It doesn’t get much more Kentucky than horses — and at the Kentucky Horse Park, there have been over 200 years of hoofs on the ground. The land’s history dates back to 1777, when it was a 9,000-acre plot owned by a wealthy Virginian. By 1978, the land had been divided, and the park was established. It spans over 1,200 acres full of attractions, campgrounds, and stables. Kentucky Horse Park, true to the spirit of Kentucky, is dedicated to humans’ relationship with horses.
The International Museum of the Horse is located within the park. It is the world’s largest and most comprehensive museum dedicated to horses—and their impact on human history. Exhibits highlight the cultural impact of horses in Japan, the history of the Arabian horse, five decades of horse racing, and more. Their exhibits feature immersive storytelling, captivating artifacts, and interactive displays.
Student Programs
Educational programming invites visitors to get hands-on with museum objects featuring topics on bone carts, horse racing champions, and saddle talks. The museum also hosts educational events throughout the year, including book talks, creation classes, and unique park tours. For easy lesson plans to connect museum visits to in-class learning, check out their online resources. Broken down by grade level, each activity aligns with curriculum standards and covers a variety of topics including the legacy of the Kentucky Derby, transportation in early America, the war horse in ancient times, and the genetics behind horse colors.
Interactive Animal Encounters
Visit the Kids Barn to let students learn through play at this interactive facility. Children gain a hands-on education about the fundamentals of horses and their care. With helpful placards defining grooming tools and knowledgeable staff on hand for demonstrations and questions, students get an in-depth look at how best to groom and maintain a horse’s health. Then get in the stall and use the tools on a real-life horse. Afterward, head outside to jump through a course of fences on foot to get the experience of a horse. Kids can also meet the mini horses found throughout the park!
Fun Trolley Tour
Take the Big Barn & Trolley tour for a look at the biggest horses in the park. Draft horse demonstration displays show preparation, harnessing, and a variety of history and information on the breed. Visitors sit aboard a trolley pulled by two draft horses as they wind through the park and learn about the park’s history and current events. The Hall of Champions features seven retired racing horses that are walked throughout the park at scheduled times for a special presentation.
Each school group receives a day itinerary, with larger groups split into 2-3 teams, to make the most of your experience at the park. With opportunities to explore the International Museum of the Horse, visit retired racing horses, and meet the mounted police that patrol the grounds — and the chance to meet unique breeds of horses at every turn.
