I live very close to this farm and drive by it every day taking my daughter to school. Many days I see Silver Charm out in the paddock just enjoying the sunshine and his carrots. It’s a beautiful place you should visit if you’re ever in Kentucky. Georgetown is just 20 minutes north of Lexington. This man does a great deed for these beautiful animals. 🐎
@@travis8947Wow. I'll have to think about this. I have always provided a home for of lots of "used" animals, worked with the animal shelter, took care of my mother and kept her out of a nursing home, worked with intellectually disabled adults some with mental illness, help people who need help, use almost no animal products, buy used and from thrift stores 99% of the time, I question people who espouse sexist, racist, homophobic, etc., sentiments. There is more, but you are probably bored and I want to thank you for asking. Might be a good thing to think about once in awhile. I don't want to disparage your friend. There is often a gap between what I know is right and true and what I do. Which is another good thing to think about.
Most of their owner are Arabic Sultans who throw a banquet by slaughter a camel and serve it with some basmati rice... i believe that's what happened to Ferdinand...
Silver Charm was brought back from Japan at stud, then retirement to Old Friends farm. I remembered reading that...a very happy day for me as I was worried about him.🙂 Old Friends Farm is such a blessing and a Big Thanks to Michael🙂 A true hero in my eyes.
May God Bless You Always Michael for what you are doing. Horses are athletes that make the owners, trainers, jockeys and others rich and the horses, they get very little credit. Can't believe how many of them are slaughtered or forgotten after the convenience for them is over. My heart is always for the horses they definitely need love and care. I hope to visit this farm someday, and I want to donate to help. So glad that Silver Charm is doing well and is still alive, he's seems very happy on your farm, getting to be himself, they all are. Michael this world needs more people like you.
Have gone there several times. I love it and the work being done. My Mom loved horse racing and the horses. For her 98th birthday she said she wanted to back one more time while she was able to enjoy "her Old Friends" and if she lived wanted to celebrate her 100th there. Sadly on opening night of Derby week at Churchill Downs she had a stroke at 99 and 9 months and didnt make it. Many thanks to Michael and his crew for making her visits to Old Friends so enjoyable.❤🐎
@@judyakajude3370 great to hear and hoping she makes it to 100 and many more. Those depression kids were the toughest, more wise and resourceful group ever. I told the nurse just before Mom passed that she wanted to live to 100 so bad. The nurse said honey she did live to 100....she had 9 months of life before she was born. Made me think about it and smile. Bless you and your Mom.
Bless this man!🙏🙏🙏 I think it's disgusting what happens to racehorses and alot of other horses in this country still!!! The graveyard for the horses got to my soul!!!😭😭
Our Better Angels are definitely residing in these dear folks at Old Friends. And what a dear veterinarian! Years ago, my son & I were horrified at what we learned is/was too often done to these noble horses after they helped their owners win money...some of it was worse than being taken to slaughter. These wonderful folks at Old Friends display the better side of humans. Thank you *so* much!
Thank you, Michael, for giving Genuine Reward a comfortable life for his last years. His life started so roughly, and as Genuine Risk's first foal, I was in love with him from the start. Again, thank you and may you be showered with every blessing.
I have visited Old Friends a few times and one of my most treasured pictures is me with Silver Charm. Also living there are two horses from the film Seabiscuit. Can't wait to go back again. It is so beautiful.
Just saw this!!! Mr. Blowen is my hero!!! I have had the great privilege of meeting him and listening to the wonderful stories he tells!!! Could listen to him forever!!! Along with meeting him I have petted and fed carrots to some of the most magnificent horses!!! As he says some did well some did not and it makes no difference to me!!! They are all beautiful and living in heaven on earth at Old Friends!!!! This is always the first trip of spring!! Just amazing to be in their presence!!! I have too many favs to write here!!! RIP To those that have passed!!! You were so loved!!! Thank you Mr. Blowen for the wonderful life you have provided to these horses and their friends!!! 💕🐎
I've visited Old Friends several times; I call this place: Heaven on Earth and I refer to Michael as Saint Michael. If you've never been to OF you don't know know what you're missing 🐴🐎 Best to put it on your Bucket List!!
Absolutely I wholeheartedly agree, when I heard that there are horses get slaughtered after making all the money for their owners I was personally sickened... 💔🙏🏾🐴
@@michaeld.williamsiii9026 Its not just TB horses, it's American mustangs that get placed into a US govt program for "adoption" where people are adopting the maximum allowed, they cost $1,000, holding on to them for the legally required 1 yr and then sending them to auction or outright slaughter for petfood. Happens quite often in Texas. Taxpayers are footing the bill and the American mustang pays for it with his life.
@@robyndismon394 When something in a federal program bothers me, I usually write one of my senators a letter and express my concern about the, in this case, animal welfare issues and the use of taxpayers money to fund the program - poorly thought out program without oversight.
