Kentucky is all things horse and it maintains active tourism due to this booming industry.Horses are entrenched in Kentucky's colorful history and the people of the state are widely known for their love of the animal. As if that were not enough to attract you to its bluegrass and rolling hills, maybe these horseback riding vacation spots will.
Riding Themed Attraction
Located outside Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park is a themed destination for horse lovers of all ages. Park activities include shows, museums, films, sculpture, horseback rides and farm tours. Located on the grounds of the park is the International Museum of the Horse and offers a look at the history of the horse and its relationship with man. Campers are able to rent primitive and improved sites for around $20 a night. Kentucky Horse Park is the home of the 2010 Equestrian Games.
Follow Jesse James
Kentucky Action Park, located in Cave City, is a destination that has riding trails over a sprawling 500 acres. The park's main attraction is in the lure of riding the same trails as Jesse James, who became famous for robbing stagecoaches. Through guided rides, you can learn more about this history maker and inhabitants of that time period. The park also offers an outlaw cave tour and canoe tour of the Green river. Park lodging accommodations include cabins, campsites and horse stalls in the event you bring your own horse.
Luxury Ride
Hatchers Creek Ranch is the Cadillac of all horse riding destinations. Trail rides are guided and patrons are able to choose among a variety of horse breeds. These breeds include: Kentucky Mountain, Rocky Mountain, Tennessee Walking Horse, quarter horses and even a Clydesdale. Owned by the Hall family, the ranch is also home to donkeys, ducks and dogs. Lodging amenities include cabins outfitted with full kitchens, fireplaces, grills, gazebos, fire pits, jacuzzis and satellite cable. Cabin prices vary by season.
Wine Ride
Nicholasville, Kentucky, is home to Sugar Creek Resort. South of Lexington, this destination does not have lodging accommodations but does offer unique horse back riding packages. Along with horseback riding, Sugar Creek offers hayrides, canoeing and kayaking. The resort boasts that it sits upon the birthplace of the American wine industry and offers a historic guided trail ride through its vineyard. Another riding package is the Sugar Creek dinner ride. Through guided trails along the Kentucky River, dinner will be served. Sugar Creek offers horseback riding only for those aged 18 and older.
Cowboy Experience
Cave Run Resort and Stables of Bath County is a destination that caters to those who want the cowboy experience. Located near Cave Run Lake in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the resort's riding trails can either be experienced alone or guided on your horse or one rented from the resort. Its accommodations include campsites and cabin rentals, but it does not provide bed linens for cabin users. There is a boarding stable on site.
Coal Country
Barren Fork Horse Camp is located along the heavily wooded Barren Fork Coal Camp Heritage trail in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Once a coal mining community, Barren Fork offers riding trails and campsites featuring fire grates and picnic tables. Trails encounter building foundations and mine portals that once made up the sulfur coal mining area that thrived there between 1881 and 1935.
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