If you're a fan of horse racing or just the equestrian world at large, it may be worth planning a vacation around your hobby.

In the United States, horse racing is a pastime that has existed since before the Declaration of Independence. There are many dozens of communities that have been keeping the sport alive since that time. Tracks are indeed receding in the United States, but horse breeding is still alive and well.

In this article, we take a look at some of the most notable breeding locations in the country.

The Bluegrass Region

You knew it was coming. This list would be absurd without it. Kentucky is absolutely the horse racing capital of the country, and most likely the world.

It's where the Kentucky Derby is held every year in Louisville. It's also the location of Lexington, where horses are bred, raised, trained, housed, and raced.

From a tourist perspective, these two locations are conveniently positioned. Louisville and Lexington are approximately an hour away from one another, making it easy to visit both.

Naturally, we all know that Louisville is the place to be for Kentucky Derby betting. If you’re interested in learning more about hot Kentucky Derby picks, you can do that here: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/

Unfortunately, it's very difficult and expensive to be one of the 150,000 people per year who attend this globally significant event.

If you don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a ticket and many hundreds on a mediocre room at a Best Western, you can still visit throughout the summer, where races are held regularly and where prices are much more accessible.

The Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is something of a hidden treasure, at least to those of us not living on the East Coast. Not so far from one of the biggest cities the world has ever known, there is a wooded rural community famous for beautiful lakes, fabulous hiking, excellent shopping and spas, and yes, horses.

In Finger Lakes, New York, there is a well-known horse racing track associated with a casino. There you can watch races, play conventional, participate in pari-mutuel wagering, and of course, venture over to the slots and tables if that's what interests you.

You don't have to limit your experience to the gambling side of equestrian life, however. There are stables to visit, there are endless trails to tour on the back of a horse, and there are even ample learning opportunities. It's a great place for a family-friendly getaway.

Though the Finger Lakes has a casino, it's not the Las Vegas of the East. There are tons of things to do for people of every age.

Middleburg, Virginia

Never heard of it? You aren’t alone. This quiet town of just 700 slips under most people’s radar. It is a small town, but one that is populated almost exclusively by the extremely wealthy.

This is the sort of place where a 2000 square foot cottage goes for more than $1 million. For that money, you do not get a beach view, nor a ski mountain chalet. This is equestrian country.

Though Middleburg, Virginia, does have a keen focus on horses, it's presented a little differently.

This is a community that still goes out for fox hunting atop majestic steeds. The town itself might have been planned by Norman Rockwell. That's our guess, not a fact.

Imagine a vibrant small town that seems to have been plucked from the middle of the 20th century. Beyond it, a countryside teeming with ranches, breeding facilities, and sport-related opportunities, many of which are centered around jumping and hunting.

It's the perfect spot for anyone who loves horses, but ultimately just wants a wholesome, relaxed, family-friendly experience.

Conclusion

It's somewhat unfortunate that the state of horse racing is always described in the negative. Tracks have become fewer and farther between in recent years, but there are many reasons for that.

It's not necessarily a lack of interest, nor is it even a reflection on the state of a sport as a whole. It's simply an indication that economic conditions fluctuate.

Regardless, horse racing, horse breeding, and horse riding are still important American pastimes that play a key role in local economies and cultures.

If you're interested in a fun, family-friendly experience, consider planning your vacation around one of the many exciting horse racing communities in the country. While betting is a common element of the American horse experience, there are so many other ways to enjoy equestrian life.

Ranches. Lessons. Even trail riding experiences in National Parks. You have lots of options with plenty of different types of experiences to choose from.