Where is the real Saddlebred-world?

[Titza]

Hi there,

my husband and I are planning to visit Kentucky (and all of you - just kidding:) ) this year too see the origin of Sam. We would like to visit farms, shows, certainly the Saddlebred musuem and Kentucky horse park.

For that I need your advices:
- How long should we stay? Are two weeks enough just for that?
- What should we see, any suggestions what to visit, maybe some links?
- Where should we stay? I love B&Bs and would like to stay at one, but in Lexington they are quite expensive. Maybe there's any town or village around?
- Which time would be the best to come to Kentucky? We'd like to travel in September/ October, how's the weather then?
- Which airport to fly to? And would a rental car make sense? Which one?

I am looking forward to hear all your suggestions, please feel free to write also email or pm!

Thanks and cheers, Titza

[Renae]

The weather in Kentucky in September/October should be very nice. You could plan your visit to coincide with the Kentucky Fall Classic Horse Show which is October 8-11 in Lexington. Here is the website for that horse show, it is not updated for 2008 yet however http://www.kyfallclassic.com/

There are many smaller towns that will have bed & breakfest type accomodations that won't be as expensive as right in the heart of the larger historical areas. Check out this site http://www.kentuckytourism.com/ and order the free vistors guide.

In the region Indianapolis, Cincinatti, Louisvilel and Lexington all have airports and you will definatly want to rent a car no matter where you fly into, any of the major companies are good.

[TrotAdmin]

I'm sure someone else can give you suggestions on where to stay, where to visit, etc., but if you can, I would try to come towards the end of August so you can see the World Championships!

[SmartAlex]

Yes, the World Championships is a site to see! They are in Louisville, but that is a short and easy drive from Lexington. It would make sense to come before Louisville, stay in Lexington to visit farms and see the sites, then go to Louisville for the show.

2 weeks prior to Louisville is the wonderful Shelbyville Horse Show. It is in a small town between the two cities, and is a wonderful social event. Additionally, the show is only in the evening leaving the day free for site seeing. Shelbyville is a wonderful town! There are many stables in the area.

You could fly into either Louisville or Lexington airports. I've found the Louisville is generally less expensive.

Two weeks would be ideal!

[Keygo]

Make sure you eat at deSha's in Lexington. It is one of our favorites. Lexington is a great place to visit.

[horseluvr]

Whenever I visit Kentucky, I hit the Simpsonville area - it feels like the heart of Saddlebred country and there are still lots of farms there.

[Titza]

Hi, and thank you all for your tips so far (more are wellcome:o )!

Right now I think, we will stay in Shelbyville, maybe there http://www.walnutgrovefarm.com/, I am in contact with nice Mr. Kramer from www.shelbyvilleky.com (funny, he will visit my hometown also this year:) ).

From Shelbyville we can drive around and see everything you suggested.

I am so exited...just want to say this...till then!

Titza

[SteppinEasy]

I'm not sure I'd come in the two weeks prior to the World Championships if you'd like to meet happy, non-stressed trainers and riders :). People are stretched a little thin at that point. I'd come to The Fall Classic. It's a much more laid-back time of year and people will be more inclined to chat.

Georgetown would also be a cheaper alternative to Lexington if you'd like a place to stay. There's even a horsey-themed B&B there (I know nothing about it, but drive past it frequently and it looks fun).

[attafox]

Titza - the link you posted for Walnut Grove Farm is in another state (Illinois) and probably a 3-4 hour drive from Shelbyville.

[McDreamy]

I too would probably steer clear of the World's Championships - don't get me wrong, they are ABSOLUTELY AWESOME, but can be a bit overwhelming and the trainers, etc. are SUPER stressed and stretched thin. During the Fall Classic, you would probably get more thorough and fun barn tours! You might make sure you check out the awesome vet clinic that is there and see if you can get a tour - Rood & Riddle I think it's called??

[Renae]

And as far as actual vacation goes the weather in Kentucky in October should be much nicer than August. August can be very hot and humid. Other things to see in Lexingotn would be the world famous Standardbred race track, The Red Mile http://www.theredmile.com/, which should be doing live racing into the first week of October, and the famous Thoroughbred race course Keeneland. Over in Louisville there is also of course Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derb is held. Next to The Red Mile in Lexington you will want to stop at Fennell's tack shop, supplier of tack to many famous Saddlebred show barns and Standardbred race barns http://www.fennells.com/store/default.asp and you will also want to go out and visit Freedman's new boutique store in Midway, KY http://www.freedmanharness.com/

[mlinky]

If she's staying in Shelbyville, she needs to check out Shelby Horse Supply, and, of course, have fried chicken at Claudia Sanders!!

