Mission Statement
Old Friends is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing a dignified retirement to Thoroughbreds whose racing and breeding careers had come to an end. By promoting these one-time celebrated horses through a campaign of education and tourism, we hope to draw attention and raise funds for all retired Thoroughbreds and all equines in need. Our main location in Georgetown, KY and the Bobby Frankel Division at Cabin Creek Farm, Greenfield Center, NY, are open to the public by appointment.
About Us
Old Friends began in 2003 as a retirement facility, much like the Hall of Champions at the famed Kentucky Horse Park. A place were former stars of the industry could ponder their glory days and live out the remainder of their lives after giving their hearts and souls to the game. The concept was simple: Such notable horses could earn money again by attracting tourists and former fans to a public facility where visitors could get up close and personal with the ex champs, hear about their past careers, learn about the racing industry, browse memorabilia, and in turn be educated about these great athletes.
We’re happy to report that it’s working.
Old Friends has grown considerably, and we are proud to have made notable contributions to the concept of Thoroughbred aftercare. Our supporters include racing participants, fans, and horse lovers all over the world, and we are proud to be accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. While most visitors come to relive the glory days of the champions, their generosity contributes to the care of all our retirees, many of whom never reached the finish line first.
Our guests come to visit a few ex-racehorses, but they leave touched by the spirit of a Thoroughbred hero.
We regret that due to the outbreak of Covid-19 we are closed for tours until further notice. As we continue to take care of the horses, we are more grateful than ever for your support through donations. We look forward with hope to resuming tours when it is safe. Take care and be well!
Tours daily by appointment
Summer: 10:00, 1:00, and 3:00.
Winter: 11:00
For current admission
rates and other information,
please call (502) 863-1775
Old Friends in Kentucky
is located at
1841 Paynes Depot Rd.
Georgetown, KY 40324
Old Friends Blog 
I am so glad to see that Ruhlmann has a good home. I have a 5 year old mare by him, she couldn’t make it at the track, knowing that she could run but had some head issues, I decided to stop with her. I had several who wanted to buy her but not knowing what/how life she would have, I gave her to a friend and now she is the QUEEN BEE amoung her Polo horses. With time her head issues have been worked through, Tip has a job now and she is spoiled rotten, a #1 Polo horse.
Men from Austrialia (Polo Association)came over and just couldn’t believe this fine mare. I smile every time I see her on a different type of turf. !
Keep up the good work…
Hi I recently started volunteering at Old Friends at Cabin Creek. This is a great place and I’m thankful that these wonderful horses can find a nice place to retire to.
What you do is great. I spent some nights watching videos about racing horses and found out about Ferninand. It was really sad… Do you give the horses for adoption, as well?
Thanks for your kind words. Old Friends is a permanent home for horses who are fully retired (not just retired from racing). In that we serve a different niche than the organizations dedicated to adopting out horses ready for a new career. Here’s more information about what OF does and how.
Just found this site. I applaud your desire to help horses retire in dignity. We support several ‘Kill Pen’ Rescue sites where horses, ponies, mules, mini- horses, all equine are sent for shipment for slaughter. So much work to be done. Thrilled to see a fellow animal lover doing this work. If we ever get out of our IL quarantine, we’ll visit when we head South.