by Abi Kroupa

From the rolling hills of Lexington Kentucky to the bustling Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, the U.S. has destinations for all types of equestrians. Whether you desire to compete at top equestrian venues or to ride miles of trails in a state forest, we are sure you can find the perfect setting for you and your equine family members in one of these horse-friendly towns.

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington was the first city outside of Europe to hold the World Equestrian Games in 2010. It is home to the United States Equestrian Federation and to the 1,200 acre Kentucky Horse Park which attracts millions of visitors a year. In Lexington, more money changes hands over the sale of horses than any place in the world. It is not at all uncommon for horses to fetch millions of dollars at the annual Keeneland Sales. Keeneland is the world's largest and most prestigious Thoroughbred auction company. Kentucky is one of the best places to raise and own horses in the U.S. Underground water passes through a massive limestone shelf that lies beneath the surface and nourishes Kentucky's signature bluegrass pastures and soil. These rich grasses grow strong, healthy horses, unlike anywhere else in the world.

Read more: Top Equestrian Cities in The U.S. To Call Home

In Theaters starting May 1st, 2020. Follow the film on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The film tells the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town Welsh bartender, Jan Vokes (Academy Award® nominee Toni Collette). With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream in the hopes he can compete with the racing elites. The group's investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks with grit and determination and goes on to race in the Welsh Grand National showing the heart of a true champion.

Read more: Dream Horse, Starring Toni Collette - Movie Trailer

Charros, a pillar of Mexican culture, will honor their equestrian traditions this September in the state of Jalisco. More than a form of rodeo, charrería is a way of life and is designated an UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. There are numerous activities travelers can participate in to experience a taste of one of Mexico’s oldest cultural traditions.

Charrería, Mexico’s national sport and an UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, will take center stage in the state of Jalisco this September when Charros de Jalisco, Mexico’s first-ever competitive charro group, celebrates its 100th anniversary. More than a form of rodeo, charrería is a way of life in Jalisco, originating from Mexico’s herdsmen culture of the 1500s and passed down through generations. Travelers interested in experiencing a taste of one of Mexico’s oldest cultural traditions can participate in the following activities:

CHARRO CHAMPIONSHIP

Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital city, will host the Charro Championship September 10 – 20 at Lienzo Charro Jalisco arena. During this 10-day competitive event, visitors will have the chance to watch Jalisco’s top charros perform impressive feats including lasso work, horse training, bull riding, and the “El Paso de la muerte” where riders jump from a trained horse to a wild horse at a gallop. Escaramuzas participate in all-female competitions that feature eight riders dressed in traditional attire performing choreographed, synchronized routines, all while riding side saddle.

Read more: Mexico's Charros de Jalisco Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary

by Brittani Moncrease

MEMPHIS, Tenn. When it comes to Elvis, there is no separating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll from his cowboy demeanor. 

Elvis kept multiple horses at Graceland, and horses remain important to the Graceland estate. 

A local former teacher takes care of the horses.

“She’s a chemistry teacher and here she is in the barn. This is what’s so great, I think. Who does that?” asked Priscilla Presley, Elvis Presley’s ex-wife.

Who does that? Alene Alexander does. She has worked at Graceland for 38 years now.

Read more: Meet the Former Teacher Who Also Serves as Graceland’s Long-time Horse keeper

by Heather Wallace

Sitting on the unique mix of grass, rock, and sand, I look out in the distance. I’ve traveled the world but nothing before could prepare me for the view. As I sift my fingers through the ground, it strikes me that it likely holds secrets of nomads and travelers. Did they feel the same thing? Were they struck by how small they felt, looking 50 kilometers or so into the horizon as the sun began its lazy descent? Did they feel alone? Or, like me, did they instead connect with themselves and imagine the possibilities?

Perhaps some travelers would be bored, staring at seemingly nothing as they rode the sturdy Mongolian horses for an entire day without spotting another human being.

I look to the south while sitting outside the door of my ger, a large round tent commonly used as a residence by the nomads, at basecamp. The doors always face south or southeast. There, the herders check the traditional horse line and begin to loosen the horses from the line for the evening, giving them freedom to wander and graze in the night. Some wear hobbles and others are haltered two-by-two to prevent them from going too far from camp. If there is water nearby the horses are content to stay close, and I look forward to hearing them outside the ger while I sleep. I make a note to wear my headlamp if I need the bathroom so I don’t accidentally run into one and scare the both of us.

Read more: Girl Forward: A Tale of One Woman's Unlikely Adventure in Mongolia