[attafox]

And in Midway - eat at the Black Tulip! I believe there is a B&B in Midway as well.

[Titza]

Titza - the link you posted for Walnut Grove Farm is in another state (Illinois) and probably a 3-4 hour drive from Shelbyville.

Oops, that must be a wrong link:o , there's another one in Shelbyville. For Fred has propably no opportunity to go in August we will come later in october - i thought of the Kentucky Classic Falls, too!

Thanks for all the other tips, this will be two weeks of delicious food, horses and shopping. Poor little Sam ("Look, such nice things mom bought over there":D )....

[LindaC]

You should fly into Louisville and rent a car from there.
Louisville International Airport is a much bigger airport and probably a lot cheaper as someone else mentioned. While you are in Louisville, you should see Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby is run and go to the Museum and take a tour of the backside where the horses are kept.
http://www.churchilldowns.com/

You could take a horse drawn carriage ride of the downtown area. Check out Waterfront Park http://www.louisvillewaterfront.com/ and take a ride on the Belle Of Louisville http://www.belleoflouisville.org/

Visit Hillerich and Bradley where the Louisville Slugger is made http://www.sluggermuseum.org/

Since you will be driving around Kentucky, you could spend the night at the Shaker Villiage of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg . http://www.shakervillageky.org/

Of course you must go to the Kentucky Horse Park
http://www.kyhorsepark.com/ They usually have several things going on each week.

[mlinky]

And when the time gets closer, call me. I'll be happy to show you around, meet up, take you to the barn, etc.

[attafox]

Titza - watch out for mlinky. She'll get you into trouble. Pink drinks - and if she puts you on a pretty gaited horse, WATCH HIS RIGHT EAR!

As far as big airports, I'd check out the pricing going into Cincinnati as well. The airport is actually in Kentucky and is a little closer to Lexington than Louisville is ... but you can get to Louisville easily. Even if it is the interstate, going from Cincinnati to Louisville is a pretty drive.

[katie]

I live in Simpsonville (Shelby County) and would be more than happy to show you around, as well. A friend has been visiting for a week from Boston and even though I'm super pregnant, she was able to go to a few horse farms (including a tour of Undulata), ride some, and go into Louisville. There's plenty to do!

Mr. Kramer is a wonderful person to be in touch with - he'll definitely show you a good time!

PM/email me for more information about the area.

[jslilley]

If you do come in October, they will be racing at Keeneland in Lexington. It is a beautiful track and the racing can be very exciting. On Saturdays, they do "Breakfast with the Works" which includes breakfast buffet and watching the horses gallop. They also have someone there giving tips and different demos. Check out Keeneland's website www.keeneland.com . If you are interested in seeing some TBs - also check out a visit with Three Chimneys - home of Smarty Jones, Point Given and the like. They love to do tours as long as you call ahead. Again, the drive is beautiful and you can see some nice TB & ASB places along the way.
As everyone has said, there is a lot to see and do. There are some nice B&Bs in Midway and the scenery there is beautiful, as is Shelbyville. You'll just have to pick and choose and come back again to catch what you missed the first time.

[kmmed1]

Mlinky, why don't you bring Titza for a visit to DeLovely? It's only a 90 minute drive from Louisville. We have a local B&B that has awesome food, if you let me know ahead of time, if you want to spend the night.

[mlinky]

Karen, what a good idea. Titza, sounds like you are going to be properly entertained!

[mlinky]

Titza - watch out for mlinky. She'll get you into trouble. Pink drinks - and if she puts you on a pretty gaited horse, WATCH HIS RIGHT EAR!

LOL, Bobby Ray will be very happy to know that he has been called "pretty." He MAY even forgive you for making him behave and scoot his little b*** around the ring!

[attafox]

He liked me ... it's not often a human gets the better of him. And he'd be better described as 'adorable.'

[Titza]

Cool! So many ideas and so many invitations, thanks so much!

mlinky: Will start training being confrontated with pink drinks asap:D

[mlinky]

Training is good! :D

[Lily]

He liked me ... it's not often a human gets the better of him. And he'd be better described as 'adorable.'

and yes I was there to witness that Bobby Ray had "met his match":D

and mlinky knows all the good places to go...she would never lead you astray, and if she did she is a lawyer so she knows someone who can get you out of any mess you may get into