Founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, began with one horse and a leased paddock. Today, it spans 236 acres, includes three satellite locations, and provides a home for more than 285 retired racehorses and breeding stallions.
Open to the public, Old Friends has become a “living-history museum” of horse racing, welcoming nearly 20,000 visitors annually. From legendary champions like Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm to lesser-known horses, every resident has a story to share. Donations and visitor support help ensure all horses receive a dignified retirement.
In 2014, Old Friends received a Special Eclipse Award for its outstanding service to Thoroughbred racing. At the end of 2023, founder Michael Blowen passed leadership to John Nicholson, former executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, to continue the organization’s mission.
In 2024, Kentucky Derby winners I’ll Have Another and Big Brown joined the farm’s residents, and Old Friends purchased 161 acres of the former Hillcrest Farm to expand its retirement capacity.
Old Friends offers a variety of tours and welcomes guests from all over the country.
Old Friends, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a dignified retirement for Thoroughbreds, housing retired racehorses and breeding stallions, and allowing the public to visit them. Founded in Georgetown, Kentucky, Old Friends is dedicated to increasing awareness of the needs of retired racehorses.
