Rediscovering My Childhood: An Inspirational Journey Through Equine History and Art in Kentucky
There's a unique magic in traveling—a way it stirs dormant feelings and rekindles passions we didn't realize we'd lost.
Leaving behind the relentless buzz of modern life, stepping into Lexington, Kentucky felt like unlocking a forgotten chapter of my own story—one filled with images I'd never truly seen but somehow always knew.. The fields back in Wisconsin, with electric fences surrounding untrimmed pasture grazed down by livestock. The grass, uneven, with patches worn down to the earth where animals frequently tread, and taller clumps where they haven't ventured are scenes that are the most Midwest thing ever- practical and functional. In stark contrast the endless expanse of vibrant green pastures, gently undulating under a vast sky, was framed by the timeless elegance of Kentucky board fences these wooden boundaries whispered of a dedication to tradition and artistry in craftsmanship that seemed almost otherworldly. The sheer devotion to preserving this way of life—the painstaking maintenance of expansive verdant pastures and classic wooden fences—is both humbling and inspiring.
Gone were the small, weathered and run down barns and utilitarian steel structures with I'd grown accustomed to. Instead, miles upon miles of open land stretched before me, dotted with stables that stood as proud guardians of a way of life preserved through generations. It was overwhelmingly beautiful—not just in sight, but in spirit. The meticulous care and profound pride invested in every acre were palpable, weaving a tapestry of heritage that modern technology could never replicate.
It was a powerful reminder that progress doesn't always mean moving away from the old; sometimes, it's about cherishing and upholding the values and practices that root us to our history. The experience left me pondering the true meaning of advancement and how preserving simplicity can be a profound act of defiance in a world constantly racing toward the next big thing. And that the most impactful discoveries are not entirely new but are pieces of ourselves we reconnect with along the way.
Thoroughbred Park: A Tribute to Lexington's Equestrian Heritage
Nestled in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky—the "Horse Capital of the World"—Thoroughbred Park stands as a vibrant homage to the region's storied horse racing tradition. The park celebrates the legacy of legendary figures like Lexington, a famed 19th-century racehorse renowned for his exceptional speed and profound impact on Thoroughbred breeding. His spirit embodies the excellence and passion that have defined Kentucky's equestrian culture for generations.
The Meadow: As you enter the park, you're greeted by The Meadow, a tranquil oasis where deciduous and evergreen trees create a lush canopy.
Bronze sculptures of mares and foals are artfully placed throughout, capturing moments of playful grace. Visitors can wander along winding pathways or relax in inviting seating areas, all while immersed in the beauty of the landscape.
A meticulously crafted stone wall—reminiscent of those found on traditional Bluegrass horse farms—elegantly divides the upper and lower sections, enhancing the authentic feel of this peaceful retreat.
The Winner's Circle and The Track
Moving deeper into the park, the excitement of horse racing comes to life. The Winner's Circle features two life-size bronze Thoroughbreds locked in a dramatic neck-and-neck photo finish, embodying the pinnacle of competition and the thrill of victory.
The Winners Circle
This powerful scene sets the stage for The Track, where five additional bronze Thoroughbreds, ridden by legendary jockeys—Willie Shoemaker, Pat Day, Chris McCarron, Randy Romero, and Don Brumfield—charge toward the finish line. The jockeys are depicted in vivid detail, wearing racing silks cast from actual garments donated by prominent stables, adding authenticity and vibrant color to the spectacle. This dynamic display captures the raw power and grace of horse and rider in motion, making you feel as if you're part of the race.
The Track:
While Thoroughbred Park offers a stunning artistic tribute to Lexington's equine legacy, our journey into Kentucky's horse culture doesn't end here. Just a short drive away lies the expansive Kentucky Horse Park, where the celebration of all things equine continues on an even grander scale.
Welcome to the Kentucky Horse Park, a place where history, art, and the spirit of the horse come together to create an unforgettable experience. If you are a lover of horses or horse racing the Kentucky Horse park is a must stop on your next trip.
Established in 1978, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, is dedicated to celebrating the relationship between humans and horses. This park is a testament to our shared history and the enduring bond we have with these magnificent animals.
Art and Sculptures
The park is home to some of the most beautifully detailed sculptures I have ever seen, like the Monument to Sgt. Reckless and the Grave of Man O' War. These works of art not only capture the grace and power of the horses but also pay tribute to their remarkable stories. If you’re an animal artist you will find this place a wealth of inspiration.
