Horse Farms in Kentucky

When someone mentions horse racing, what likely springs to mind is thoroughbreds galloping full speed around the circuit at Churchill Downs for the legendary Kentucky Derby. You might picture wide-brimmed hats and mint juleps. Those down on their luck and big winners.

This iconic imagery springs from a deep, rich local history of thoroughbred racing. After all, the reason so many around the world are immediately familiar with Kentucky Derby fanfare is because of generations of families who put their expertise, hard work, and love into boarding, raising, and breeding champion racehorses at world-renowned horse farms in Kentucky.

With hundreds of farms, auction houses, race courses, and other institutions dedicated to thoroughbred racing in the region, it’s no wonder that Lexington is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.”

Here’s everything you need to know about horse farms in Kentucky and what makes them so vital to the exciting world of horse racing.

Kentucky Thoroughbred Horses

Kentucky naturally lends itself to the raising of strong and vital racehorses, with its hilly terrain and limestone-rich soil full of bone-strengthening calcium. While prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby grab headlines, our state has much to offer enthusiasts before and after the winners cross the finish line. With farm tours, track gatherings and events, trail riding, and more, there’s plenty to see and do across the many acres of the Bluegrass State’s farmland and idyllic countryside.

Here are a few of the reasons Lexington, Kentucky is so important to those who love, raise, and race thoroughbred horses.

1.      Lexington has produced many legendary championship thoroughbreds. Lexington racehorses such as GO FOR GIN, FUNNY CIDE, POINT GIVEN, and MAN O’ WAR are legends in their own right. Many champions are raised and cared for in Lexington, such as those at the Hall of Champions at Kentucky Horse Park. Mill Ridge Farm produced the 2001 Horse of the Year POINT GIVEN as well as 2005 come-from-behind Kentucky Derby winner, GIACOMO.  In addition, winners of the Epsom Derby, Preakness, Belmont, and several Breeders' Cup races, among others.

2.      Kentucky is home to famous circuits like Keeneland Race Course. Founded in 1936, Keeneland is one of the most revered thoroughbred race courses and has hosted thousands of races featuring championship-grade racehorses. Keeneland has hosted such notable races as the 2015, 2020, and just hosted the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and was once visited by Queen Elizabeth II. Keeneland is also known for having the world’s largest auction house for purchasing thoroughbreds.

3.      Lexington’s love of thoroughbreds runs the course of history. For instance, did you know Lexington is home to the second-oldest track in horse racing? Red Mile Race Track was established in 1875 and continues to produce legendary harness thoroughbred racing to this day.

4.      Some of the best jockeys call Lexington home. Don Brumfield and Steve Cauthen are highly accomplished jockeys in the sport of horse racing who hail from Lexington. Oliver Lewis, the jockey who won the inaugural Kentucky Derby, was born in Fayette County in the mid-19th century.

5.      Lexington maintains the official worldwide registry of thoroughbreds. This is known as the American Stud Book. Started in 1868 and now owned by The Jockey Club, the American Stud Book keeps the official record on all thoroughbreds foaled in North America and Puerto Rico as well as those imported from other countries.

6.      Kentucky’s horse economy is estimated to have a $4 billion annual impact. Is it any wonder? The very ground under our thoroughbreds’ hooves seems built especially for those majestic animals and the people who love them. Kentucky’s limestone-fed, mineral-rich soil and bluegrass help build the strong bones of healthy, resilient horses. 

Some Thoroughbred Facts

How dedicated are Kentuckians to their love of all things horse racing? So much so that the thoroughbred was designated the official state horse in 1996. Not only that; a thoroughbred horse is even featured on the Kentucky quarter!

Did you know that thoroughbreds are the only breed of horse allowed to compete in the Kentucky Derby?

What makes thoroughbreds stand out from the average horse is their unique physiology, making them superior for racing, including slim bodies, broad chests, and short backs, with exceptional speed and stamina.

