Seven New Members Join KY Tourism Initiative

Horse Country Inc., a tourism initiative for Central Kentucky's horse farms, equine clinics, and other equine-related attractions, has added seven new members to the organization.

Blackwood Stables, Brookdale Farm, Denali Stud, Hallway Feeds, Hurstland Farm, Saxony Farm, and Three Chimneys join members Adena Springs, Airdrie Stud, Ashford Stud (Coolmore America), Claiborne Farm, Crestwood Farm, Darby Dan Farm, Darley, Diamond A Farm, Gainesway, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Keene Ridge, Lane's End, Mill Ridge Farm, Mt. Brilliant Farm, Pin Oak Stud, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Runnymede Farm, Siena Farm, St. George Farm, Stone Farm, Stonestreet Farms, Taylor Made Stallions, Winstar Farm, and Winter Quarter Farm.

"The support for the organization and its mission has been overwhelming, as evidenced by the organic growth in the membership base," said Price Bell of Mill Ridge Farm and Nicoma Bloodstock. "While the organization is still in its infancy, the commitment by our members to promote the stories of our horses and work together to create experiences that share these stories with fans, is inspiring."

The organization announced operations in January of this year, and hopes to support fan development through guest experiences at equine-related locations.

"We hope to provide more opportunities for the Central Kentucky community nd visitors to our area to learn the great stories of our signature industry and asset—the horse," said executive director Anne Sabatino Hardy. "This is an important effort for the industry and for Central Kentucky; we're so thankful for the enthusiasm of our equine community as well as the communities in which our members operate."

The organization will provide a central booking outlet that will also share the overarching story of Kentucky's horse country and participating locations to connect visitors with the story of the horses, the land, and the people, and to develop fans of farms and clinics. Bookings are expected to begin through the new system in the fall, and Horse Country will provide special Breeders' Cup-focused experiences ahead of 2015's Breeders' Cup at Keeneland.