VISITOR ACTIVITIES
At the park entrance, visitors are welcomed by the majestic Man o’ War Memorial. One of the greatest race horses to ever live, Man o’ War symbolizes the courage, strength, and magnificence of all horses. The Visitor Information Center provides material detailing the park’s attractions and special events. The theater offers the film “Thou Shalt Fly Without Wings.” Filmed at locations throughout the world, the film focuses on man’s relationship with the horse, providing an educational and exciting introduction to the park.

In the International Museum of the Horse, the largest of its kind in the world, visitors learn about what some believe to be the 55-million year history of the horse.

Exhibits include a collection of 19th Century horse-drawn carriages and racing vehicles. Within the museum, the “Horse in Sport” gallery displays contemporary uses of the horse in competition. “Calumet Farm: Five Decades of Champions” includes 560 gold, silver and crystal trophies, and 35 paintings that trace the racing legacy of Lexington’s most famous farm. Changing exhibits of equine art are proudly displayed in the museum’s Special Exhibitions Galleries. The museum also houses the W. Paul Little Cultural and Learning Center – a permanent exhibit which honors this prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder.

Kentucky means horses, especially the American Saddlebred, Kentucky’s first native breed. The American Saddlebred Museum offers a panorama of the exhilarating sights and sounds of the American Saddlebred world from the Saddlebred’s role in American history to its modern uses. Located off the main parking lot, the American Saddlebred Museum is also included with admission.

In the Farrier Shop, the blacksmith exhibits his iron-pounding craft and provides visitors the opportunity to watch the age-old art of horse shoeing.

An outstanding display of 24 of the park’s nearly 50 breeds of horses is located in the Breeds Barn. From March 15 through October 31, the color, sound and excitement of the show ring is captured twice daily in the Parade of Breeds. The half-hour presentation highlights the unique characteristics of selected breeds, while authentically-costumed riders put the horses through their paces. After the show, visitors have the opportunity to meet, photograph and pet their favorite horses and talk with riders.

The excitement of the racetrack and showring is brought to life by the elite group of champion horses that reside at the park?s Hall of Champions. Here, Thoroughbred legend Cigar, champion American Saddlebred CH Gypsy Supreme, and Standardbred Pacers Western Dreamer and Staying Together are shown in daily presentations. March 15 – October 31

The Draft Horses are an ever-popular stop on the tour. The Horse Drawn Tour area is the home of the “Gentle Giants,” – the horses that pull the park’s horse drawn tour trolleys. The teams include Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, English Shires, Halflingers, Suffolks and Norwegian Fjords. **Feel free to visit the Draft Horses throughout the morning as they are groomed and harnessed for their work day in the Carriage Horse Barn.

The park offers horseback and children’s pony rides. Trail rides provide a chance for visitors to ride through the countryside around the park.