Visiting the Kentucky Horse Park took me back to my childhood, eagerly watching the Kentucky Derby with crayons in hand, inspired to draw horses. From Secretariat charging through to his Triple Crown win, to Sea Biscuit the underdog who beat the favorite War Admiral in a match race. Fictional favorites like the Black Stallion had whole sections of museum dedicated to them reminding me of "The Crooked Colt,"
a book that fueled my passion for art and horses, that I owned when I was very young.
"The Crooked Colt" tells the story of a colt born with a crooked leg,
Artwork by CW Anderson for the Crooked Colt
who overcomes his challenges to become a strong and spirited horse. This tale of resilience and determination inspired me to draw horses and dream of their beauty and strength. It’s simple charcoal drawings by C.W. Anderson seemed very achievable as a child and it’s story helped me endure things that I did not understand as a child and overcome challenges and struggles that helped me to drive become a better and more successful artist.
The Landing
TJ & Sailor
Many horses call the Kentucky Horse park home. There are a few retired race horses that are hand walked out to meet the public from the Hall of Champions Barn as well as the Mounted Police barn which houses several active duty police horses.
Western Dreamer
In the BIG Barn you can find several different breeds of draft horse for live demonstrations and Meet & Greet sessions. This demonstration will cover a variety of information about the draft horses, including show preparation, harnessing, and breed history.
Shire Horse
In the Breed Barn you can browse the many different breeds that you may not normally be able to see. In addition the park offers breed demonstrations daily that showcase the diversity and beauty of horse breeds from around the world. From the elegant Thoroughbred to the powerful Draft horse, each breed has a unique story to tell.
While not demonstrating the day we went I was excited to see the Lippizan, and the Akhal Teke. Sadly because neither was on a breed demo I had to take my shots through the gate in their stall which was very hard, so were not very flattering.
The Akhal Teke in it’s stall
Funny Cide
Unlike your standard stall door, venting and gates in the barns have a thick tight steel mesh to protect the public from potentially being bit
The breed demo horses are on loan from their owners to the Kentucky Horse park so if you don’t see a horse breed there you want to see now, that may change next year.
[Memorials]
The Kentucky Horse Park is home to a stunning collection of sculptures that celebrate the beauty and history of horses. The memorials to great horses like Secretariat and the courageous Sgt Reckless evoke deep emotions from my childhood. Whether reading stories about fictional horses like the Black Stallion or watching actual footage of these famous animals seeing these tributes to my Childhood Icons reminded me how much they impacted my life with their courage and determination.
Staff Sergeant Reckless: This bronze sculpture by Jocelyn Russell honors the heroic war horse of the US Marines during the Korean War. Sgt. Reckless made 51 trips in a single day to carry ammunition and wounded soldiers, earning two Purple Hearts and other military decorations.
Alysheba: Sculpted by Shelley Hunter, this bronze statue commemorates Alysheba, the 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner. Alysheba was known for his incredible racing career and is celebrated alongside the John Henry memorial statue.
Bask++: Created by Edwin Bogucki, this bronze sculpture pays tribute to the Arabian stallion Bask++, who was one of the most influential and significant impacts on the Arabian horse breed in the United States.
Man O' War: This iconic statue honors one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Man O' War's legacy is immortalized in this beautiful memorial sculpture, which stands as a testament to his incredible achievements on the racetrack. Kentucky horse park is home to the graves of Man O War as well as his most famous offspring War Admiral. There are several very famous horses that call Kentucky Horse Park their final home that can be found through the Hall of Champions.
Secretariat: Another legendary racehorse, Secretariat's memorial captures the spirit and power of this Triple Crown winner. Known as Big Red this Machine of a horse is often considered to be the greatest racehorse of all time. Secretariat still holds the record for the fastest Belmont Stakes run ever (2 minutes and 24 seconds) and the largest margin of victory (31 lengths). At 1.5 miles, the Belmont Stakes is the longest of the big three races. It is rare in any sport to hold a record for twenty years, let alone over fifty years. While Secretariat is actually buried in nearby Paris, Kentucky at Claiborne Farm, the sculpture is a favorite among visitors and horse racing enthusiasts.
These sculptures are not only works of art but also powerful tributes to the horses that have left an indelible mark on history. Each piece tells a story of courage, strength, and the deep bond between humans and horses.
In the Hall of Champions you can also find many original paintings of famous racehorses as well as other items to memorialize their contributions to racing.
