Michael Blowen can easily step outside his home any day of the week and find himself in the company of retired racehorses at Old Friends, a thoroughbred retirement farm he established in Kentucky two decades ago. Here, former champions and underdogs alike are tenderly cared for, with one notable resident being Silver Charm, the celebrated thoroughbred that clinched victory at the 1997 Kentucky Derby.
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Michael Blowen
From the comfort of his home, Blowen can observe Silver Charm leisurely strolling in a nearby pasture. Despite the horse’s advanced age and diminished teeth count, he remains a beloved figure, often found dozing under the sun. As Blowen approaches, Silver Charm greets him with familiarity, eagerly accepting a handful of Mrs. Pastures horse cookie crumbs before retreating to his water trough for a refreshing sip.
Old Friends farm, sprawling across 236 acres in the scenic bluegrass region of Kentucky, offers retired racehorses a haven of tranquility where they can relish in their past glories and forge connections with devoted visitors, particularly during the bustling Derby season. For a nominal fee, guests can embark on guided tours, interacting with renowned residents like Silver Charm and I’ll Have Another, the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner.
Founded by Blowen, a former Boston Globe film critic, Old Friends began as a modest venture with just one horse in 2003. However, the tragic fate of 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand, reportedly slaughtered in Japan, spurred Blowen to advocate for a dignified retirement for racehorses. Today, the farm is home to approximately 250 retired racehorses across its Kentucky main site and three satellite locations.
Silver Charm, now in his twilight years, enjoys a simple routine at Old Friends, relishing in morning gallops around his expansive paddock before retiring to his stall in the afternoon. Despite his age, he still possesses moments of vigor, charging down hills with a youthful exuberance reminiscent of his racing days.
As the oldest living Derby winner, Silver Charm embodies the enduring bond between horse and human, serving as a poignant reminder of the gratitude owed to these majestic creatures. While his illustrious racing career may be behind him, Silver Charm continues to captivate the hearts of all who encounter him, embodying the spirit of resilience and grace.
At Old Friends, every day is a celebration of equine excellence, where former champions and humble contenders alike find solace in their well-deserved retirement. As visitors depart with cherished memories of their time spent with these legendary horses, the legacy of Silver Charm and his companions endures, a testament to the enduring magic of the Derby and the profound bond between horse and admirer.
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