Been to Old Friends a couple of times, and always feel a little sad to leave. The whole place just exudes peace and contentment. Thank you Michael Blowen and your dedicated volunteers. And thank you to the horses!
Thank you so much for your big heart and love. I lost my OTTB best friend last Feb at nearly 25. When will these owners and the industry be responsible for their actions and the lives of these noble horses that earn moeny to line their pockets and grease their fame.
What a Blessing. I Absolutely Love what you are doing. Remember that you’re not Lucky you are Blessed and Loving every minute of it I see. Have a Blessed Day and Hugs and Carrots to ALL of Your Horses...
Here are people that understand what it means to give back to those (the horses) who have given so much. I consider people who throw away horses to be one of the lowest forms of humanity on the planet. Money is a tool, used in a conscientious way it can pave the way to WONDERFUL things! When having and making money Leeds to greed it becomes an obsession.
No wonder the owner looks happy and content, it's my idea of heaven. Those beautiful horses have finally got what they deserve, time to just be themselves. Absolutely wonderful place.
Been around horses much of my life and I have never seen anyone bite carrots for a horse. LOL. What a great place and love seeing the old timers feeling themselves on a nice day.
This is about a hour drive from me in NKY. This makes me so happy, and one day could hopefully volunteer. People commute 1 hour for work, better yet to give back to my homestead state! ♥️
The back of Old Friends is a couple of farms over from my Mom's neighborhood. I take the beauty of the Bluegrass & all the horse farms for granted until I leave KY. Then I realize how much I miss the area.
Silver Charm’s 30th birthday brought me here. The sad thing about that is, he doesn’t have much time left. But thank you Old Friends for giving Silver Charm the best life any retired racehorse can ask for
Horse racing is a cruel sport. Whipping them to go faster. They ruined. Their legs and other parts fall apart. Many go lame and their owners just shoot them. I rescued two retired race horses. They were at the auction to be butchered. They r such wonderful horses. Easy to ride. And they appreciate everything. Every bit of kindness means the world to them because they aren’t used to kindness and love. Much love from Kentucky, Lesley and Service Dog Jake
@The Horses Plus Humane Society : hold fund raisers to buy cast off race horses as well as others at auction in Tennessee. Jason and Tanzie have dedicated their lives to horse rescue. You can give your useless to you horse to them. They will rehabilate them or euthanize and cremate. They are associated with dozens of rescue societies all over the country.
What a lovely man for giving these horses a sanctuary to live out their days in peace - honestly this is the least we could do for these gentle beings, if only we can save all the horses from god-awful predicaments - from wild horses being round-up and sent to Mexico for slaughter for their meat to horses that are exploited, neglected and abused around the world, I applaud anyone that has the big heart to give any animal sanctuary - we humans need to help animals not exploit them
Thank you for sharing this love it 😍 also just saying thanks for showing the possiye vs the worst in the Post racing world love silver charm especially
I like that thought, “the price of living on this earth is doing good deeds.” The horses are beautiful and it would be a crime to see them slaughtered! Actually the quote is “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Either way it’s a good thought.
a lot of these horses go to stud, my parents went to derby with an owner one year and he owns william shatners old ranch and now he is in the breeding business. apparently selling derby horse "juice" is a multi milliondollar business lots still can live a good life they treat the horses like gold
I just hope the Mosses eventually retire Zenyatta to Old Friends particularly since Lands End her present residence doesn’t permit visitors per their website and she would certainly attract visitors me for one as soon as I can drive and walk again Think one of their former horses is at an Old Friends farm I love OTTBs and so grateful that Mr. Blowen had and then implemented this fantastic idea
Too bad the majority of racehorses don't end up in such nice places. Some are lucky enough to be retrained to be hunters/jumpers, etc. Many unfortunately are run through auctions and end up on trucks headed for slaughter.
Resources typically do not have a good life. By their standards. There’s a big difference between what humans think they should have and what they really should have. Horses job is to eat and poop all day long and run free. Every horse should have that life. God bless this person.
I have thought of this life since before, I started a family! I use to live near Santa Anita, and walked my baby there and points between, before I had my child, I was trying to figure out a way to get my foot in the paddock door!
I have a retired racehorse. He raced five times and came in dead last each time. He is so handsome running across the pasture.
I live very close to this farm and drive by it every day taking my daughter to school. Many days I see Silver Charm out in the paddock just enjoying the sunshine and his carrots. It’s a beautiful place you should visit if you’re ever in Kentucky. Georgetown is just 20 minutes north of Lexington. This man does a great deed for these beautiful animals. 🐎
💞💜💗💚❣😎
Lucky you!
I read that this guy had died, is that true. This is great that theses horse get a good retirement
@@karenjoiner8848 Hes literally in this video. That was just filmed. Stop believing everything you read.
