They're everywhere. They stare down from posters above the airport baggage carousels, they canter across billboards beside the interstate, they peer up from menus and out of brochures. And along the roadsides, the real live items-Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, Tennessee Walkers, Arabians, Quarter horses, Morgans-graze behind freshly painted white plank fences or gallop along red dirt tracks. Lexington has long been known as an international horse raising/training center. More than 400 horse farms lie within the region, with more than 150 in Fayette County alone. About half, are small operations, run by horse lovers for pleasure riding. Others are multi-million dollar businesses. Some local horse owners claim the area's success can be traced to a geological process that started eons ago when a layer of limestone was laid down beneath the soil. Dissolved by groundwater and absorbed by growing grasses, the mineral provides a high calcium content just right for solid bones, elastic muscles and strong tendons-the necessary ingredients for a champion Thoroughbred. Here are some of the horses you'll see in Central Kentucky: The Thoroughbred The most prominent and productive horse in Kentucky, the Thoroughbred, is bred primarily for one reason: to race. The "king of horses," the polished and pampered Thoroughbred is known for beauty, speed and grace...equally as dazzling on hunt and jump fields as on the turf. Widely regarded as the most famous Thoroughbred of all time is Man O'War, winner of 20 of his 21 races, coming in second to the appropriately named Upset in his only loss. Man o'War's grave is in Lexington. The American Saddlebred This magnificent animal has been called many things, among which are "the most beautiful horse in the world" and "the horse America made." The Saddlebred horse originated in Kentucky, and is the oldest registered American breed of horse. The Saddlebred horse is famous for his proud head carriage, his high-set tail, and his animated step. The American Standardbred This is the horse you'll see at county fairs and harness tracks all over the country. Originally used for utility driving, Standardbreds evolved into a racing breed as a result of contests between farmers on their way home from church. In racing, the Standarbred pulls a light, two-wheeled sulky, and must maintain its trot/pace throughout the race or be disqualified. The American Quarter Horse This is another exclusive American breed, developed by the early settlers of Virginia and the Carolinas. These horses worked during the week and were raced on Sundays on village streets along country lanes. Seldom were they raced beyond 440 years, hence the colloquial name "quarter miler," or "Quarter Horse." The Tennessee Walking Horse Developed in Tennessee for a comfortable, distance-covering ride, the Tennessee Walking Horse can be found at Kentucky farms and shows. The Walking Horse is famous for his fast but easy riding, his "running walk" and his rocking chair center. The Appaloosa These colorful, spotted horses are also noted for their easy gaits, stamina, strength and durability. They are used for pleasure and show riding, and more recently for racing. Lexington History Back to Top Buying a home? Fill out our on-line Buyer Inquiry Form Selling a home? Fill out our on-line Seller Inquiry Form Relocating? Fill out our on-line Relocation Inquiry Form or call us toll free at 1-866-come2ky! Get on the "Fast Track" to home ownership! Sign up to receive home listings via email! REALTOR®, ABR, CNHS, CRS, GRI, SRES REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI REALTOR®, ABR, CCREC Email Kitty, Cherie, Shirley, Kitty, and Linda: inquiry@welcome2ky.com Toll Free Phone: 1-866-come2ky (1-866-266-3259) Keller Williams Realty Bluegrass 2424 Harrodsburg Rd. Suite 1 Lexington, Kentucky 40503 You may NOT reproduce or copy any information, graphics or html contained herein (including the character "Lexie" and his likeness) for use on another website or other promotional materials without specific written authorization from Cherie Butler, Shirley DeBoor, Kitty Lane, or Linda Wiley. Violators will be subject to legal action for copyright infringement. In accordance with the law, the properties and real estate services featured on this web site are offered without respect to race, color, creed, sex, national origin, physical limitations, or familiar status. REALTORŪ is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSŪ and subscribes to it's strict Code of Ethics.