What does a horse do after racing?
While in Kentucky we were able to see all parts of the life of a racing horse. We had the opportunity to watch them race at the Kentucky Derby, I visited Claiborne Farm where horses are bred and buried, while between birth, racing and burial there’s retirement.
They can live their life in happiness at Old Friends Farm in Georgetown, KY.
We went on a beautiful day to meet a few of the residents of Old Friends Farm on a guided tour that lasted approximately 90 minutes. It’s $10 per person and that’s well worth it for the time you spend, the pets you get to give and the carrots you get to feed. You also get a good view of what your money is going to support.
You start with a short film in the visitor’s center and then you make your way out towards the paddocks where the horses live out their golden years. Our guide was Becky who’s been volunteering at Old Friends Farm for 10 years. In the last few years – after her own retirement – she moved closer to volunteer even more. She was an informative and interesting guide who had a lot of love for the horses and the farm.
Stallions stay in a paddock by themselves, while some geldings (neutered males) and those horses that are used to having barn mates (goats or other horses) may share a paddock.
Some of the horses are just for feeding carrots while some are for petting. It depends on their dietary needs and personalities as to which is which.
Some of the horses have some left over nervous habits from their time on the race track.
There’s a movie star who lives at Old Friends Farm, Popcorn Deelites. He was one of four horses who played Seabiscuit in the 2003 movie. He and his paddock mate are two hams. They loved the attention and were so happy be pet and eat carrots, all while showing off.
There’s a miniature horse that lives on site as well. His name is Little Silver Charm, named after another horse – Silver Charm – on the farm. He’s very special to Michael Blowen, the founder of Old Friends Farm, and Little Silver Charm can sometimes be found in Michael’s house.
Here are some more images of the beautiful animals that can be found at Old Friends Farm.
Old Friends Farm was a beautiful place. It was nice to see a safe, caring environment for the animals that have given so much to their humans over the years. I strongly recommend a visit if you find yourself in Kentucky.
Address
Old Friends Farm, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324
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