What's With That? Why are there goats on the backside of Churchill Downs?

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal

Churchill Downs might be famous for its thoroughbred horses, but did you know another important animal is roaming the backside?

"You know how dogs are a man's best friend?" asks Churchill Downs publicity manager Kevin Kerstein. "Horses, their best friends are goats."

"Goats almost act as a calming agent for horses," he continues. "Thoroughbreds want to run, but to get them to relax, there are a lot of trainers back there who have goats that act as their barn mascot."

Lily the calming goat hangs out on a hay bale inside her barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Helen Pitts got Lily to help calm a horse that would nervously stall walk, and now she acts as a mascot for her barn.
Lily the calming goat hangs out on a hay bale inside her barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Helen Pitts got Lily to help calm a horse that would nervously stall walk, and now she acts as a mascot for her barn.

Learn more in our "What's With That" video series.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Why are there calming goats on the backside of Churchill Downs?