Originating from three Middle-Eastern stallions in the 17th century, all thoroughbreds are purebred according to the highest standard of physical performance, using a metric known as conformation.

Conformation refers to how well a horse’s musculoskeletal physique lends itself to speed and efficiency on the race track. Generally, conformation takes into account:

• Hooves—thoroughbreds put stress on their hooves during a race. The size, proportion, shape, and composition of the foot impact their ability to compete at the highest levels.

• Legs—the various bones and joints of the legs should be at an optimal length and angle, properly aligned to absorb the force produced during a race.

• Head, neck, and shoulders—a broad head helps a horse take in more air to maintain stamina in a race. Likewise, a muscular, well-proportioned neck allows a more efficient stride. Shoulders formed with the proper angle provide a longer stride overall.

• Body, chest, and ribs—how the back, chest and ribs, hips, and rump are shaped and proportioned affects performance on the track in terms of stride, balance, endurance, and strength.

Other factors to consider in what makes for an exceptional thoroughbred include intelligence, temperament, and athletic ability.

Horse Farms in Kentucky

With such an intense love for and history of horse racing in Kentucky, it makes sense that there would be hundreds of horse farms in the region.

There are over 450 horse farms throughout Kentucky, with roughly 150 of those located in Fayette County.  

Visiting these farms can give you an intimate look into what life is like both for those working on these farms and the horses living there. There are several ways you can experience thoroughbred horse farms and all they have to offer, including public, private, and group tours, among other activities these farms may offer their guests.

Public Tours

Learn about the business of horse racing and breeding through public tours of Lexington horse farms and other equine facilities by booking with a touring company. These tours run daily and welcome guests from around the world. Book a public tour at visithorsecountry.com. 

Group Tours

This may be a good option for a customized visit planned by your group such as a tour with family or friends, a corporate event, or a wedding. Your options may depend on the touring company and facility policies, so always ask for specifics about your options and book in advance. Learn more at visithorsecountry.com. 

Private Tours

You may want to avoid the crowds and travel alone to horse farms near Lexington, Kentucky, or other local horse racing facilities. Many facilities offer private individual tours, and they may also offer some level of customization and personalization depending on your interests. It’s necessary to book tours in advance. Book a private tour at visithorsecountry.com. 

What to Expect When You Visit a Horse Farm in Kentucky

When visiting horse farms in Lexington, plan your visit to get the most out of your time. For example, mid to late summer months are when the year’s foals/babies are growing and beginning to play with one another. You can also see yearlings born around the same time the previous year for a glimpse into the different stages of the lives of thoroughbreds.

On a tour, you’ll experience the proud family history of those who own and work on the farm and a family-friendly environment welcoming you into the world of horse racing. You’ll likely learn about the breeding process and stages of development in a horse’s life.

Chances are you’ll meet these horses, interact with them, and sometimes even feed them carrots. Here’s more of what to expect during your visit.

Turnout

This is when young thoroughbreds leave their stalls and socialize with one another in a dedicated pasture space. Herd play helps them grow mentally and physically into stronger racehorses. The rolling hills natural to Lexington help the horses build their strength.

Feeding

As young thoroughbreds are weaned from their mothers at the weanling stage, they will spend much of their time in the pasture feeding on the native grasses that provide the necessary nutrients to grow and develop.

The Horses

On a tour, you may see thoroughbreds in various stages of their development. These include:

• Broodmares and foals—mares will have all foaled by summertime and are grouped by their approximate foaling date. After a few days of mother-baby bonding, mares and foals are let out in groups to form herds.

• Weanlings—roughly 120 to 180 days after a foal is born, they’ll wean from their mothers. Their diet will shift to about 35% grass and the remainder a special mixture of grain. They’ll spend a lot of their time outside according to their herds.

• Yearlings—on January 1 following a foal’s birth, they become a yearling. They’re separated according to sex and whether they are to be sold at auction. Yearlings are athletic and playful, and by summer—as they begin to show their potential as racehorses—may be prepped for sale.

