Old Friends began as a retirement and rescue facility for pensioned Thoroughbreds. Then news broke of the inconceivable death of Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand in a slaughterhouse in Japan in 2002. "We went from getting five emails a day to hundreds," noted Founder Michael Blowen. We knew such a death must never happen again. And so the plan became to bring at risk racehorses--those whose racing and breeding careers had come to an end to Old Friends, provide them with the dignified retirement they deserve, and open the space to the public. By promoting these one-time celebrated horses through a campaign of education and tourism, we realized we could draw attention to all retired Thoroughbreds and all equines in need. We are the only thoroughbred rescue / retirement facility that accepts stallions, & so we take exceptional pride in our pensioned champions, among them Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Hall of Famer, Silver Charm, Belmont winners Touch Gold, Birdstone and Ruler on Ice, Hall of Fame favorite, Lava Man, three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, Breeders’ Cup Champions Stormy Liberal and Eldaafer and Hollywood Gold Cup winner Rail Trip. In addition to our pensioned stallions, Old Friends is home to some very deserving retired mares & geldings. Old Friends hosts tours daily by reservation only, and while our guests come to visit to a few ex-racehorses, they leave having been touched by the heart of a Thoroughbred hero.
