The Perfect Kentucky Holiday Outing for Families Who Love Horses

If you ask anyone around the world what comes to mind when they think of Kentucky, you’ll usually get one of three answers: Kentucky bourbon, Kentucky Fried Chicken, or thoroughbred racehorses.

Kentucky is home to Churchill Downs, and every May, we get to experience the fastest three minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby. And if you drive through the countryside between Louisville and Lexington, you’ll see some of the most beautiful horse farms in the country where they breed and train up-and-coming racehorses.

What Happens to Retired Racehorses

Not every Thoroughbred wins the Kentucky Derby or even does all that well on the track. And even the ones that do have to retire at some point. When they retire, they need a new place to go. These horses are called off-the-track Thoroughbreds or OTTBs.

Track life can be physically demanding. They travel a lot and keep a strict schedule. Thoroughbreds are known for being high-energy and strong-willed, so when they retire, they usually need time to decompress and someone who is knowledgeable enough to help them learn a new job.

A lot of OTTBs go on to have successful second careers in jumping, speed eventing, dressage, western pleasure, and even therapy programs.

How the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Helps

There’s a huge need to rehome these horses, and that’s where organizations like the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation step in. Because OTTBs often need experienced trainers and handlers, groups like TRF help market the horses, match them with the right homes, and step in to rescue horses that can’t take on a second career because of injuries or temperament.

The country’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to this work is the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. With farms and sanctuaries across the United States, TRF has helped rescue and place more than 4,500 retired racehorses.

Get our free mobile app

TRF Second Chances Program

TRF also runs the Second Chances Program with correctional facilities across the country. Inmates who meet certain qualifications have the chance to learn horsemanship, trust, responsibility, and a sense of purpose through working with the horses. It can also open doors for career opportunities.

How is TRF Funded?

As someone who owns two horses, I can tell you it is incredibly expensive. TRF has multiple farms and locations around the country with several retired horses to care for, and they rely on donations and fundraisers to continue operations.

Holiday Hay Ride

Back in October, TRF hosted a glass pumpkin patch fundraiser at the Kentucky Horse Park. It was wildly successful, raising over $20,000. Now, they hope to raise even more at the Holiday Hay Ride.

Holiday Hay Ride to Benefit TRF

Each December, TRF opens the doors of Chestnut Hall outside of Louisville and invites the public to experience one of the most magical traditions of the season. The farm glows with sparkling lights as you climb aboard a cozy hayride through the herd, where you can meet, pet, and even feed treats to TRF’s retired racehorses. Your experience includes holiday cookies, face painting, writing letters to Santa, and plenty of festive fun with holiday music and photo opportunities with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the horses. Warm up with hot chocolate, cider, and sweet holiday cookies, all included with admission. You can also shop for handmade ornaments crafted by TRF volunteers, available for a donation. With warm drinks, sweet treats, and memories waiting around every corner, this is a holiday event you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are $15 each and kids under five are free. Every ticket supports the lifelong care of the TRF herd, which makes this holiday outing even more meaningful. Wrap up in your coziest layers and come make a new holiday tradition.

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 (Rain Date: Sunday, December 7)

Time: 12:00 – 3:00 PM

Location: Chestnut Hall Farm, 12611 US-42, Prospect, KY 40059

Tickets: $15 per person; children under 5 are free

Purchase: Advance tickets recommended, click HERE. Limited tickets may be available at the farm.