• Stallions standing stud—stallions standing at stud are those used for breeding. They’re usually kept in their own separate barns and turn out to pasture individually. Many stallions are former race champions with illustrious pedigrees.

With so many farms in Kentucky, it can be hard to choose which to visit. Why not see the farm most steeped in history, and with an indisputable tradition of producing winners? We would love to welcome you to Mill Ridge.

Mill Ridge Farm: What Makes Us Special

For more than half a century, Mill Ridge Farm has taken pride in our contribution to the legacy of Lexington horse racing. Mill Ridge has long produced racehorses that compete and win at the highest levels. Since 2000, we’ve produced 36 Grade 1 winners—the highest echelon of horse racing—including winners of the Kentucky Derby and the Breeder's Cup.

Mill Ridge Farm is right outside the Urban Service Boundary of Lexington and close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland Race track. Thinking of coming for a visit? Here’s what you should know.

Our History

In 1962, Alice Chandler founded Mill Ridge Farm after the death of her father, Hal Price Headley, and has been raising and selling champion racehorses ever since.

On May 5th, 1965, the history and life of Alice Chandler and Mill Ridge Farm would change forever. On this day was born a bay colt who would be raised on Mill Ridge and sold at Keeneland as a yearling for $42,000 to Raymond Guest. Named SIR IVOR, he was sent to the most recognized trainer in Ireland, Vincent O’Brien and would become the Champion 2-year-old of Ireland. As a 3-year-old, among his five wins was the Epsom Derby. He would go on to be named the Champion 3-year-old in England. 

Alice’s sons Mike, Reynolds, and Headley grew up on the farm and have played an integral role in its success. Mike went on to train and befriend great horsemen such as Frank Whitley. Reynolds dedicated himself to the farm and establishing its footprint in the horse racing world. He helped recruit stallions DIESIS and GONE WEST, which was instrumental in building international awareness and purpose. Headley contributed to Mill Ridge’s prestige through his work with Nicoma Bloodstock and its client successes. Included in the success was the assistance with his clients in mating Kentucky Derby winners BARBARO and STREET SENSE. Also he assisted his clients in mating 2011 Horse of the Year HAVRE DE GRACE and 2019 Horse of the Year BRICKS AND MORTAR. 

Alice’s husband, equine veterinarian Dr. John Chandler, was instrumental to Mill Ridge’s success with his veterinary background, expertise, and connection to so many European clients. In addition, he has served as the President of the North American Division of Juddmonte Farms for over 40 years. Read more about our history here.

Mill Ridge’s Royal Pedigree

Queen Elizabeth II, with a lifelong passion for horses and horse racing, has an important connection to Lexington and Mill Ridge Farm. The Queen inherited her breeding and racing stock from her father, George IV, and her horses ended up winning 566 races.

In 1984, Queen Elizabeth visited Kentucky to present the trophy for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Keeneland Race Track, and soon after entrusted Mill Ridge Farm to breed five of her mares.

Queen Elizabeth passed away on September 8th, 2022, leaving behind a tremendous legacy and intrinsic connection to the Kentucky world of horse racing and Mill Ridge Farm.

What Does Mill Ridge Do?

Our farm offers a variety of services critical to the breeding and healthy development of thoroughbreds. Here’s a brief overview of what happens on our farm.

• Mating, breeding, and buying—breeding proper thoroughbreds requires natural breeding, known as “live cover.” Broodmares and stallions are closely monitored and introduced according to the mare’s ovulation cycle and acceptance of the stallion. Broodmares typically ovulate for a brief period during the spring, which is when they are bred with stallions. The breeding is considered successful when pedigree, intelligence, and athleticism combine to make the offspring a success on the race track after four years of development. Nicoma Bloodstock has a long track record of successful matings and buying and selling racehorses.

