One of my very favorite times of the year in central Kentucky is “baby season.” This is the timeÑstarting in early January and running through the summer monthsÑwhen it’s nearly impossible to drive anywhere outside the downtown areas without running across a field full of baby Thoroughbreds stretching their legs, playing with friends, or napping in the sun.

This is also the time when many local horsemen and -women finalize their upcoming season breeding plans and either send their mares to the shed or transition them into leisurely, foal-free retirement.