Seriously thinking about relocating to Lexington or surrounding area. Would buy a horse property. Curious to hear what people think the pros and cons of living and having a horse business in this area are. I have never lived in KY or even that eastward. But I have visited and shown at the horse park often and love the area.
I used to live east of Louisville, the road system is pretty much the way it was when built, some form the 1800s. The locals thoughts on distance is really compressed to anything greater than few miles is like packing for an expedition to a foreign land.
The reason there are 120 counties in the state of Kentucky was that no county courthouse was to be a greater distance than a one day round trip by horse from any point within a county.
I liked the area west of Lexington around Danville and Harrodsburg more than Lexington
Another area you might want to look would be around Shelbyville/Simpsonville area
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Full caveat: I’m being one of those annoying people who have never lived in the area but am commenting.
But, I have spent a lot of time in Kentucky.
I just wanted to chime in and say Kentucky is not all horses. If you want to run a successful business, you want to stick to Lexington, Louisville, and the corridor in between. Location location location.
The horse activity drops off fast. I watched a lot of horse people move on to their “dream farms” in rural parts of Kentucky thinking it would be horse heaven, only to realize they had zero resources and zero market for their horse business.
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Cool. Good idea. Hmm … wonder if that’s why Georgia has 159 … 
I love Lexington. My kid (who has been in the horse business for years) has lived there for about 7 years. The areas right around Lexington and Louisville are more expensive, but there seems to be very little opportunity for a training or boarding business outside those areas. The area around Lexington has several good boarding barns, but there is a waiting list for the really good barns. You don’t detail what part of the business you’re in, so ??? If you’re interested in horsey areas, the Paris and Versailles areas are places my kid has worked, so I’m fairly familiar with them (very pricey!). The best thing about the area is the proximity to world-class repro and sport veterinary hospitals.
My farm is in Lexington 10 minutes from Rood and Riddle and the Kentucky Horse Park and downtown Lexington. If there is an emergency, a vet can be at my farm in 30 or less, any time of the day or night.
Danville, Lancaster area is very pretty and less expensive. That area does get hit with harsher weather.
Cynthiana is about 30 min north of the Kentucky Horse Park. Is much more reasonably priced.
Stamping Ground is also a price performer.
I love Woodford county. (Versailles).
Nicholasville has is becoming a budding wine region, so that’s fun!
I think the area has the good and bad qualities of being a small town region.
I would check out fayette alliance website to stay on top of the urban expansion before purchasing land. It affects Lexington proper, so go out 30 min and you would not be affected.
I belive there is always a need for good boarding and training as everyone 's opinion of what equals good can vary. But as long as a facility sets and meets expectations, it should be golden. Lots of 100% pasture boarding, but very few offer pasture shelter. There is a ton of competion in the eventing and hunter jumpers barns. Dressage is growing. Saddleseat is huge. The western performance sports are growing and I think there is a need for events and facilities. Small group of working equitation and trail obstacles course folks. Shaker Village is beautiful trail riding and there is are some trail riding group who get together, a couple of fun hunts in the area.
I love that I am surround by thousands of acres pastures. Spring is such a joy with So. Many. Babies! Keenland is always a good time.
Hope this helps!
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