.
Plus really excellent dining.
A group from my barn is possibly interested for 2022.
He’s off to a good start. He’s had a lot of stakes winners from his first 2 crops and has had Grade 1 winners in the US, Europe, and Japan.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
