Old Friends – A Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown KY

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I recently got a chance to visit Old Friends – A Thoroughbred Retirement Farm. This farm is for older race horses and am just in awe of what they do here. I wanted to share my visit with you so you can make plans to check it out also.

If you have grown up in Kentucky as I have, then you know that horse racing is a HUGE thing here.

For me, it was just horses running around a track or people betting their money. They either walked away with a wad of cash or simply went home more broke than when they arrived.

I've never taken an interest in horse racing. Then I got to visit this working farm during my weekend in Georgetown KY.

They are dedicated to beautiful thoroughbred horses who have reached their prime. They give them a place to live out their days, carefree and still full of life.

From the moment I stepped on the farm, my view was changed. It was that quick. I didn't expect it, but something about walking on this farm completely transformed my view of horse racing forever.

Before the Tour

Before the tour visit the little house to purchase tickets or souvenirs. Watch the video to see how the farm came to be.

It was here that I met one of the nicest ladies you will ever meet. She took us on the tour of the farm and shared about each horse and their story. She definitely has admiration for this place.

Touring the Farm

Walk from the little house down a beautiful stretch of road. This road leads to the stalls and fields of each stallion. Don't stick your hand in because ALL of the male horses bite! Use caution, but bring the carrots, because they love eating them.

Each horse has a story; their winning streaks, their losses and injuries, and what brought them to the farm in the first place.

A few of my favorite horses:

Silver Charm — 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner

Popcorn Deelites — The Horse That Played Sea Biscuit

 War Emblem — 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner

Visiting each of these horses really brought to life horse racing for me. Their life was not just for racing, but that they thrive on being given a goal. They want to be great and the moment that bell rings, they come alive.

It is a beautiful sight to see. It just blew me away.

What Happens to Horses Once They Pass Away

We have all heard the horror stories of what happens to horses when they die. At Old Friends, horses are treated with the utmost of respect, even when they pass away.

In fact, they have a specific grave spot for both the mares and the stallions. There are some great ones buried here.

Seeing this graveyard spoke volumes to me. Horses get the ability to live out the rest of their lives here on the Old Friends farm without a care in the world. When they die, they are given a respectable burial place as well.

How You Can Help

The Old Friends Farm is run on donations, so you can help them out by donating money. Or, you can buy from their Ebay store. Purchase something from their Amazon wish list or even better — visit the farm and see about sponsoring a paddock.

Reservations are required

Book a tour by clicking here. Or to schedule a tour by phone, call us at (502) 863-1775. Tours are $30.00 for adults, children under 10 are not permitted on the tour.  The office and gift shop are located in the visitor center which is open from 10:00 – 4:00.

If you get the chance to visit Georgetown, KY, I encourage you to take this tour. Your view of what horse racing is will be changed forever. I know mine was.