Celebrate The Kentucky Derby With These 11 Stunning Horse Photos

It's no secret that Kentucky is known for horses and you can see both the animals and decorative representations of them all over the state. The Kentucky Derby may be the one time of year when the spotlight shines the brightest on these horses of the Bluegrass, but we celebrate this incredible animal all year long. The Derby is definitely the most exciting two minutes in sports, but true Kentuckians know that these horses are most beautiful when they are roaming and grazing on the gently rolling hills of horse country. If you're a horse-lover or even just a Kentucky-lover, then you'll surely love these 11 stunning photos of horses in the Bluegrass.

There's nothing quite like the sight of a horse, racing around a dirt track, grazing on bluegrass, jumping a fence, or galloping around a barrel.

Horses are a big part of life in Kentucky, whether you are around them every day or you simply see them as you take the backroads around the state.

These majestic animals are loved by those who appreciate the horse as an important part of our country's history.

Most horses in Kentucky - and the entire country - are now viewed from behind wooden rail fencing, and you'll see plenty of these scenes with a drive through Kentucky's horse country.

Horses are very picturesque and at times, even seem to pose for the camera.

They are just as beautifully captured on film when standing still as they are running through a pasture.

If you look closely at a horse's eyes, you can feel their spirit and intensity. Even in the photo below, you can tell this beautiful horse is strong-willed and proud.

The personality of a horse tends to come out in a photo, as with this adorable image.

Even if you're not very familiar with horses, you can still appreciate their playful nature.

Horses come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and their individual characteristics can be beautifully captured in a photo.

This foal is resting in the grass, hopefully feeling very lucky to have been born in the best possible state!

These Percheron Draft Horses at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill are one of the largest breeds you'll find in Kentucky.

They are unbelievably strong and wonderfully majestic.

To watch horses participate in sports with their riders is also a stunning thing to see. There are plenty of opportunities to see horses and jockeys race around the track in Kentucky.

But there are also many other types of riding in our state, and many would argue that a night at a rodeo-type event, watching riders guide their horses around barrels and poles, is even more entertaining than a race.

Horses can be found all across Kentucky, from the sprawling farms in the Bluegrass Region to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.

We are lucky that this beautiful animal loves Kentucky as much as we do, and that they add so much unbridled spirit to our stunning state.

Kentucky's love affair with horses is strong and these photos make it easy to see why. Do you love the horses of Kentucky? Any favorite spot to see them relaxing or in action? We'd love to know about them in the comments!

And if you'd like to spend some time in horse country, discovering the incredible beauty of this area, check out our Horse Country Road Trip here.