My friend and I are going to Kentucky in Nov for the Breeders’ Cup races. I wanted to visit some of the stud farms. Do you know the procedures of going on tours?
Are there any farms that are friendlier than others when setting up tours. I really would like to go Coolmore and see Giant’s Causeway and go to Hill n Dale to see Theatrical.
Thanks.
Most of them are very happy to show you around. Call the farm office and make your request about a month ahead of time (although it is BC, so you might want to give them more heads up). Make sure they have your contact information.
Confirm about a week in advance and again the day before. Be sure to ask if there is a specific gate they would like you to come through, or where you should check in.
Be polite and courteous, be sure to tip the person who shows you around (about $5 per person is about the norm, but certainly feel free to give more).
It goes without saying that you should stay on walkways, stay close to your guide (no wandering down the aisles) and should not feed or touch the horses without permission.
Have your thank you card already addressed and stamped and put it in the mail immediately afterward. 
Thank you!
I never would have known to tip them.
Oh, and while you’re in Lexington, Claiborne is a piece of history you cannot miss. Right up Paris Pike.
I love Gainesway, but I think they are not doing tours anymore? [Someone correct me if I’m wrong.]
Three Chimney’s is very tourist-oriented, but then again, I did visit in the middle of Smarty Jones mania.
Ashford/Coolmore is gorgeous. I haven’t been to Hill N Dale.
[QUOTE=Sing Mia Song;4635381]
Oh, and while you’re in Lexington, Claiborne is a piece of history you cannot miss. Right up Paris Pike.
I love Gainesway, but I think they are not doing tours anymore? [Someone correct me if I’m wrong.]
Three Chimney’s is very tourist-oriented, but then again, I did visit in the middle of Smarty Jones mania.
Ashford/Coolmore is gorgeous. I haven’t been to Hill N Dale.[/QUOTE]
Gainesway offered us a tour even though they dont do them. they actually told me to call and say we were interested in seeing stallions and to come on down! haha
If you go to see Theatrical, could you take a couple pictures if you get the chance? He’s my guy’s sire, and I’d love to see him in a less “staged” setting than a stallion ad 
Have Fun! I’m jealous! I’ve yet to get to KY to take a tour.
I visited both Three Chimneys and Winstar this past August. Both gave excellent tours.
If I get to go see Theatrical I’ll be sure to take pics. I love that horse. I really hope to go to Hill n Dale.
[QUOTE=dressappy;4635623]
If I get to go see Theatrical I’ll be sure to take pics. I love that horse. I really hope to go to Hill n Dale.[/QUOTE]
To me, Hill n Dale is the most beautiful farm I have visited. The ambience is “old world” and serene. I was there looking at stallion prospects, so I don;t know about setting up a general tour, but good luck!
If you go to see Theatrical, could you take a couple pictures if you get the chance? He’s my guy’s sire, and I’d love to see him in a less “staged” setting than a stallion ad
AppJumpr88- if you PM me your email address, I can send you the 2 pictures I have of Theatrical.
My husband and I visited several farms a couple of years ago. Keep in mind that in November, some farms might not have stallions if they shuttle to the Southern hemisphere. I think most (if not all) of the Darley and Coolmore stallions shuttle.
The farms I would recommend are:
Claiborne - It is hallowed ground. I swear I could feel the history in the ground, the air, the barns. I got goosebumps in the cemetery and the main barn (seeing the stall nameplates of all the legends that have lived in those stalls).
Adena Springs - This was probably my favorite farm just because of how nice everyone was. The receptionist, the stallion manager, and the groom who showed us around could not have been any nicer. Even though they knew we were just fans. I only asked to see 4 of the stallions but the groom (I think his name was Matt) spent a lot of time with us and showed us pretty much all of the stallions. I would say the Adena Springs stallions were also the sweetest and most laid-back of any farm we went to. They were out in their paddocks when we visited. Most of them came up to say hello and be petted and they weren’t very bitey like a lot of stallions are. :lol:
Coolmore/Ashford - It is worth going to just because of how gorgeous it is. It looks like something out of a fairy tale. The guy who showed us around (not sure if he was a groom or stallion manager or what) was kinda grouchy and didn’t seem to want to talk about the stallions very much. When we were there, the stallions were being fed so we just got to see them being fed and then eating in their stalls. I saw Giant’s Causeway. He is a tank! Massive hindquarters and big-boned.
