Leaving Tennessee we were on our way to Kentucky. We wanted to see horse country. What better place than the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington, KY. And what better place to stay than at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground.
The RV Park is acres of bluegrass and trees right next to the Horse Park.
Lexington is beautiful. Lush grass as far as the eye can see, miles and miles of fences, and the most elegant barns we have ever seen.
As soon as we had Gypsy II settled we went out for a drive. First lesson................fencing. The fencing is usually either black or white. The white is not as frequent. The reason for more black fences than white is money. It costs three times as much for white paint and black fences go four years before needing repainted and white only goes two years. Most farms have miles of fence so this makes a big difference. Also, notice in the photos that very often there is double fencing.The double fencing between paddocks or fields keeps horses from interacting across a common fence (a stallion can be a very dangerous animal) and also allows vehicles and farm machinery to move easily around the property. Double fencing along the road is for safety. If a horse breaks through one they will still be contained by the other and if a vehicle runs through one fence they usually will be stopped before the second. The protection of the horses in Kentucky is taken very seriously.
As we drive along I am captivated by the beauty of the countryside and the pristinely kept barns.
The horse barns are in varied colors but the tobacco barns are black. The black color raises the temperature inside aiding in the curing of the tobacco.
The rolling hills make for a fun drive. Pastures fenced in black, trees swathed in ivy, grass so green it hurts the eyes, and the anticipation of sighting another majestic horse.
I think that most young girls have a period of time where they LOVE horses. I sure did. Read the books........Black Beauty, National Velvet, My Friend Flicka................had horse figurines and when I actually got to ride one it was memorable. Being here with horses everywhere that feeling comes back.
We did a quick run through downtown Lexington. It is a mix of old and new buildings, was very clean and neat and full of people and cars.
Lexington is Kentucky's 2nd largest city. It is home to the University of Kentucky and Rupp Arena, the largest arena designed specifically for basketball, as well as the largest indoor arena by capacity, in the United States. There seemed to be quite a bit of building going on, they are experiencing a rapid growing population.
Downtown is home to Thoroughbred Park. Time did not allow us to go through. Darn, I understand it has wonderful bronze statues paying tribute to horses and jockeys. This will be a place that could be a "come back" destination. A lot of things that we didn't get to do! But, this visit was all about the horses.
The day of our visit to the Kentucky Horse Park dawned cold, cloudy and windy. Not to be deterred we bundled up and headed out. The cool day meant less visitors and as the day went on it warmed up. The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm and a park dedicated to "man's relationship with the horse."
Opening in 1978 the Park has been home to some of the world's greatest competition horses. Nearly 50 breeds of horses graze upon its 1,200 acres of lush pastures.
There are many works of art depicting some of the great champions. This is of Secretariat who won the Triple Crown in 1973. He was an outstanding thoroughbred who won by 31 lengths in the Belmont. Secretariat died in 1989 and given the rare honor of being buried whole (usually only the head, heart, and hooves of a winning race horse are buried, and the rest of the body is cremated).
The first thing we did was take the Trolley tour that gives an overview of the park. The Trolley is pulled by the Clydesdale good friends, Colin & TJ. Draft horses like the Clydesdales helped build America. They pulled plows to prepare fields for seeding, pulled wagons of settlers west, pulled felled trees to sawmills. They’re still used on smaller farms and logging operations. Now most often when draft horses are thought of the Budweiser Clydesdales come to mind.
Then it was off to meet the champions. This is Go For Gin. He is an American thoroughbred who won the 1994 Kentucky Derby. He is happily living out his retirement at the Park.
Meet Won The West. He is a Standardbred, the third richest pacer in North American harness racing history. This form of racing involves horses pulling carts with drivers controlling them. He seems to be a favorite at the Park. They say he loves people and loves to be scratched on his nose.
We met several champions in the Hall of Champions but I think Funny Cide was my favorite. He is a thoroughbred who won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in 2003. He retired to the Park in 2008. He is a little bit grumpy and not particularly happy at having to meet and greet. Love that feisty personality.
We went to the Breeds Barn to see different breeds put on a little show. My favorite was this Tennessee Walker. Such grace, like a choreographed dance. We saw an Appaloosa and a Chincoteague pony too.
This was Walt's favorite. A mustang with the unlikely name of Gilligan. His cute little rider was an intern from the University of Michigan having the time of her life.
"I am so bored with all these people. How much nose petting..........scratching do I have to put up with?"
We spent several hours in their International Museum of the Horse. It is a Smithsonian Affiliate, that examines the role of horses throughout world history, from ancient times to today’s most popular sporting events. It also houses the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries that focuses on Arabian horses. Both were so interesting and solidified the amazing relationship that humans have had with horses across the ages. Tomorrow one more amazing day with the Lexington Champion Horses.
"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
Winston Churchill