Secretariat’s silks, halter, and Triple crown award can be found along with this very impressive life sized sculpture which is made up of thousands of smaller running horses. I couldn’t help but to be really moved by this thought: One horse may be great but he runs on the shoulders of all who’ve come before him. Just as no one artist stands alone. You are made greater by the other artists you meet and who you’ve learned from. You take away a little bit of them with you.
This sculpture God's Boy is based on a picture taken during the Belmont Stakes when jockey Ron Turcotte heard how many lengths Secretariat was ahead and had to turn around in the saddle to see what 31 lengths looked like.
As you walk the Hall of Champions it’s hard not to get emotional when you hear names you grew up with but had long forgotten: Citation, Affirmed, Ruffian, Funny Cide, John Henry, Sea Biscuit, War Admiral, Man o War. To some those are just horses; to me they were stories of dreams, hard work, defeat and triumphant returns; of rooting for the underdog, or crushing injuries that could just not be overcome. But walking through seeing
a well worn halter from Secretariat,
the muzzle from Man O war,
these larger than life stories and the people who’ve they’ve inspired helped me to believe in myself more. These weren’t fictional animals they were real life chances that had to get up and fight everyday for what they wanted. They had to believe in themselves when no one else did. They ran the track when no one was watching. They kept going when no one cared.
While today’s horse racing scene is marred by controversies and growing concerns about animal welfare, its storied legacy as a powerful economic engine and cultural touchstone remains undeniable.
Horse racing has been more than a sport—it has served as both an economic catalyst and a vibrant thread in our nation’s historical tapestry. During the depths of the Great Depression,
one legendary showdown captured the public’s imagination: Seabiscuit, the ultimate underdog, took on War Admiral—a formidable contender sired by the famed Man o’ War, who had long since retired from the track. This historic race not only thrilled audiences but also boosted morale and provided vital revenue to struggling communities through betting, tourism, and job creation.
In the decades that followed, the sport’s potential was redefined by successive champions. Citation’s consistency
and Secretariat’s record-shattering Triple Crown victory spurred major investments in breeding, training facilities, and racetracks. Later legends such as Seattle Slew and Affirmed
further solidified the sport's legacy, while more recent stars like American Pharoah embodied its enduring evolution—each contributing uniquely to America’s journey from adversity to prosperity.
Today, modern equestrian events continue to energize local economies. Prestigious competitions such as the annual Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs draw visitors from around the globe, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops—injecting millions into regional economies. Yet equine excellence is not confined to the racetrack alone. World-class dressage shows,
exhilarating show jumping tournaments, demanding cross country courses, and precision-driven reining competitions further enrich the sporting landscape. Year-round gatherings at venues like the Kentucky Horse Park
celebrate this diverse tapestry of equine culture, fostering community development, boosting tourism, and sustaining the profound bond between people and horses.
My visit to the Kentucky Horse Park was a deeply emotional experience. Listening to "Run for the Roses" by Dan Folgelberg and seeing the memorials brought tears to my eyes, reminding me of the profound impact that horses have had on my life and art. Knowing how much of an underdog Sea Biscuit was next to the famous War Admiral- Yet despite Sleeping too long and eating too much and having a jockey with an unremarkable record riding one of the worst horses on the worst tracks Sea Biscuit beat out War Admiral in the Match Race. Against all those odds with no support, just the belief that you could.
In the thunder of Seabiscuit's charge against War Admiral and the majestic stride of Secretariat at the Belmont, we see more than a race—we see a legacy of passion, perseverance, and triumph.
As artists, we understand this divine struggle.
Every brushstroke,
every note,
every word formed, is our own gallop toward greatness.
The blank canvas is our Churchill Downs,
the empty stage our Belmont Stakes.
The roses that await aren't merely crimson blooms, but the vibrant blossoming of your creative spirit made manifest.
Each petal represents a moment when you chose to continue
Despite Doubt. Despite Rejection.
Despite the voice that whispered in those dark hours that you weren't enough.
Just as every artist carries their inspiration, every one of us holds the fire of our fore mothers
and the strength of our forefathers.
Their dreams run through our veins like thoroughbreds yearning for open ground.
Now, it's time to channel that inner champion. Let the echoes of these legends propel you forward.
Run for the Roses—run for your dreams, your vision, your destiny.
Feel the earth beneath you tremble with possibility. Hear the crowd's roar in the beating of your own determined heart. See the finish line not as an ending, but as a threshold to something greater.
Embrace the race, honor the legacy, and make your mark.
The track is wide open; the time is now.
Create what you love. Inspire those around you. Prevail against all odds.
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