We went to some other farms as well, but those 3 made the biggest impressions on me. I wanted to go to Gainesway but they told me they don’t do tours anymore and I should go to the Kentucky Horse Park instead (but I wanted to see Cozzene, who wasn’t at the Kentucky Horse Park). 
I also wanted to go see Tiznow but WinStar Farm said you could only visit if you were with an approved tour guide (and they had a list of tour guides you could contact). This was a couple of years ago, so maybe things have changed since then.
Definitely tip the person who shows you around at each farm. The size of my tips depended on how nice the person was. At some farms, they will refuse tips but I think it’s always nice to offer. The guy at Juddmonte Farm was funny because when we first showed up, he didn’t seem very into showing us the stallions. But when I tipped him at the end, he perked up a lot and said we could come back anytime. :lol:
[QUOTE=ravenclaw;4636094]
My husband and I visited several farms a couple of years ago. Keep in mind that in November, some farms might not have stallions if they shuttle to the Southern hemisphere. I think most (if not all) of the Darley and Coolmore stallions shuttle.
The farms I would recommend are:
Claiborne - It is hallowed ground. I swear I could feel the history in the ground, the air, the barns. I got goosebumps in the cemetery and the main barn (seeing the stall nameplates of all the legends that have lived in those stalls).
Adena Springs - This was probably my favorite farm just because of how nice everyone was. The receptionist, the stallion manager, and the groom who showed us around could not have been any nicer. Even though they knew we were just fans. I only asked to see 4 of the stallions but the groom (I think his name was Matt) spent a lot of time with us and showed us pretty much all of the stallions. I would say the Adena Springs stallions were also the sweetest and most laid-back of any farm we went to. They were out in their paddocks when we visited. Most of them came up to say hello and be petted and they weren’t very bitey like a lot of stallions are. :lol:
Coolmore/Ashford - It is worth going to just because of how gorgeous it is. It looks like something out of a fairy tale. The guy who showed us around (not sure if he was a groom or stallion manager or what) was kinda grouchy and didn’t seem to want to talk about the stallions very much. When we were there, the stallions were being fed so we just got to see them being fed and then eating in their stalls. I saw Giant’s Causeway. He is a tank! Massive hindquarters and big-boned.
We went to some other farms as well, but those 3 made the biggest impressions on me. I wanted to go to Gainesway but they told me they don’t do tours anymore and I should go to the Kentucky Horse Park instead (but I wanted to see Cozzene, who wasn’t at the Kentucky Horse Park). I also wanted to go see Tiznow but WinStar Farm said you could only visit if you were with an approved tour guide (and they had a list of tour guides you could contact). This was a couple of years ago, so maybe things have changed since then.
Definitely tip the person who shows you around at each farm. The size of my tips depended on how nice the person was. At some farms, they will refuse tips but I think it’s always nice to offer. The guy at Juddmonte Farm was funny because when we first showed up, he didn’t seem very into showing us the stallions. But when I tipped him at the end, he perked up a lot and said we could come back anytime. :lol:[/QUOTE]
I was lucky enough to meet the winstar stallions and give Tiznow a pat on the nose. he really is such a ham and bit dorky/quirky in his own way
I have made the trek to Kentucky many times to visit the different stud farms, inspect stallions, and photograph their horses, and just like anything else, you’ll find the farms that are more than happy to accommodate visitors, and those that are not so friendly.
