I should have written this back in 2020. The Kentucky Horse Park experience was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Being an avid horse racing fan, I was awestruck by meeting many wonderful equine athletes. I was lucky enough to get a backstage pass to see the rockstars, Funny Cide, Go For Gin, Da Hoss, Point Given and many others. The caretakers and grooms were very accommodating, in letting me pet, handle, and even feed treats to these majestic animals.

Funny Cide was the main attraction. However, he had been shod the morning of, and was still a bit sore and cantankerous. Nonetheless, he posed for some great photos and allowed to stroke his head before turning back into his stall.

Point Given was up next, and he was FULL OF HIMSELF. He possessed wonderful energy, and greedily took the treats from my hand. He allowed me to rub his nose and brush his forelock. Once the treats were gone, so was his patience. He was such a magnificent, striking horse!

Next up…Go For Gin. This horse has always had a special place in my heart as he was the first Derby horse I had ever wagered on. The fact that he was standing in front of me felt like a dream. I was surprised that he didn’t act like a stud at all, with his calm demeanor. The caretaker, John told me to rub his gums. Initially, I thought he was kidding. After owning many horses, I know better than to stick my hand inside their mouth. Nonetheless, John insisted. Go For Gin peeled his nose and lips back, and I was rubbing my fingers around his gum line, and HE LOVED IT! It was beyond comical. He stuck his long tongue out and licked my hand. He stood and behaved perfectly, allowing me to rub his head and scratch his ears, back, and withers. I started walking out his stall, and he followed me out. John supplied me with more treats, and I, in turn, obliged Go For Gin with more gum-rubbing. I was trying to be respectful of the horse and caretaker’s time. However, Go For Gin didn’t want me to leave, and I felt the same. The staff patiently allowed us a few more minutes together, and I cherished each one. This was the highlight of many highlights that day.

Finally, we made our way over to Da Hoss. It was here that John said “tell him to give you a kiss”. So I told Da Hoss “give me a kiss”. He actually KISSED me, multiple times. A 2-time Breeder’s cup champion was eating out of my hand and nuzzling me with his nose! His racing career is one of the greatest, practically unbelievable stories ever told. He was a true champion in every sense of the word. Yet, he was still humble enough to allow me into his world.

I am incredibly thankful to the staff for giving me this tour. Now that all four of these magnificent creatures have passed, I am more grateful to the Kentucky Horse Park team that made this dream happen. If anybody is considering a trip to Kentucky Horse Park, YOU MUST DO IT! The property is immaculately kept. The staff are very friendly, knowledgeable, and tolerant of needy patrons. It is evident how much they love their horse tenants, as each animal looks, and is treated like a movie star. It is the equivalent of Disney World for any horse lover.