This was a GREAT tour. Took tour on a Sunday but windy…read moreSaturday. Nice sized group. Delightful tour guide, Brittany. First a quick history of the farm. Then we met one of the stallions and fed him carrots. We got in our cars and drove to meet some mares and foals. Took a bit for the mares to come and greet us but they all did eventually. Very friendly horses, especially when you have carrots. Lastly we saw the yearling fillies. Beautiful setting. This was so fun, highly recommend if in the area.

We had a great time on our tour of the farm with guide Rynn. It shows that she has a love for the…read morefarm and the horses. We got to pet and feed lots of horses. Saw several foals as young as three weeks old.

We went there as a Harvest Host guest. But recently saw…read morethem at Food truck days and other places to help kids learn about animals

Family fun! It wasn't crowded the animals were so beautiful.. my 2 year old had a blast! Definitely…read morerecommend for a cheap and fun family outing.

I can't say enough good things about the second annual Horses & Hospitality event, sponsored by…read moreHorse Country. Last year all the participants gathered at Keeneland for fantastic food, networking, and learning opportunities, before venturing out to a variety of thoroughbred farms. Audra and I experienced the wonder that is Taylor Made, and although it wasn't my first farm tour, it was one I'll never forget. This year, COVID did away with the large group gathering, but the farm tours were able to take place as scheduled. The majority of farms are stud-centric, but - ironically - at Denali Stud you won't find any stallions or breeding sheds. More on that to come. Founded in 1990 by former New Jersey jockey Craig Bandoroff and his wife, Holly, Denali Stud is a 300-acre mare and foal property - i.e. a nursery - situated in picturesque Paris, KY. So what's with the name? I wondered the same. 'Denali' is a mountain range and Eskimo word meaning 'to aspire to greater heights,' and the word 'stud' is synonymous with 'farm' in Europe. Voila! The four barns, office, and other buildings on the property run almost completely on solar energy. Although the farm has produced many successful athletes, some of their most beloved clients date back to the humble beginnings of the farm. Craig, a passionate outdoorsman, has taken great care to curate a variety of trees around the property, carefully labeling many with their type and year planted. As he and his wife prepare for retirement in Lexington, their son and his wife have begun building their own residence on property. Our tour started at a large, centrally-located field full of mamas-to-be. And let me tell you, swollen bellies won't stop those ladies from stampeding toward you in pursuit of a peppermint and a good cheek scratching! From there we got to visit with mares and foals in an adjacent field, before venturing on to the foal bar - where the magic happens. Each stall was occupied by either a mare very close to (or past!) her due date, or a mother and new foal, and I mean NEW - a couple of the foals were only two days old! Pay close attention when you're walking through the barn, as you may recognize some high profile sires; I counted at least three babies by Tapit and one by Real Quiet. Another nearby barn houses some older foals with their mamas, and pregnant mares with less imminent due dates. While Denali Stud is the most recognizable farm in the family's portfolio, there are two others, both of which take their names from mountain ranges: K2, which is dedicated to maiden and barren mares, and Lotse, a 5-barn yearling division. Our guide was primarily Alexis - with additional input from Aly - and her knowledge of the industry, farm, animals, and many other business facets was really impressive. Passion and enthusiasm likes hers is what gets people excited about tourism, and I'm so glad Denali Stud participated in the event this year!

Horse Country provides access to thoroughbred farms and other related businesses to locals and…read moretourists alike who would not otherwise have the ability to experience them. This tour company has a variety of experiences to choose from at various prices and durations which can be booked online. Appointments are scheduled for you, but you must provide your own transportation. You will join other visitors while an individual from the farm walks you through the property, giving its history and showing some of the stallions that stand for breeding.

The land boasts historical significance for more than two hundred years. It was passed down…read morethrough the family of Captain David Shely of Virginia and has gone through numerous hands, including the duPont family, as a stallion station. Currently, it is owned by thoroughbred trainer Ken McPeek and operated as a 115 acre premier boarding and training facility that has been beautifully restored. The name Magdalena honors a Matriarch of the Shely family. A pre Civil War cemetery sits on the back of the property as well as one for many of the horses that passed through the lives of those who maintained the farm. The former breeding shed has been transformed into a guest house that is available on Air B&B. A lovely place to wake up with coffee on the deck with a view of the farm.

Attended the annual New Vocations Open Barn and BBQ. A lovely night to stroll the grounds and visit…read morethe retired racehorses in the barns. Most are friendly and happy for attention. There was live music and excellent nachos from Hillbilly BBQ. This is an extremely worthwhile organization and gives retired racehorses new homes and often new jobs to keep them busy. 41

Iconic Calumet Farm stands proudly with its red and white barns, and their "devil" red racing silks…read morewere a staple in horseracing for many years. Nearly 100 years has seen some of the great horses in their barns and grazing on their beautiful rolling green landscape. Who isn't tempted to glance toward Calumet while driving Versailles Road. 2 Triple Crown winners, 8 Kentucky Derby winners, 8 Preakness winners, 5 Horse of the Year titles only scratch the surface of the honors seen by Calumet. With 12 stallions, including those standing regionally, the legacy continues.

Bach Hay & Straw provides the best quality hay in Lexington. We've tried hay from several vendors…read morearound lexington, and Bach Hay is the one that the horses like the best every time. Tina Bach is very knowledgeable and approachable. Strongly recommend Bach Hay & Straw.

From the owner: We provide quality straw and hay for all your horsey needs :)read more

Mereworth Farm was a thoroughbred farm established in 1924 until it was bequeathed to a foundation…read moreto become a 1200 acre sanctuary committed to lifelong care of retired thoroughbreds. Nearly 170 horses call Mereworth Farm and are well cared for by the staff through their later years. 25