Bluegrass

When I started this journey, there were two regions that drew my attention most.  First, there was my own Caves, Lakes, & Corvettes region.  It required two parts to detail stops in the region that inspire me, and I probably could have moved into a third.

The second region is the Bluegrass region.  It is home to most of the blog writers that I follow (if not all, actually).  It is also home to one of the most brave and beautiful women I have ever had the pleasure to know, bluebelleinbg.  She is a wonderful person, and I count myself blessed to be able to call her friend.  She also provided much of the list for the trip through the bluegrass region.

Since the region is most famously known for horse farms, I thought I would use day one of our visit here to focus on all things equine.
One of the most unique of these farms is the Kentucky Horse Park.  At its base, the park is an operating horse farm.  Home to fifty different breeds, visitors can take tours through the park and identify these regal animals.  These tours detail the proud racing history that is ingrained in Kentucky's heritage.  The park is also home to two museums that house trophies, horse-themed artwork, and a detailed history of the Saddlebred, Kentucky's first native horse breed.

Currently, the Kentucky Horse Park is playing host to the 2010 World Equestrian Games.  The games are the national championships for eight equestrian sports: dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para dressage, reining, and vaulting.  The games are held every four years (two years before the Olympics and in the same year as the FIFA World Cup).

In addition to the events, there is a Trade Show (where all things equine, and some not, can be purchased), an Equine Village (featuring opportunities for the industry to showcase itself), and even the Kentucky Experience (where visitors can learn about Kentucky without leaving the park).  There are also other activities and entertainment available to see.  You can find them all here.
(Special thanks to CanonChefTom and MJansenMiller for the pics)

While in Lexington, be sure to make a stop at Thoroughbred Park.  You can take pictures with the bronze statues of horses racing as Thoroughbreds graze in the nearby pastures.

 Lexington is also home to Thoroughbred Center.   Tours are offered through the center, which offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life of a racehorse.  Early morning tours also allow for the chance to see the horses being trained on one of two tracks at the facility. The Thoroughbred Center is owned by a local racing facility: Keeneland.  Speaking of which...

For the avid horse-racing fan, a stop at Keeneland is a must.  Although, it would be a shame to just leave racing as the idea of the only thing to do while there.  Keeneland also offers visitors the opportunity to see morning exercises and a self-guided tour of the grounds.  Stop at the track kitchen for breakfast, where you just might rub elbows with jockeys, trainers, or owners.  Thoroughbred sales at Keeneland are also open to the public: just be careful lest you find yourself bidding millions on a future champion.

I have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about these majestic animals and what the Bluegrass region offers in terms of enjoying them and learning more about them.

As I previously mentioned, one day is not enough for this beautiful region.  In an effort to assuage my OCD, I elected to separate details of the area into two specific parts:  Day 1, all things equine; Day 2, all things not.

So tomorrow:  all things not.