As some others have already noted, some more commercial farms do ship their stallions in July to the southern hemisphere for their breeding seasons, so some may not even be on the continent for you to see. Also, November will be an extremely busy month for some farms with the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale taking place, the Breeder’s Cup events, and the World Equestrian Games ending in October, so it is suggested that you call a few months in advance to see if the farms can accommodate you - it helps to call the office and say something to the effect of: “Hello, my name is ___ and I’m going to be in the Lexington area on (dates) and would like to schedule an appointment to see (stallion).” By inquiring about their stallions, they are generally willing to help schedule appointments.
Also, DO call ahead to confirm your appointment, DO show up on time, and DO tip the grooms who are showing you the horses. I have tipped anywhere from $5-20 depending on the amount of time spent and horses shown.
Also, one thing I found EXTREMELY helpful in my first few trips was an EasyFinder map of Lexington - on one side it actually marked and labeled where all of the horse farms were.
Now, some of the farms I would recommend include:
It goes without saying that Claiborne Farm should be on your list of places to visit. The farm is rich in history, and the Hancock family has had an unprecedented effect in shaping the Thoroughbred horse into what it is today. They are extremely visitor friendly, and each tour includes a walk through the stallion barns (some of which, they will bring out for pictures) and concludes with a visit to the main cemetery located behind the office where horse racing greats Secretariat, Nijinsky, Round Table, Bold Ruler, Mr. Prospector, Swale, etc are buried. The Marchmont cemetery (where all of the more recent - last 20ish years interments are located, is not viewable to the public).
Three Chimneys Farm is very visitor friendly, and holds tours regularly. It is a beautiful farm, and the staff is usually very accommodating. Some of their stallions include KY Derby winners Smarty Jones and Big Brown and dual classic winner, Point Given.
Darley America (formerly Jonabell Farm) is one of the farms that shuttle stallions to Australia, but several of the older guys don’t, like champion Holy Bull, and Quiet American (sire of dual classic winner Real Quiet). It is a new (only a few years old), state-of-the-art facility. It is also the final resting place of Affirmed - Thoroughbred racing’s last Triple Crown winner.
Lanes End Farm has one of the most powerful stallion rosters of any farm in the world, incl: AP Indy, Curlin, Smart Strike, Kingmambo, Lemon Drop Kid, Mineshaft, Pleasantly Perfect, etc. Definitely worth a stop, Lanes End is owned by former British Ambassador Will Farish.
WinStar Farm has been one of my favorite stops, because I love their boys Tiznow and Distorted Humor - I was very disappointed when Victory Gallop got sold overseas as he was always good for entertainment.
Hopewell Farm wins the hospitality award from me. The people that work there are so genuinely nice. They stand champion Skip Away, as well as the white thoroughbred The White Fox, and is just across Pisgah Pike from Winstar.
Ashford Stud is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful - the Irish really know how to keep a horse farm. Unfortunately, they are another farm that shuttles their stallions south. However, leading sire Giant’s Causeway has not shuttled for several years now (insurance premiums were too high to risk it), and depending on the years some stallions are given a break and stay home.
Hill N’ Dale was once part of the old North Ridge Farm (sold and split years ago and now includes Hill N Dale, Vinery, and several other farms). Their stallion barn is very unique in it’s European design. Theatrical is also one of my favorites - he is pensioned now, but I can still remember the first time I met him a decade ago and he wouldn’t quit sticking his tongue out at the camera…HND is also the final resting place of the legendary Seattle Slew, who is buried a stone’s throw away from the stallion complex, complete with memorial statue. I attended his memorial service back in 2002, and Hill N Dale hosted a wonderful service befitting the late king.
Adena Springs is also a nice stop, and their stallions Giacomo, Awesome Again, Ghostzapper, and the recently retired Einstein are all worth visiting.
