Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm
A sanctuary for retired Thoroughbred racehorses, offering tours to meet and feed these equine legends. A heartwarming experience for all.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See horses active & fed
Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm
Best Time
See horses active & fed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary for retired Thoroughbred racehorses, offering tours to meet and feed these equine legends. A heartwarming experience for all.
"A must-see for anyone who admires horses, especially racehorses – a truly great horse experience!"
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours, especially private ones, fill up fast. Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment!
🥕 Bring Extra Carrots
While carrots are provided, horses love them! Bring a few extra to share the love.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meet the Legends
Various paddocks
Get up close with famous retired racehorses like Silver Charm and Lava Man. A truly heartwarming experience for any horse lover.
Carrot Feeding Fun
Designated feeding areas
Hand-feed carrots to these magnificent equine athletes. A memorable and interactive way to show your appreciation.
Informative Farm Tours
Throughout the farm
Learn fascinating stories and insights about the horses from knowledgeable guides. Tours are engaging and not to be missed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Old Friends
Best Time for Horse Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours, especially private ones, fill up fast. Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment!
🥕 Bring Extra Carrots
While carrots are provided, horses love them! Bring a few extra to share the love.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking around the farm. Comfort is key!
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't forget your camera! The photo opportunities with these champions are incredible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours, especially private ones, fill up fast. Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment!
🥕 Bring Extra Carrots
While carrots are provided, horses love them! Bring a few extra to share the love.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking around the farm. Comfort is key!
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't forget your camera! The photo opportunities with these champions are incredible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Friends for its heartwarming mission and the incredible opportunity to meet legendary retired racehorses. The knowledgeable and passionate guides, along with the chance to feed carrots, are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects. While the farm is a peaceful sanctuary, some visitors note that booking tours in advance is essential due to its popularity.
"A must see for anyone that admires horses...especially racehorses. Silver Charm turned down shredded carrots and doesn't have many teeth yet, so if you want to visit him, go soon. Touch Gold is the same age. Lava Man looks fantastic. The tours are informative and give you a chance to feed carrots to your horse heros."
Jennifer Reed
"Charlie Brown was our tour person. He was outstanding, so knowledgeable and lotsa personality. Meeting all the “Old Friends” was a treat in itself. We were fortunate to be on a golf cart. If we’d had to walk, none of the four in my party would have made it. Such a great horse experience. Silver Charm in the pic🐎"
Maggie Patrick
"I don't know much about horse racing, but you don't need to, as you receive a very interesting and informative (not boring at all!) Our tour guide was is knowledgeable, informative and eager to answer questions, no need to have "insider knowledge." On the tour the introduce you to these beautiful and very different, in personality and story line, race horses. While the guide talks and answers questions, we get to feed the horses carrots! It's a fantastic experience."
Michelle Pollard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm is located in Georgetown, Kentucky. Visitors often drive to the farm. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's best to plan your route via car or rideshare service. Some visitors mention driving a few hours to reach the farm, indicating it's a destination worth the journey.
The farm offers golf cart tours for visitors who may have difficulty walking long distances, which is a significant plus for accessibility. This ensures everyone can enjoy the experience of meeting the retired racehorses.
Detailed driving directions can be found on the official Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm website. It's recommended to input the farm's address into your GPS or navigation app for the most accurate route.
Yes, many visitors treat a trip to Old Friends as a day trip. Georgetown, Kentucky, is a reasonable drive from cities like Louisville and Lexington, making it feasible for a dedicated visit.
Parking is generally available at the farm. It's advisable to follow any signage upon arrival or ask staff for the designated parking areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Old Friends is typically donation-based, with suggested donation amounts for tours. Private tours may have different pricing structures. It's best to check their official website for the most current donation recommendations and tour fees.
Yes, booking tours in advance is highly recommended, especially for private tours or during peak seasons. This ensures you secure a spot and guarantees an informative experience with the horses.
Operating hours and tour schedules can vary. It's crucial to check the official Old Friends website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and available tour slots before your visit.
Old Friends offers various tour options, including general tours and private tours. Private tours often provide a more personalized experience and may include meeting specific horses or the founder.
While the farm welcomes visitors, tours are the primary way to interact with the horses and learn about their stories. It's strongly advised to book a tour to get the full experience.
🎫 🐎 Onsite Experience
The best way to experience Old Friends is by taking an informative tour. These tours allow you to meet the retired racehorses, learn their histories, and even feed them carrots, creating a truly special connection.
Yes, you can feed the horses carrots! This is a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to interact directly with these magnificent animals. Carrots are often provided during tours, or you can bring your own.
You can see a variety of retired Thoroughbred racehorses, including famous champions like Silver Charm, Lava Man, and I'll Have Another. Each horse has a unique personality and story.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll be on your feet for the tour. Dress in layers as weather can change, and opt for casual, weather-appropriate attire.
Yes, Old Friends typically has restrooms available for visitors. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs to support the farm's mission.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Photography is encouraged at Old Friends. It's a fantastic opportunity to capture memorable moments with the retired racehorses.
Generally, there are no major restrictions on personal photography. However, always be respectful of the horses and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly in the horses' eyes.
The paddocks where the horses are housed offer the most iconic photo opportunities. Getting a shot with a famous horse like Silver Charm or Lava Man is a must.
Yes, video recording is also permitted. Many visitors enjoy capturing short clips of the horses interacting or during feeding times.
For professional or commercial photography, it's best to contact the farm directly to inquire about their policies and any necessary permissions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit smoother for families, consider booking a golf cart tour if available, especially if you have younger children or strollers. This can help cover more ground comfortably. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as there will be walking involved. The stories of the horses are engaging and can capture the imagination of children, making it a fun and enriching outing.
❤️ Horse Enthusiasts & Racing Fans
Opting for a private tour with the founder, Michael Blowen, can provide even deeper insights and access to more horses. The continuous loop videos of the horses' races add another layer of appreciation for their athleticism and heart. Feeding carrots to these legends is a way to express gratitude and create a personal connection.
📸 Photography Buffs
Experiment with different angles and settings to highlight the horses' beauty and the serene farm environment. The interaction during carrot feeding sessions provides dynamic photo opportunities. Remember to be respectful and avoid flash photography that might startle the animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Old Friends: A Sanctuary for Thoroughbreds
The farm's success is largely due to the dedication of its staff and the generosity of its supporters. Visitors can contribute through donations, which directly fund the care, feeding, and medical needs of the horses. The tours are not only a way to see the horses but also an educational experience, highlighting the importance of aftercare in the racing industry. Many reviewers emphasize that you don't need to be a racing expert to appreciate the stories and the horses themselves.
Meeting horses like Silver Charm, Lava Man, and I'll Have Another is a dream come true for many fans. The opportunity to feed them carrots adds a personal touch, making the visit unforgettable. The farm also features videos of the horses' past races, showcasing their incredible athleticism and spirit. It’s a place that celebrates the legacy of these incredible animals and ensures their well-being for years to come.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers
Comfort is paramount for your visit. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be exploring the grounds. Many visitors also recommend bringing extra carrots for the horses, as they are a favorite treat and the horses always appreciate more. This simple gesture can make your interaction even more special.
Don't forget your camera! The opportunity to photograph these legendary horses is a major draw, and you'll want to capture these memories. The farm is a beautiful and serene place, perfect for capturing stunning shots of the horses in their natural environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit