Lexington, Kentucky
May 1, 2024
On Monday, April 29, we drove into Kentucky horse country! We had reservations at Denali Stud for a farm tour of their mare and foal nursery operation.
Our tour guide, Claire, is married to the original owner’s son. She did a comprehensive and personal tour where we were allowed to walk through barns and areas I never thought we’d be able to see. We fed the mares peppermints—their favorites—and got close to foals from one day to several months old. With their legs that stretch forever, even the foals seem to float gracefully on air when they trot and canter.
We camped for the next few days at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground just as folks started arriving on their way to the Kentucky Derby in nearby Louisville a few days from now.
Tuesday was a stormy day at the outset, perfect for a drive about an hour north to see the replica of Noah’s Ark at the Ark Encounter. The colossal ark was constructed to Biblical dimensions, and we spent most of the day there.
We enjoyed the displays and movies inside, which gave visitors much to think about. Next time we’re in the area, we’ll go to the nearby Creation Museum. It turned into a beautiful day and an excellent way to finish April, the first month of our summer adventure!
On May 1, Larry went to the campground office for discounted camper tickets for the Kentucky Horse Park. We walked from the campground to the museum when it opened at 9 am.
After the museum, we took the trolley ride with the draft horses and enjoyed the Hall of Champions show.
A large school group was there, so we navigated around them to the parade of breed shows and, finally, the draft horse presentation.
The horses were magnificent, and as a former horse owner, I truly enjoyed being back in the barns.
I can’t wait to share what we did on our last day in Kentucky!
The sentimental ballad, My Old Kentucky Home, by Stephen Foster, has been played before the start of the Kentucky Derby since 1921.
My Old Kentucky Home (updated)
The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,
Tis summer, the people are gay;
The corn-top’s ripe and the meadow’s in the bloom
While the birds make music all the day.
The young folks roll on the little cabin floor
All merry, all happy and bright;
By ‘n by hard times comes a knocking at the door
Then my old Kentucky home, Good-night!
Chorus:
Weep no more my lady.
Oh! Weep no more today!
We will sing one song
For my old Kentucky home
For the old Kentucky home, far away.