Another farm, which has yet to be mentioned in this thread, and that I highly recommend visiting, is Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm, which is located in Georgetown, KY - about 20-30 mins from Lexington and right off of I-64. Old Friends is a retirement farm, originally started for stallions, but now is home to mares and geldings as well, and their list of residents is incredible. Tours are offered on a regular schedule, and I should mention that it’s a fair amount of walking across the farm for those of you not used to trekking across fields. Farm founder Michael Blowen is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and listening to him tell stories about the horses on his farm (and the ones who have crossed the rainbow bridge) is fascinating. You will not be disappointed by visiting Old Friends. Their website is www.oldfriendsequine.org
That’s all I can think of right now, but if something else comes to mind I will make a note. Visiting KY’s horse farms is one of my favorite activities, and I’m planning to attend the BC events this year as well.
I don’t know about the rest of the farms, but Three Chimney’s has now contracted with a tour company, and will only provide tours through them. In addition you now have to book on-line. I was quite disappointed, actually, as I had toured a number of TB studs in years past and had a great time. But just last week when I contacted Three Chimney’s in regards to visiting in October (during the WEG) they informed me of the above changes. From now until at least immediately after WEG (and I was lead to believe it was a permanent change after that) they are only going throught the tour company and they told me that they were “taking the lead in this enterprise and encouraging other area farms to do the same”.
One thing that I don’t believe anyone has mentioned is that during the first week of the Keeneland November sales, most of the big stud farms hold Open Houses where anyone can simply show up, have a bite to eat, and see any of the stallions they like.
The dates for the KeeNov sale this year are 11/7 – 11/20. If that first week coincides with when you’re going to be here, you might check for announcements as the time draws near. You won’t get a tour of the entire farm, but you will get to see all the stallions that aren’t shuttling.
I just got an email back from Hill n Dale. They said they still give tours and to just give them a call a few days before.
<<Three Chimneys Farm is very visitor friendly, and holds tours regularly. It is a beautiful farm, and the staff is usually very accommodating. Some of their stallions include KY Derby winners Smarty Jones and Big Brown and dual classic winner, Point Given.>>
Don’t forget Dynaformer!
How many farms can someone plan on seeing in a day? Is there an average amount of time it takes to do a tour?
I’ve never been on a tour so I don’t know the answe to that but when you’re booking make sure you look at a map with the farm locations marked on it. For the most part, the farms tend to be “clustered” in groups.
Hopewell and WinStar are across from each other. Also very close is 3 Chimneys. A couple miles from there are Lane’s End and Airdrie.
Walmac and Gainesway are near each other on Paris Pike.
Vinery and Hill n Dale are neighbors.
Adena and Claiborne are both in Paris, not terribly far from each other, but far from all the others.
Just something to keep in mind or else you’ll lose a lot of time to driving around.
[QUOTE=LaurieB;4643228]
I’ve never been on a tour so I don’t know the answe to that but when you’re booking make sure you look at a map with the farm locations marked on it. For the most part, the farms tend to be “clustered” in groups.
Hopewell and WinStar are across from each other. Also very close is 3 Chimneys. A couple miles from there are Lane’s End and Airdrie.
Walmac and Gainesway are near each other on Paris Pike.
Vinery and Hill n Dale are neighbors.
Adena and Claiborne are both in Paris, not terribly far from each other, but far from all the others.
Just something to keep in mind or else you’ll lose a lot of time to driving around.[/QUOTE]
Thank you
My fiance and I just decided to go to Kentucky for our honeymoon, so I’m trying to figure out which farms I can’t live without seeing 
We won’t have the time to see ALL of them, but I’d love to know how many visits we may be able to make in a day or so…
I visited Three Chimneys this summer and I would say the tour lasted about an hour. I booked it online; I am not sure if their process has changed in recent months.
I also took a tour that was offered through the Kentucky Horse Park, which took us to WinStar and a couple of other area farms. The tour guide was fabulous. He had worked in the industry for a number of years and thus had a wealth of knowledge about various horses and races throughout history.
I will be going back to do some book events this year and cannot wait to visit some other farms, so this thread is very helpful!
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