In 1760, Daniel Boone and his brother, Squire, traveled into the area around Shelbyville, Kentucky on “American Horses.” Over the years these horses evolved into the modern breed of “American Saddlebred.” Today, over 80 Saddlebred Farms surround Shelbyville, giving it the nickname “The American Saddlebred Capitol of the World.” We arrived at Undulata Farm, a private residence and horse training farm, to meet Charlie, our knowledgeable and professional guide. People were pouring into the city for the Shelbyville Horse Show and we were pleased to discover we could watch training sessions with the horses. Charlie explained to us the history of the breed and the farm as we watched these high stepping beauties flying around the ring.
After our tour of the stables, we were invited to tour the main house, now owned by Edward “Hoppy” Bennett. The house was beautiful, with antique decor and artfully restored details. If you are staying in a Shelbyville accommodation the tour is free, but must be arranged one day in advance. Also, for all of us cat lovers, they have some friendly cats on the property who love a good petting.
Naturally, we couldn’t visit a horse farm and not go riding, so we headed over to Shelby Trails Park for an afternoon trail ride. Tip: If you go riding in the summer, wear insect repellent and sunscreen. While I waited for our horses to be saddled, I spent time bonding with the two barn cats.
The horses are gentle enough for a novice rider and the scenery on the trail is beautiful. Shelby Trails Park also allows visitors to bring their own horses for trail rides and offers boarding services. Be attuned to the weather before you go, because rain can cause some of the trails to become too muddy to travel.
Before leaving Shelbyville we had to make a stop at Gallerein Farms. This could easily be a day’s adventure in itself, especially in the fall. We wandered into their market area and marveled over the abundance of fresh vegetables and flowers, cute crafts and homemade goodies. Corn was in season and the “Flavor of the Day” was peaches and cream, my favorite. I purchased a bushel to bring home with me. Our next stop was the Petting Zoo, featuring a pig grunted loudly to show his displeasure from being awoken from a nap, some cute goats and sheep who begged for treats, and other assorted animals.
Even though Shelbyville has roots in horses and farming, history is still being made there today with the Painted Stone Settlers who invited us to step back in time to 1781 with their yearly reenactment of the Long Run Massacre held each September. The Settlers portray the grizzly events that occurred when Squire Boone’s settlement came under attack from Native Americans. As the families left the fort, accompanied by the militia, they were met with a surprise attack. The public is invited to this free event and there’s a special day for school children and homeschoolers.
Want to learn more about Shelbyville? Stop by www.visitshelbyky.com for more information.
I have always loved trips like this. It’s the perfect way to spend a day with my family. Everyone loves to ride horses in our family so they would really love this.
Oh I love horses this is wonderful. Thank you for sharing.
I haven’t ridden a horse in years. This looks like my kind of trip. I enjoy being out and learning about the history of places that are new to me. Animals are just a bonus!
I just did a search and this is only 30 minutes from me! I just moved near Louisville – so I love discovering new places to visit.
This looks like such a great time! I am little scared of horses, but they are so beautiful and I love history!
Shelbyville looks like a mythical but vintage place! The horses look beautiful as well!
AW! I love horses, they are fun to be around. Looks like a great day spend in Kentucky!
I loved horseback riding when I was a kid, but it’s been years. I would love to see the state this way.
What fun! We all just love horses in our family and I know we’d all love to do something like this. Shelbyville would be lovely to explore .I wouldn’t mind heading to KY at some point!
My kids would love seeing the horses! They are huge animal fans, so I’ll definitely keep KY in mind!
I’ve been to Kentucky but never to the Shelbyville area. Looks like a really cool place and I’ll have to take my family there soon!
I haven’t been horsebacking riding in such a long time. This place seems like a great place to have an adventure.
I would add this activity to next year’s summer fun destinations list. I am sure the whole family will enjoy the experience of horseback riding out in the country.
That sounds like fun. I have not tried horseback riding. Kentucky looks like a wonderful place to visit.I hope to get there someday.
Kentucky looks like a great place to go for a vacation. I love horses. It would be so much fun to go on a trail ride.
I would love to visit Shelbyville. It would be great to spend the day at the Shelby Trails Park.
Sounds like a lot of fun. We have several horse back riding stables where I live but its nice to explore other areas.
I used to ride often when I was younger. This looks like a lovely place.
Horses, in my opinion, are such amazing creatures!
That looks like a travel destination that the entire family can enjoy. I recently took my daughter to go horseback riding and she absolutely loved it!
Looks like you had an amazing time! Kentucky sounds like a grand place to visit.!
What an amazing experience! As both a history buff and an animal lover this type of adventure sounds absolutely perfect.
Horses are such fascinating creatures. I haven’t been on a horse for a long time.
I’ve tried to learn horse back riding for a while and recently fell off the horse twice in one day. I was done after that!
That looks like a great outing all around! I haven’t been on a horse for many years.
Looks like fun. I love re-inactments. They are such a fun way to learn.
Thanks for share this wonderful history about horses and Kentucky! I love all your beautiful photos too 😀
This looks like so much fun! I would love to visit a horse farm.
What an awesome experience. Riding on those trails would probably be my favorite part.
You’ve done so many posts on Kentucky recently that it makes me think that I’ve been missing out on so much. I will have to check out Shelbyville and maybe even pay them a visit one day.
I have never ridden a horse but someday I would love to take my daughter to go horseback riding. Bella loves horses and pony/s
What a great experience you had! I would love to visit and see those horses in action.
Shelbyville sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I think my kids would get a kick out of riding the horses.
That looks like so much fun! I absolutely love horse riding. There’s nothing better than getting out and about on horseback.
I love horses. They have such a calmness, however I’ve never ridden one and barely petted any. I find them a little intimidating because of their size.
I think that is pretty common, but they are REALLY gentle by nature.
This looks like a great place to visit. I have always wanted to go horseback riding, but I am allergic to them.
This looks like a place that would be right up our alley when we go vacationing!
Fun! I haven’t been horseback riding since I was about 6 years old. I would love to go again.