Where to Go: the 5 Best Horse and Stud Farms in the USA

1.Unique Horse Farm Tours with Insider Access to Private Farms

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,192 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $59Our pick

Spend about three hours visiting three Lexington-area horse facilities by air-conditioned bus. Guides such as Sean Washington, Jeff, Dan, and Jess share local horse knowledge while you meet broodmares, foals, yearlings, and working thoroughbreds. Morning and noon departures are available, with small groups capped at 13 people.

“VERY knowledgeable tour guide - he was amazing! Lots of personal experiences with horses and the thoroughbred industry. The farms we were able to visit were breathtaking. I would highly recommend this tour.”

Check dates & prices →Read our full review

2.Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 438 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55

At Gypsy Gold Horse Farm in Ocala, Dennis Thompson, founder of the Gypsy Vanner breed, leads the opening talk on its origins and traits. Erin helps introduce a stallion before you walk beneath old oaks, meet horses of all ages, and finish with a photo beside a Gypsy Vanner horse. The 10 a.m. tour lasts about two hours.

“Horses were beautiful and the owner was very knowledgeable, his passion is infectious. I look forward to watching the progress of the farm as it continues to grow.”

Check dates & prices →Read our full review

3.Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tour and Scenic Bluegrass

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 363 reviews · 3h 30m · from $45Best value

Ride in a 14-person van with local guides such as Tim, Vicky, John, and Nicholas, learning how Kentucky breeding and racing work. Visit one or more working farms, see horses close up, and tour Keeneland when available. Farm and venue stops change by date, so expect a flexible route.

“I have cared for off the track retired thoroughbreds and have some knowledge of horses but Vicki added to my knowledge She was pleasant and answered all questions and made it an overall delightful afternoon”

Check dates & prices →Read our full review

4.Sedona Horseback Rides At Dead Horse Ranch with River Crossing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 160 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $119

Ride a gentle, trail-trained horse through Dead Horse Ranch State Park with an in-person guide. You’ll cross the river, pass meadows and streams, and see Sedona’s red rocks and canyons in the distance. Guides including Brandon, Kevin, Stanley, Chaz, Jeff, and Shawn have led rides here, with horses matched to each rider’s ability.

“Chaz and Jeff were friendly and very fun. It was such a great experience. Good weather, good horses, great guides.”

Check dates & prices →Read our full review

5.Bourbon Distillery & Horse Farm Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · from $179

Spend about nine hours with a private guide such as Rob, Bob, Lee, or A.J. Holley, choosing three distilleries in Louisville, Lexington, or Bardstown. Your day includes transport, admissions, two tours with tastings, a third formal tasting, lunch, and an optional horse farm visit.

“Rob was a fantastic host. He talked the perfect amount and conversation was not strained. We really enjoyed him. The places we toured were fantastic. Two of them we would have never toured had it not been for you. Plus we also did a chocolate/bourbon pairing which was cool to do something different. If I could award 10 stars i would.”

Check dates & prices →Read our full review