Ruidoso Downs can be explored through several specific themes: horse racing, cultural and collecting history, outdoor art, and pottery classes. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between a race tied to a specific date and the town’s other attractions. For the racing calendar and the museum, you should also check the relevant dates and visiting conditions.

Horse Racing: Tradition and Venue

The town’s racing history goes back to the 1930s, when races were held in Mr. Miller’s cornfields. The All American Futurity is Ruidoso Downs’ signature race. It is run over 440 yards on Labor Day and was the first race in the world to offer a million-dollar purse for horses of any breed.

For 2026, Ruidoso Downs’ race meet was moved to Downs at Albuquerque. If you plan your trip around a future race date, check that year’s venue. This helps distinguish the Futurity’s lasting importance from the specific location of a race.

Museum: Collection and Cultural Themes

The Hubbard Museum of the American West was gifted to the City of Ruidoso Downs by R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard in 2005. It had already become the first museum in New Mexico to join the Smithsonian Affiliate Program in 2000. Its interpretation focuses on the cultures of Indigenous peoples, Hispanic Americans, and pioneers.

The renowned Stradling Collection includes bits, spurs, bridles, and saddles from around the world. It offers a distinct perspective on the history of horses: alongside the cultural themes, the focus is on specific pieces of equipment. The museum has been temporarily closed for renovations since February 3, 2026, until further notice. Before planning a visit, check whether its status has changed.

Outdoor Art, Byway and Pottery

Free Spirits at Noisy Water is an outdoor exhibition in Ruidoso Downs. The installation consists of eight larger-than-life horses, each weighing between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds. Here, the horse figure itself takes center stage, while the Stradling Collection brings together specific pieces of equipment. The horse theme is presented in two different forms.

The Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway Visitor Center is located right next to the Hubbard Museum in Ruidoso Downs. Its exhibits introduce some of the many attractions along the byway. This is a distinct connection to the route, separate from the town’s racing history and the themes of the museum collection.

The pottery classes at The Painted Pony in Ruidoso Downs offer a hands-on creative activity. Classes cover wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques. If you plan to take a class during your stay, check the schedule in advance.

Discover more destinations: Alto, Capitan, Nogal, Ruidoso, Carrizozo

For the broader travel overview: Lincoln.