Horse Mania has hit the streets of Lexington in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). Now through Oct. 15, nearly 150 vibrant, life-sized fiberglass horses and foals can be spotted turned-out around the city. Regional artists were selected for the opportunity to paint and decorate the statues, which are sponsored by numerous local businesses and organizations. A large portion of the horses were decorated by grade-school students and are part of Horse Mania’s companion project, Horse Play for Arts Education.

Some of the incredible equine works of art include a bourbon barrel horse, a crazy quilted horse, and the Keeneland experience horse Ð all uniquely Kentucky. Preview more painted ponies at horsemania2010.com.

A much more permanent famed Kentucky attraction is the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Parks in Eastern Kentucky, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Lexington. Patti Nickell has this to say about the “Gorge” in her Horse Lover’s Guide to Kentucky:

“One of the most scenic areas in the state, it encompasses 29,000 acres of cliffs, rock shelters, caves, waterfalls, and mountain pools as well as some 100 natural arches, the largest concentration east of the Rocky Mountains. These beautiful arches, tortured into unique formations by millions of years of wind and water, are awe-inspiring, especially in the fall when they are softened by the brilliant colors of the forest.
Probably the best known (and most accessible) of the Gorge’s many attractions is Sky Bridge, from which you get an excellent view of the Clifty Wilderness. The section of the Red River that runs through the Clifty is the only river in Kentucky to be designated a National Wild and Scenic River