Why you might see more of William Shatner in Lexington and Central Kentucky

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Iconic Hollywood actor William Shatner has a long history with Central Kentucky and its horse industry, one that dates back to the mid-1980s.

It’s a relationship that hit a roadblock in 2020 after the legendary actor, best known for his role as Captain Kirk in the “Star Trek” franchise, divorced his fourth wife and she got their Versailles home in the multi-million-dollar settlement.

But nearly three years after their separation, the Daily Mail reported Shatner reunited with his ex-wife Elizabeth , a horse trainer. In an interview with the Herald-Leader, the 93-year-old actor confirmed they are back together and spending as much time at Belle Reve Farm as possible, saying it’s their home away from Los Angeles.

“Haven’t been there in many months for a variety of reasons, but we’ll be there next week, and we’ll be there more often now,” said Shatner, who will be in Kentucky for several appearances including a screening of his documentary, “William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill” Oct. 4 at the Kentucky Theatre.

Wiliam Shatner’s Kentucky horse farm

Shatner’s love for horses started growing up in Montreal, Canada. He says he bought a horse in L.A. and it evolved into buying more in Kentucky. In the early 1980s he attended Kentucky Derby parties like the extravagant ones thrown by local socialite Anita Madden .

In November 1985, at 54 years old, he bought a 76-acre horse farm on Shannon Run Road in Woodford County for $1.5 million from trainer and breeder Donna Moore. Shatner would go on to work with her for years to come, breeding American saddlebreds. Shatner’s two-time world champion stallion, Sultan’s Great Day was a top sire in the 1990s.

“So horses brought me to Kentucky, but then I began to meet the people and share the life,” said Shatner. “It’s a great area, and for me, it doesn’t matter what time of year, the lushness of the summer, all the coolness, the cold of the winter, it doesn’t matter, Kentucky is a great place to live, and Lexington even more so.”

In 1999 Shatner sold the farm on Shannon Run Road and later bought a larger property, fronting Versailles Road and Blue Grass Parkway, renaming it Belle Reve Farm, where over the years they bred saddlebred and quarterhorses.

As part of his 2020 divorce, Shatner was awarded horse breeding equipment — and even horse semen — plus a ranch in Three Rivers, Cal., where he says still trains with quarter horses in reining.

“I keep my legs, as best I can, in condition, and ... I’m up to my neck in horses,” said Shatner.

Wiliam Shatner horse riding history in Kentucky

In 1984 one of Shatner’s horses made their first of many appearances at the annual Lexington Junior League Horse Show , and in 1986 he started riding in the competition. That year he was seen sporting a huge grin in the winner’s circle after riding his Sinatra to victory in the five-gaited class for amateur riders.

Over the years he has competed numerous times at the Lexington event, considered to be the first leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown.” Shatner is also a regular competitor at other equestrian events including the World’s Championship Horse Show at the Kentucky State Fair and most recently, 2023’s Rock Creek Horse Show in Louisville . In 2016, he was inducted into the World Championship Horse Show Hall of Fame and in 2023 he was enshrined into the American Road Horse & Pony Hall of Fame.

Shatner says over the years he has developed a connection with horses.

“Athletes talk about being in the zone,” said Shatner. “I used to drive motorcycles a lot, and it’s called being on the pipe. At a certain point, if you’re focused correctly, you become one with whatever it is you’re doing.”