Located in the heart of the Bluegrass, Lexington, Ky., is a fitting host for the 31st annual American Farrier’s Association (AFA) convention, March 6 to 9, 2002. Home to over 450 horse farms, Lexington is known as the horse capital of the world.

It’s also the center of the Throroughbred industry. From horse parks to racetracks to equine museums, Lexington offers many unique attractions for the horse lover.

Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park is a 1,032 acre active horse farm, Lexington’s premiere attraction and home to the AFA. It was created to honor the animal whose name has become synonymous with the Bluegrass State. This park is a showcase of museums, theaters, interactive farm exhibits and 40 horse breeds.

Visitors have the option of touring the park’s extensive horse show facilities by horse-drawn streetcar, carriage, horseback or foot. Make sure not to miss the park’s farrier who exhibits his iron-working skills.

The Kentucky Horse Park is 4 miles north of Lexington off I-75, Exit 120 at 4089 Iron Works Parkway and is the site of the AFA forging competition. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Look Back In Time

More in the mood for a fun lesson in horse history? The Kentucky Horse Park is also the spot to tour two museums. The International Museum of the Horse is the largest and most comprehensive equine museum in the world. It traces the history of man’s most steadfast partner with an array of artifacts…