My toddler daughter’s fascination with all things scaly is fading. However, her interest in animals remains steadfast, though we’re seeing a softer side to her fixation. She now happily embraces all things hairy—-mainly horses. To be honest she’s really into ponies and their “houses” (a.k.a. stables). This, of course, means we’ve been doing a ton of research about horses, which usually begets the question: “Mommy, when are we going to visit them?”
I told my daughter I may not know exactly when we will be meeting our four-legged friends, but I do know where we will be going when the time is right (if you have a young horse lover in your household you may appreciate the following information)– Lexington, Kentucky.
Yee-Haw! That’s right, I said Lexington, Kentucky. Sure, Louisville may be famous for the derby, but it’s Lexington that’s heralded as horse country. It’s expansive green fields; undulating hills, paddocks, black fences, farmhouses and barns make Lexington prime real estate for horse breeders. In fact, according to the Chamber of Commerce, Lexington and its surrounding areas boast more than 450 thoroughbred breeding farms, which attract horse lovers from all over the world.
Some horse breeders consider thoroughbreds to be international currency so it’s no surprise that the facilities in Lexington are top-notch. Granted, I don’t own horses, nor do I watch them race, however, I wouldn’t pass up the chance to take a peek at famous racers such as 2004 Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones who now lives at Three Chimneys Farm near Lexington.
Bottom line: Lexington, Kentucky is a great place for people who love horses and green open spaces. My daughter happens to enjoy both. I’ve been told that once you visit Lexington you are drawn back to it year after year. I’m anxious to see if that will prove true for our family. If nothing else I’m looking forward to the opportunity to get up close and personal with some legendary equines.
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