A Haven for Retired Racehorses: Old Friends Farm Provides Sanctuary for Legends

Located in the heart of Kentucky's bluegrass region, Old Friends Farm is a sanctuary where retired racehorses, including legendary winners like Silver Charm and I'll Have Another, can enjoy a life of leisure and dignity.

Welcome to Old Friends Farm, a 236-acre (95.51-hectare) equine paradise where retired racehorses, whether champion thoroughbreds or lovable losers, find solace and comfort amidst the rolling hills and tranquil beauty of Kentucky. Just outside Georgetown, Kentucky, this haven offers a respite for these majestic animals, who once graced racetracks worldwide, now enjoying their golden years in the shadows of their former glory.

Founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen, Old Friends Farm was born out of a tragic realization – the alarming fate that awaited retired racehorses, often sent to slaughterhouses. Inspired by the plight of 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand, Blowen embarked on a mission to provide a dignified and comfortable retirement for racehorses, regardless of their past accomplishments.

Today, Old Friends is home to approximately 250 former racehorses, including Silver Charm, the 1997 Kentucky Derby winner and the oldest living Derby winner at the age of 30. Silver Charm's daily routine is a testament to the care and attention he receives at Old Friends. After being released into his vast paddock, he indulges in posing for photos with tour groups and mingling with his neighbors. By 3:30 p.m., he retreats to his barn stall for his afternoon nap, but not before occasionally surprising visitors with a burst of his former speed.

For a decade, Silver Charm has been the epitome of the dignified retirement that Old Friends offers. His presence symbolizes the respect and gratitude that thoroughbreds deserve after a life of arduous racing or breeding. As Old Friends CEO John Nicholson eloquently states, "He reminds us that the horse has given to us far more than we've ever given back, and that we should always try to give back."

The fraternity of retired Derby winners extends beyond Old Friends' boundaries. Once their racing careers end, stud careers beckon, with the hope of perpetuating their bloodlines and securing financial returns. Silver Charm himself followed this path, spending time at prestigious stud farms before arriving at Old Friends.

Old Friends' residents are not limited to the winners' circle. Zippy Chippy, a notorious loser who never triumphed in 100 races, found solace at Old Friends in upstate New York until his passing in 2022. As Nicholson explains, "At this stage of their life, we're doing everything they tell us to do."

The mission of Old Friends relies heavily on donations, supporting annual operating expenses that reach millions of dollars. If space permits, Old Friends welcomes any thoroughbred that an owner wishes to retire, provided ownership is surrendered. Preference is given to horses deemed at "great risk" and stallions being repatriated from overseas.

Silver Charm's significance at Old Friends cannot be overstated. He represents the essence of the sanctuary's mission, embodying the tranquility and dignity that retired racehorses deserve. As Nicholson aptly notes, "He was a great athlete but since then has been an ambassador for even a higher calling. And I think that's part of his magic."

For visitors like Susan Hale, meeting Silver Charm in person evokes cherished memories. Recalling a hunch bet she placed at the 1997 Derby, Hale exclaimed, "He's actually why I'm here. The other horses have been beautiful, too, but he's my favorite."

Michael Blowen, the founder and former president of Old Friends, sums up the profound experience of having Silver Charm as a neighbor: "Think of the greatest thing you ever laid your eyes on and put it in your backyard, and then you'll have an idea. Every day, I get that."