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Travel, USA
/
November 6, 2023

The Top Horse Museums in the US That Every Equestrian Needs to Visit

Traveling, but have horses on your mind? Of course you are, horse people can never shut off the horse part of your brain. Make the most of your vacation time, and spend some time celebrating more horses. Horses have played a vital role in American history and culture, and there are many museums across the country that celebrate this unique bond. Next time you take a trip and are forced to be away from your beloved horse, consider visiting one of these great museums in honor of the horse you left behind (while on vacation).

Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky

Kentucky Horse Park is a must see for every equestrian. It’s a sprawling, 1,229 acre park that is dedicated to all things horses. It features exhibits on the history of the horse in Kentucky, horse breeds, horse racing, and other equestrian sports. If it has to do with horses, it can be found here. 

And although it doesn’t have anything to do with horses, there’s also a huge campground, complete with pool, tennis courts and trails. Reserve your spot early though, it fills up fast!

Highlights

International Museum of the Horse – one of the largest and most comprehensive equestrian museums in the world with over 60,000 artifacts. It features exhibits on the history of the horse, horse breeds, horse racing, and other equestrian sports.

Hall of Champions – Meet a former racing champion, and learn about their racing days. 

Breeds Barn – During the summer, see rare horse breeds perform in their native attire. Visit with the horses, take photos, and learn about the history of the breed. 

Kids Barn – An interactive exhibit for kids to learn about horses and jump their own course of fences. 

Horseback and Pony Rides – Visitors can take a quick 35 minute guided ride around the outskirts of the property. 

front of the Kids Barn at Kentucky Horse Park

Of course, one of the main attractions is the extensive amount of events held there. International competitions, association finals, rodeos, and even non-horse events, like motorsports and human races are held there. 

draft horses pulling a trolley at Kentucky Horse Park

This is a great place to visit for all ages. Make sure you plan for plenty of time here, as there’s tons to see.

See more about Kentucky Horse Park and their upcoming events at kyhorsepark.com.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of fame honors the achievements of Thoroughbred race horses, jockeys and trainers. Fans of thoroughbreds, racing, and horses in general will find something to love here. The museum’s mission is to chronicle and promote the rich history of thoroughbred racing. Art, sculptures, and artifacts can all be found in this museum. 

Highlights

Race Day Gallery – An exhibit divided into three  areas, The Paddock, The Track, and The Winner’s Circle, to show the essential elements of a day at the races. 

Hall of Fame – An immersive theatrical presentation and interactive stations with the plaques for Hall of Fame members. 

Triple Crown Gallery – Information, artifacts and an interactive exhibit that teaches visitors all about the 13 Triple Crown winners throughout history. 

Educational Programs: There are a number of different educational programs for different grades. They make it sound pretty appealing to have a field trip there! 

jockey statues lined up outside the Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
interactive exhibit at the Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

The amount of information presented about horse racing is incredible, and you’re sure to leave knowing a lot about this sport. This is a great sport to visit, especially if you’re heading to the nearby Saratoga Racetrack.

Learn more about the museum at their website. 

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, Amarillo, Texas

The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is dedicated to the American Quarter Horse breed. It features exhibits on the history of the American Quarter Horse, famous American Quarter Horses throughout history, and the American Quarter Horse’s impact on American culture. 

Highlights

Hall of Fame Exhibit: Learn about each horses inducted into the Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. 

Ken and Laina Banks Theater: See the history of the Quarter Horse in a ten minute film. 

Dr. Joni J. Hegel Education Gallery: Set up for kids to have hands on learning, including touching tack, climbing on a life sized horse, and haltering a horse. 

The Grand Hall at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum
front entrance of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum

Note that it is not open on Sundays or Mondays, but if you’re in the area anyway, swing by anyway to see the impressive sculptures outside. 

Find out more about on their website. 

National Museum of the Morgan Horse, Middlebury, Vermont

The National Museum of the Morgan Horse is dedicated to the Morgan horse breed. It features exhibits on the history of the Morgan horse, famous Morgan horses throughout history, and the Morgan horse’s impact on American culture. Visitors can also look at real life Morgans, as there are Cabot Morgans on the premises. 

The museum is home to exhibits, art, and a library of Morgan Horse registry volumes and the official publication, The Morgan Horse. 

Highlights

The Equestrian Center – a breeding center with over 65 horses. Visitors meeting the horses and get to interact with them. There are various educational opportunities throughout the year to teach about the Morgan horse. 

Diverse range of activities – the horses bring you there, but Pineland Farm offers a diverse range of activities on their 5,000 acre property. Snowshoeing, sledding, bowling, cross country skiing, tennis, disc golf and more. 

Market – Warm up on a chilly day with craft brews in the market. With a deli and cafeteria full of choices, make sure you leave room for lunch here!

interior of the National Museum of the Morgan Horse with art and displays
morgan horse being fed a treat at the National Museum for the Morgan Horse

Find out more information about the collection at the National Museum of the Morgan Horse official website.  

The artifacts are now located at Pineland Farms, in southern Maine. See operating hours at their website here. 

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Fort Worth, Texas

This museum is dedicated to honoring the cowgirls of the West. Over 200 women have been inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame since 1974. In addition the Hall of Fame, there’s artifacts, interactive exhibits, two theaters, gift shop, and a research library. They also offer educational opportunities to teach about the influence of the cowgirl on the west. 

Highlights

The Architecture – This building was purpose built for this collection, and the architecture incorporates the cowgirl style right into the walls. Be on the look out for bas-relief sculpture panels, murals, and hand carved panels. 

Frequent New Exhibits – This museum is constantly switching it up with new exhibits. One of the current exhbits is “Dare to Wear,” which celebrates cowgirls and keeping the western wear traditions alive with all sorts of apparel. It truly sounds really fun.  

It’s Never Just a Horse Exhibition – Design your own boot, shirt or horse with inspiration from the museum’s own exhibits. Try bronc riding and be superimposed into real rodeo footage. 

outside of the National Museum of the Cowgirl in Fort Worth Texas
interior of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth Texas

The Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is a must see for visiting the Fort Worth area. Visiting here might only take about 2 hours, so to round out your day, consider also visiting the Fort Worth Museum of Science next door. 

See their website for hours. 

These are just a few of the many great horse museums in the US. If you’re an equestrian or simply a fan of these amazing creatures, be sure to check out one of these museums on your next trip. If you are forced to be away from your horse, you might as well make the best of it!

TAGS:equestrian travelhorse museummuseumsUnited States
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Hi There, I’m

Courtney

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Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
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Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
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Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! @thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did? I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹 #middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
1 month ago
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2/6
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! 

#horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
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Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! #horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon!

Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian 
Breeches: @syncequestrian 

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
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Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon! Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian Breeches: @syncequestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
6 months ago
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4/6
Stopping by the drive thru

#horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
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Stopping by the drive thru #horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
7 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
My boy stays with me 🥹

#horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
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My boy stays with me 🥹 #horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
7 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
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