Anytime I have an opportunity to visit Ashford, I'm there. The farm continues to enthrall. But for…read moreall it's beauty, it is Triple Crown winner American Pharoah that brings me back over and over. 54

The tour we had was awesome! Our tour guide was very informative and answered many of our questions…read morewith enthusiasm. As a uninformed tourist, I learned a lot about the studs and their lineage, the breeding process, and about the Coolmore farms. They showed us the barns and told us interesting facts about the horses that stayed there. They also showed American Pharaoh and Epicenter out of their stalls, which was a great photo opportunity.

Gainesborough Farm is the nursery division of Godolphin. A stunning expanse of over 1500 acres is…read morehome to mares and foals of the international breeding operation. It was a great opportunity to visit with Lou, a most accomplished guide. 75

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.

This fine Bluegrass land was originally settled in 1774, adjoining a buffalo trace used by settlers…read moreand the Shawnee. It is now a picturesque thoroughbred farm housing many fine stallions. The roster is topped by Tapit who stands for $225,000, one of the highest stud fees in the country. Empire Maker, the grand sire of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, is another of their top stallions with an influential bloodline. The stallions live in small barns designed to look very French village-like, with just four stalls in each. Gainesway is writing its own history in the thoroughbred industry.

I can't say enough about Old Friends. It's just wonder how the Founder, Michael Blowen, President,…read moreJohn Nicholson, and their entire staff have dedicated their lives to taking care of these fabulous Thoroughbred's. The staff is very informative and friendly. They take their time providing detailed history of each horse you see. We were able to pet a couple and feed all of them. Remember, put the carrot on an open/flat palm. We met Silver Charm, the oldest Living Kentucky Derby winner. We met Preakness Stakes Winners, I'll Have Another and Big Brown. We also met Hall of Fame, Lava Man. Over $150 equine athletes in the facility. I will return someday soon to do the Founders Tour!! Thank you for a memorable day with one of my favorite animals that God created.

This place made for a great time seeing all the horses, feeding them, hearing stories about their…read moreprofessional lives. A really enjoyable tour - even for a guy that is t really into horses. I would HIGHLY recommend. This group is doing some great things for these retired horses!!

This beautiful Jessamine County farm is a family affair, owned and operated by the four Taylor…read morebrothers. Founded in 1976, 1600 acres of land is home to stallions, broodmares and foals. In addition to being a successful thoroughbred breeding operation, they are one of the top sales consignors. Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was raised on the farm.

We just returned from visiting Taylor Made Farm in beautiful Nicholasville, KY. We thoroughly…read moreenjoyed the "California Chrome Experience". We will be returning in the near future for the general farm tour but if you are a racing fan I recommend you get tickets immediately - Chrome will be going to Chile soon and dates are limited - I cannot emphasize what a great opportunity this tour presents. If you miss it this season put it in your calendar for next year. We got to see California Chrome up close and personal! We got a visit from our friend Liam who works with these fabulous stallions every day! The tour was presented at a very leisurely pace. We were truly able to enjoy our time at Taylor Made Farm. Our tour guide Carly was fabulous! She answered questions and gave a very interesting overview of one of thoroughbred racing's megastars. We toured the breeding shed and the stallion barns. We each got individual photos taken in California Chrome's stall after feeding him one of his favorite cookies! Horse girl heaven let me tell you! We then took a scenic drive over the farm to one of the barns where Chrome's and other sire's babies are housed. The "California Chrome Experience" is a very interactive experience. Lots of opportunities for photos and petting the horses. After the tour we had a meal at Daddy Joe's Bar & Grill which was included with our tickets. Great job Taylor Made Farm for putting together a tour designed with horse lovers in mind. I would truly spend the money to go on the "California Chrome Experience" again. It was that enjoyable!!!

We did a tour and it was INCREDIBLE!!! Our tour guide was FANTASTIC!! We got to pet and feed…read moremultiple horses! LOVED IT!

Our tour guide was amazing. She had so much information and was very friendly. Did the stallions…read moretour and the mamas and babies tour. Saw some amazing horses.