• Horse boarding—boarding is one of Mill Ridge’s core services. We proudly care for our clients’ horses until they are ready to begin training to race. Our rolling hills and open terrain are perfect for horses to grow strong, socialize in herds, and develop into future champions. Our dedicated and talented staff provides well-rounded care and development at each stage of growth.

• Sales—our sales team builds a foundation of trust with our clients through communication and accessibility. Our attention to detail with the selection, preparation, and presentation of our horses ensures our clients maximize their investments. Our experience and knowledge enable us to make accurate appraisals, read the market, and effectively promote sales horses.

Consulting—Nicoma Bloodstock has over 40 years of consulting experience and has worked with some of the best in the business. This makes us capable of sharing the knowledge and achieving the results our clients expect when it comes to broodmares, matings, yearlings, appraisals, and acting as expert witnesses.

Our History of Stallions

Mill Ridge Farm has a proven history of managing and promoting the careers of breed-shaping thoroughbred stallions. Mill Ridge stallions DIESIS and GONE WEST have been instrumental in siring successful racehorses, sires of sires, and broodmares, bringing worldwide influence.

Before joining Mill Ridge, DIESIS had an illustrious career as an English racehorse. After retiring, DIESIS went on to sire three English Oaks winners and a high percentage of stakes winners, graded stakes winners, champions, and international recognition as a broodmare sire. 

Meanwhile, GONE WEST has sired 98 stakes winners, including national and international racehorses. Before joining Mill Ridge in 1985, GONE WEST was himself a Grade 1 winner.

OSCAR PERFORMANCE is currently a Mill Ridge stud, an eight-year-old stallion who achieved great success on the race track during his career. He won eight of his first 15 starts, including the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and 2018 Belmont Derby Invitational. OSCAR PERFORMANCE has an impressive pedigree, sired by Kitten's Joy, the U.S. Champion Male Turf Horse. OSCAR PERFORMANCE is out of DEVINE ACTRESS, herself a stakes winner who produced multiple graded stakes winning horses.

Come say hi to OSCAR PERFORMANCE during your visit to Mill Ridge Farm!

ALOHA WEST joined Mill Ridge as a stallion in November 2022. 

Visiting Mill Ridge

We guarantee that your visit to Mill Ridge Farm will be an experience you can look back on and cherish for a lifetime. You can find us at 2800 Bowman Mill Road Lexington, KY 40513.

Once you arrive in your personal vehicle (no motorcycles, taxis, or rideshare vehicles are permitted), follow the signs directly to the breeding shed where the tour will begin. Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour mostly takes place outdoors, and note that no public restrooms are available during the tour.

One of the most enjoyable experiences during a tour is getting up close and personal with the horses, feeding them carrots through the fence. Staff will demonstrate how to do this safely, offering the carrot on the flat palm of your open hand.

At Mill Ridge, you’ll be able to witness horses of all ages, including mares with their foals, weanlings, groups of yearlings playing, and our revered stallion, OSCAR PERFORMANCE, and new addition ALOHA WEST.

Our tours provide a close-up look at the raising of racehorses that the entire family can enjoy.

Mill Ridge tours must be booked in advance, online. You can view all the options we offer here. 

Once you select either a group tour, private tour, or sunset wagon ride, enter the number of guests, fill out the form with your contact and payment information, answer a brief survey about your needs and expectations, and sign our waiver for special COVID-19 terms and conditions.

Then you’re all ready to book your tour.

Cancellations, refunds, and rescheduling tours require a 48-business-hour notice. Tours are conducted rain or shine, but in the case of severe weather, the tour will be canceled and refunded or rescheduled. 

Interested in booking a tour? Schedule a visit with us today. We look forward to meeting you.

You can also book a private tour of our facilities.

Visit the Mill Ridge gift shop to remember your trip with unique memorabilia, including our iconic carrot hat.

---

 Interested in learning more about broodmares, foals, weanlings, and two-year-olds? Want to see how they are raised for yourself? Schedule a tour of Mill Ridge Farm today through Visit Horse Country.