Kentucky Horse Park

While in Kentucky since we had time it only made sense to check out the Kentucky Horse Park....also known as Mecca in the horse world.  It was off season so there was not a lot going on.  I still want to go for a Breyerfest or some other crazy weekend.

We had a beautiful day but it was slightly chilly, I loved the temperature by the hubby certainly needed to be kept warm.  The gift shop was awesome, lots of Breyers, teeshirts and many derby winner halters complete with a tuft of tail were for sale.

Everywhere you looked there was a famous statue or memorial to some famous horse.  Reckless was awesome to see. Also a memorial plaque for Bask++, a famous Arabian sire. I don't think he was buried there but there were memorial plaques for many famous horses.

We made it to the parade of breeds, the draft horse and then the racehorse talks.  Perfect timing for each. The draft horse barn showed us a belgian, percheron and then a shire.  All beautiful horses that everyone could pet afterwards.  My little 14 hand something horses are so tiny comparatively.

Funny Cide was the retired racehorse we got to meet and hear the story of his winnings and the gamble that group of friends who owned him had taken.  He was a grumpy old man and showed lots of personality as he watched the crowd gathered around to see him.

We didn't stay to see the full documentary, narrated by William Shatner, in the "Mane Theater" but saw the end 15 minutes.  I just found it cute with the pun on word spelling.

The red carpet was perfect as well. There was more to see in this area but we had already had a long weekend of looking at horses to buy so a nap was in our future. We honestly would need a full weekend to really see the park when it's in full swing during visitor season.

Of course the Man O' War's statue was something not to miss.  Unknown to me this is his final resting place, the entire story of his shaky beginnings with sales from the Ridley farms and his temperament were written out on the plaques around the statue.  Man O War is my favorite book of Walter Farley's.  He brought the story to life and did his research.  This was sacred ground.

We certainly will have to go back when there is more going on but it was neat to at least check it out for a couple hours.