Horse Country Hues: Immersing Yourself in Kentucky’s Equestrian Culture

We’re less than three weeks away from the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports, with the 2024 Kentucky Derby set to kick off on Saturday, May 4 at the Churchill Downs. While that might feel like an eternity for die hard fans waiting for the premier event on the North American racing calendar, there are plenty of other equestrian events to keep an eye on if you’re planning a visit to the Bluegrass state, or even if you’re just looking for ways to pass the time ahead of the Derby itself. Here’s a look at Kentucky’s rich racing culture, with all the events and locations you won’t want to miss out on.

Preparing for the Derby

Despite its prestigious place in the world of horse racing—with all due respect to the courses at Ascot, Epsom, and Cheltenham—paying a visit to Churchill Downs is surprisingly affordable. Touring the grounds costs only five dollars for an adult ticket—mint julep not included, unfortunately—while children under 12 get in free. Naturally, tickets for the Derby and other major races like the Kentucky Oaks are more expensive, but they offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region.

Races at Churchill Downs run regularly between April and July 4, the height of horse racing season in the United States. Ticket prices start at just $7, and the site also features a museum that blends the history of the races with a taste of Kentucky’s famous bourbons.

Lastly, no visit to the races would be complete without engaging in a bit of wagering. Betting on horse races is one of the oldest forms of sports gambling in America, a tradition that has persisted despite historical bans on the pastime across much of the country. Even if you’re not familiar with horse racing, placing a bet is essential to experiencing the full flavor of Kentucky’s racing culture. These days, while traditional on-site bookies are still available, much of the betting action has shifted online. Exploring the Best Betting Apps in Kentucky can offer both convenience and a wide array of betting options, enhancing your experience whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a first-time visitor.

Elsewhere in the Bluegrass State

Of course, Churchill Downs isn’t the only place to get in on the action in a state steeped in as much equestrian history as Kentucky is. Estimates vary on the contribution of horse racing to Kentucky’s economy, ranging as high as $5 billion per year: a significant chunk of the Commonwealth’s $225 billion GDP.

If you’re looking for other places to visit, Lexington is roughly an hour and a half away from Louisville, making it within easy day trip distance via bus, rental car or train.

Well, Lexington may not be the first place that leaps off the page when you’re thinking of tourist destinations, it has a larger population than cities like St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Greensboro and Buffalo, meaning that there’s plenty of things for you to do and enjoy both at the races and elsewhere in the city.

One of the most famous racing attractions in the city is Keeneland, replete with not only race courses, but all of the other infrastructure needed to make the industry tick. That includes an auction complex and places to raise, house and train world class race horses, and you can tour the farm to get an inside glimpse at how the business operates.

Taking in the National Parks

If you’re looking to get out of the cities, one excellent opportunity for avid equestrians is Mammoth Cave National Park in the southwestern part of the state, home to the longest currently explored cave system in the entire world. The above ground section of the park has more than 60 miles of backcountry trails suitable for riding, climbing the undulating hills and valleys that give Appalachia its picturesque charm.

If you don’t own a horse yourself, the national park has licensed operators that will give you a tour of the park via horseback. Trails vary in size and accessibility from wider dirt paths where you can ride two or three abreast to narrow, winding and rocky trails that climb up and down the hollows. No matter which type of adventure suits your fancy, trail riding is a great way to take in nature and enjoy spending time with the animals, and a tranquil change of pace from the frenetic atmosphere at the races.