If you ask almost anyone, especially those not from Kentucky, to describe the state, they will often tell you about horses grazing in a field. These beautiful animals are a quintessential Kentucky image and are in the hearts of many locals. While many think of horse racing and the picturesque farms that are scattered throughout the central part of our state, there are also many horses in the eastern region of the Bluegrass. Located in the mountains, the Appalachian Horse Center is working hard to support and manage the free-roaming horse population in the area. They offer a wild horse tour in Kentucky that is a unique outing, and also shows off the incredible beauty of this area of the state.
The Appalachian Horse Project and Center aims to manage the free-roaming horses in the area with the utmost respect for both the animals and the land.
This nonprofit works hard for these beautiful horses and the mountainside on which they roam. We can support their cause by participating in their unique wild horse tour in Kentucky.
There are both small and larger herds that live in the mountains, and they include mares, stallions, and their offspring.
These herds are made up of horses that are currently owned by someone in the area, horses that have been abandoned by previous owners, and also horses that were born in the wild and have had very little human interaction.
Tours are held 7 days a week throughout the year, multiple times a day.
Guests share rave reviews of the unique experience, from the knowledge of the guides to the beautiful scenery. The tour begins just outside of Jackson and exact directions and information are sent after you book your tour.
The tour will last 2-3 hours, depending on how long it takes to locate the herds.
Groups will ride in vehicles appropriate for the mountain roads and will be treated to beautiful vistas and plenty of history.
Of course the free-roaming horses are the star of this tour and it's an incredible experience to learn about them and see them up close.
The mountains of Eastern Kentucky provide a good home for these horses, while the Appalachian Horse Project is working hard to manage and maintain them. There are times when some of the horses are available for adoption after an application process to find the right owner.
The cost of the tour is $35 for adults, $15 for ages 5-12, and children under 5 are free.
The money raised from the tours goes back to the horses directly, as well as to the hard-working guides who make this opportunity possible. You can learn more about pricing and scheduling here.
Horses are a beloved creature in Kentucky and we love them whether grazing on a farm or roaming free in the mountains.
If you've been curious about these "wild" horses in Kentucky, check out a tour with the Appalachian Horse Project and get a true look at the wonder and beauty of Eastern Kentucky.
The Appalachian Horse Center offers this incredible wild horse tour in Kentucky that shows off the natural beauty of the area. If you'd like to experience a different type of "horse country," while also learning about the history and landscape of Eastern Kentucky, plan a visit to the Center for a memorable tour. Have you seen the small herds of free-roaming horses in the mountains of Kentucky? Would you like to go on this tour? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
For more information on the Appalachian Horse Center, visit its website here and also follow along on Facebook here.
Address: Hindman, KY 41822
And while you're in the area, check out some of the other features of Eastern Kentucky from our previous article here.
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