Old Friends Equine

Old Friends Equine is a sanctuary for retired thoroughbreds located across multiple sites in Kentucky and New York. The facility offers daily guided tours where visitors can meet the horses and learn about their lives after racing.

The facility was founded in 2003 after a former film critic learned about the death of a Kentucky Derby winner destined for Japan. This moment inspired him to create a home for racehorses that had no safe place after their racing careers ended.

The place connects visitors with former racehorses through daily interactions and shows how these animals live after their competitive careers end. The work here centers on caring for these horses and giving them a peaceful retirement.

Visitors should plan time for tours and wear comfortable clothing, as the visit involves spending time outdoors and around the horses. The grounds are expansive, so it helps to know in advance which areas are accessible and how long the tour lasts.

The facility regularly accepts retired stallions returning from international breeding careers, something few other places in America offer. These horses bring their own stories from a very different life that goes beyond what typical racehorses experience.

GPS coordinates: 38.17936,-84.59606

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40