If you continue walking to the outer northeast corner of the park, you will encounter the Horse Cemetery, and of particular delight to youngsters, the Mare and Foal Paddocks, where mothers and babies can be observed at close range.

Turning left past this area, head back down toward the Breed Barn and try your riding skills firsthand at the horseback ride simulator exhibit. There are different levels of expertise, so you don’t need to embarrass yourself unless you really want to. Don’t miss a quick stop at the tack shop and farrier (blacksmith) shop and see the impressive statue of Secretariat with his jockey and farrier.

In the visitor’s center there is a wide-screen theater, which shows two feature films. After touring the visitor’s center and the gift shop it is time to start touring the park. You have the option of browsing the park on foot or shuttle. For the more adventuresome you can go on a horse-drawn carriage or by horseback.. You can spend hours roaming around the beautiful grounds. There are more than 30 breeds of horses in the Breeds Barn. My favorite is the miniature horse, which stands less than 3 feet tall. While touring the park you get the opportunity to see the day to day operations of a working horse farm. You get a real feel for the hard and often dirty work of the horse industry and not just the glitz and glamour of the track.

When you visit the Hall of Champions you will see tribute to many of the greats of racing and show. The Horse Park also has a 3,500 seat arena that hosts many world class events. This is where the Rolex Three-Day event is held as well as the High Hope SteepleChase, and the U.S, Open Polo Championships. Other equestrian events are scheduled throughout the year.

During December the Horse Park has a Christmas Light Festival. You drive through the park and thousands of lights make up all sorts of exhibits. I look forward to it every year as it is ever changing with new additions.

There is camping on the grounds although I have never been to the campground. It is advertised as having a swimming pool, tennis courts and other campground facilities.

The Kentucky Horse Park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily except from November 1 through March 31, when it is closed Monday and Tuesday. One-day general admission is $9.95 for adults and $4.95 for children ages 7 through 12. A combination ticket, $12.20 for adults and $6.20 for children, also includes admission to The American Saddle Horse Museum. A 50-minute guided trail ride on the outskirts of the park is $12 per person.

The park also has a number of horse shows and special events throughout the year. Call for details.

Some adivce: If possible, bring a picnic lunch. The food at the KHP is expensive and not very good. Also, bring refillable water bottles, especially during the summer. It gets really hot, and you'll be doing a lot of walking. For more information: www.imh.org/khp