Equine industry in Kentucky

The equine industry in Kentucky is a major part of the state's agribusiness, including sectors involved in horse breeding and rearing, racing, buying and selling, and tourism.

According to a study by the University of Kentucky, the equine industry contributed $3 billion to the state economy in 2012 and generated 40,665 jobs.

[8] Streets in Danville and Lexington are named after famed racehorses like Cavalcade, Citation and Man o' War.

Horses sold by Keeneland won all three Triple Crown races in 2016, with Nyquist taking the Kentucky Derby, Exaggerator the Preakness, and Creator the Belmont.

[13][14] Fasig-Tipton, based in Lexington since 1972, also conducts notable Thoroughbred sales in Kentucky, New York, Florida and Maryland.

Horses sold included Love the Chase, the dam of California Chrome, and multiple Grade I winners Curalina and Stopchargingmaria.

[26] Gentleman farmers began building dedicated horse barns on scientific principles in the 1830s, which was taken up more widely on working farms before the Civil War.

[28] The stallion barn is typically the most complex building to support the maintenance of the often temperamental horses, accommodate clients who wish to inspect them, and provide access for visiting mares.

The stalls are roomy, well lit and have sturdy walls, usually made of wood which is more forgiving if the horse kicks.

The aisles are very wide to minimize the potential for a stallion who is being led out of the stable to bite or kick at another, a somewhat common behavior during breeding season.

Artificial lighting is commonly used in winter months to enhance semen production for the breeding season that starts in February.

[29] In 2013, WinStar Farm spent over $5 million to build an 18-stall stallion barn and the adjacent breeding shed from brick and stone, with state-of-the-art equipment and security features.

[30] Some farms such as Claiborne retain their historic wooden barns, relying on reputation and long-term relationships with other breeders.

[19] Central Kentucky is considered an excellent place to raise horses because limestone is so common in the area.

[37] There are also several Thoroughbred retirement farms, most notably Old Friends Equine whose retirees include Derby winner Silver Charm.