Planning Ahead for Your Springtime Horse Farm Tour
Spring is a magical time in Kentucky. The sparrows, woodpeckers, and wrens return to the Bluegrass State to sing their songs. Dogwoods, daffodils, and eastern redbuds color the state with white, pink, and yellow. And last but not least, the sleek thoroughbreds prepare to hit the track.
Spring is the perfect time to book a horse farm tour in the Horse Capital of the World.
When it comes to Lexington, Kentucky horse farm tours, it doesn’t get better than Mill Ridge Farm. Mill Ridge shares a rich history with Keeneland Race Track, a National Historic Landmark that opens for its spring meet during the month of April.
About Mill Ridge
Alice Chandler founded Mill Ridge Farm in 1962. Just six years later, Alice became the first woman to breed an Epsom Derby winner, SIR IVOR.
Alice’s three sons, Mike, Reynolds, and Headley, followed her footsteps into the racing industry. Mike trained with accomplished horsemen like Frank Whitley. Reynolds helped recruit stallions DIESIS, whose progeny earned nearly 50 million, and GONE WEST, who sired 101 stakes winners. Headley founded Nicoma Bloodstock in 1979 and built a reputation as a trusted advisor, assisting in the mating of horses boasting many incredible titles, including:
Horse of the Year (BRICKS AND MORTAR and HAVRE DE GRACE)
Kentucky Derby winner (STREET SENSE and BARBARO)
Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Champion (OSCAR PERFORMANCE)
In the last 23 years, Mill Ridge Farm raised or sold 37 Grade 1 winners including 2 Horse of the Year winners, 1 Kentucky Derby winner, and 9 Breeders’ Cup winners.
Before Mill Ridge, Alice was immersed in the horse world thanks to her father, Hal Price Headley, a member of the Racing Hall of Fame, former president of the Thoroughbred Horse Association, and instrumental player in establishing Keeneland Race Track, as well as its former president. Hal Price Headley bred 88 Grade Stakes winners, including ALCIBIADES, APOGEE, MENOW, and ASKMENOW.
This rich legacy and long history of accomplished horse people make Mill Ridge one of the country's most storied thoroughbred horse farms. By booking a tour of Mill Ridge Farm, you can interact with beautiful thoroughbreds, explore a gorgeous location, and take a walk through horse racing history.
What to Expect on a Mill Ridge Farm Tour
A tour of Mill Ridge Farm allows guests to get up close and personal with horses of every age and learn about thoroughbred horse farms and horse racing history. The tour begins in the breeding shed with an informative session about why Kentucky is so well-suited for breeding thoroughbreds, the history of the family, and their many contributions to the horse racing industry.
From there, guests travel to various locations on the farm and visit with some of the horses, even hand-feeding them carrots. There are opportunities for photos and interactions.
The tour ends in the breeding shed, where guests meet Mill Ridge’s two standing studs:
OSCAR PERFORMANCE: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Champion holding the current world record for the fastest mile on turf.
ALOHA WEST: Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion.
All Mill Ridge tour guides are knowledgeable and can answer questions from the newest to most experienced horse racing fans. Tour guests may have the chance to meet members of the Bell family as they go about their daily tasks around the farm. Finally, guests may purchase Mill Ridge merchandise, including toys, apparel, and gifts from the gift shop.
To experience the tour, guests must:
Arrive in their own vehicle. Uber, Lyft, taxis, and motorcycles are not permitted.
Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
Dress for the weather. Guests will be outside for a good portion of the tour. No umbrellas are permitted.
Tours last approximately an hour and a half. Walking is required, but riding in guest vehicles allows frequent rests while traveling to locations around the farm. Keep in mind that no public restrooms are available on the property. Also, no pets or weapons are allowed on the property. If you have any requests for accommodations, please contact Mill Ridge before your tour.
When is the Best Time for Lexington, Kentucky Horse Farm Tours?
It’s almost always a good time to visit a thoroughbred horse farm. Each season offers spectacular views, and the rich history of the Headley family and Mill Ridge location is always worth exploring.
Booking a tour with Mill Ridge Farm during Keeneland’s Spring (April) and Fall (October) meet allows guests to immerse themselves in the care and raising of thoroughbreds before or after seeing them in action on the track. Learning the history of the Bell family and their involvement in the racing industry will send you to Keeneland with a new appreciation and some impressive facts to share. With Mill Ridge’s convenient location just miles from Keeneland, you can curate a one-of-a-kind Lexington experience perfect for families, groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers.
When people think of horse racing history, they often think of the Kentucky Derby, which runs on the first weekend of May in Louisville, KY. Mill Ridge Farm is a 75-mile drive from Churchill Downs, offering idyllic views of thoroughbreds and other farm animals grazing in fields and vibrant Kentucky sunrises and sunsets. A Lexington, Kentucky horse farm tour is the perfect opportunity to escape the Derby crowds in Louisville while getting prepared for the most exciting two minutes in sports. Plus, there are quite a few distilleries along the drive that you can add to your itinerary for a full Kentucky experience.
Visiting in the off-season allows for a unique experience. Bundle up to come to the farm on a snowy day for views you won’t forget.
How to Book Your Mill Ridge Farm Tour
To visit Mill Ridge Farm, you must book your tour in advance at VisitHorseCountry.com. Mill Ridge books up to 20 people per tour, so book your tour in advance, especially for the spring season. If the times available don’t work for your schedule, or you’d like an even more intimate experience, private tours are available by request for groups of up to 10. These tours can be adjusted according to your group’s preference to spend time on subjects your group is most interested in.
Cancellations or rescheduling must be completed at least 48 hours before tours for a refund. If a tour must be canceled or rescheduled by Mill Ridge, you will receive a full refund.
Spring is a peak season for Lexington, Kentucky horse farm tours, and for good reason. Don’t miss out and book your tour of Mill Ridge Farm now. After visiting, you’ll be sure to have an even greater appreciation for the horse racing industry and the incredible animals that make it possible. We can’t wait to see you there.
Have you ever fed a carrot to a thoroughbred broodmare or foal? Here’s your chance! We schedule group tours and private showings through Visit Horse Country. We’d love to see you at Mill Ridge Farm!