What a great couple to let these animals live in peace for the rest of their days!
Shredded carrots
I know Michael personally. One of the best people doing the best thing anyone could for these horses
Yep, and yet he is still a fan of horse racing knowing how most are treated and slaughtered. Makes no sense.
@@lornathorpe1632 what do you do to make the world a better place?
@@travis8947Wow. I'll have to think about this. I have always provided a home for of lots of "used" animals, worked with the animal shelter, took care of my mother and kept her out of a nursing home, worked with intellectually disabled adults some with mental illness, help people who need help, use almost no animal products, buy used and from thrift stores 99% of the time, I question people who espouse sexist, racist, homophobic, etc., sentiments. There is more, but you are probably bored and I want to thank you for asking. Might be a good thing to think about once in awhile. I don't want to disparage your friend. There is often a gap between what I know is right and true and what I do. Which is another good thing to think about.
@@lornathorpe1632 glad you’re thinking about it now
Can we volunteer there I would love that
Those animals made lots of money for their owners. They should be honorably retired and taken care by their owners.
Some of them are being taken care by their owners. Silver Charm, for instance, has a $10,000 annual stipend from the Lewis family.
Many of the owners do support them financially at Old Friends.
Most of their owner are Arabic Sultans who throw a banquet by slaughter a camel and serve it with some basmati rice... i believe that's what happened to Ferdinand...
Silver Charm was brought back from Japan at stud, then retirement to Old Friends farm. I remembered reading that...a very happy day for me as I was worried about him.🙂 Old Friends Farm is such a blessing and a Big Thanks to Michael🙂 A true hero in my eyes.
Absolutely glad so many people come and help with the upkeep costs
Much respect to Michael, we need to hear more stories with happy endings☺💝🎆🐎👏
Horse racing is brutal to these animals and has an alarming racist history that it wears like a badge of courage. It is no better than Boxing really.
@@bargdaffy1535 I don't believe in treating animals like trophies either. At least this man is giving them good lives, they are very lucky
May God Bless You Always Michael for what you are doing. Horses are athletes that make the owners, trainers, jockeys and others rich and the horses, they get very little credit. Can't believe how many of them are slaughtered or forgotten after the convenience for them is over. My heart is always for the horses they definitely need love and care. I hope to visit this farm someday, and I want to donate to help. So glad that Silver Charm is doing well and is still alive, he's seems very happy on your farm, getting to be himself, they all are. Michael this world needs more people like you.
I love this kind of story. Being an animal lover, I appreciate an animal rescue story of any kind.
It’s so nice to see these athletes treated like the stars they were! 😊
I wished I lived closer to volunteer! What a generous and compassionate gentleman to this majestic horses!
Have gone there several times. I love it and the work being done. My Mom loved horse racing and the horses. For her 98th birthday she said she wanted to back one more time while she was able to enjoy "her Old Friends" and if she lived wanted to celebrate her 100th there. Sadly on opening night of Derby week at Churchill Downs she had a stroke at 99 and 9 months and didnt make it. Many thanks to Michael and his crew for making her visits to Old Friends so enjoyable.❤🐎
Bless your mother. My mother is 99 yrs 9 months right now.
@@judyakajude3370 great to hear and hoping she makes it to 100 and many more. Those depression kids were the toughest, more wise and resourceful group ever. I told the nurse just before Mom passed that she wanted to live to 100 so bad. The nurse said honey she did live to 100....she had 9 months of life before she was born. Made me think about it and smile. Bless you and your Mom.
Thank God! I have always worried about these beauties once they are retired. Thank you Michael. ❤️👏
Wish this farm could be cloned 100x over, maybe it is and we don’t realize. Regardless, they endure a lot racing and need this release from all that.
Bless this man!🙏🙏🙏 I think it's disgusting what happens to racehorses and alot of other horses in this country still!!! The graveyard for the horses got to my soul!!!😭😭
There’s nothing I appreciate more than thinking about Kentucky and horses, every May, as well as “My Old Kentucky Home”.
Our Better Angels are definitely residing in these dear folks at Old Friends. And what a dear veterinarian! Years ago, my son & I were horrified at what we learned is/was too often done to these noble horses after they helped their owners win money...some of it was worse than being taken to slaughter. These wonderful folks at Old Friends display the better side of humans. Thank you *so* much!
Thank you, Michael, for giving Genuine Reward a comfortable life for his last years. His life started so roughly, and as Genuine Risk's first foal, I was in love with him from the start. Again, thank you and may you be showered with every blessing.
I was fortunate to go to Old Friends twice while Genuine Reward was alive, and even got to feed him carrots.
....brought a tear to my eyes. 🙂🙂🙂
How wonderful. "What do the horses DO all day?" "Whatever they want." EXACTLY 🏆
I have visited Old Friends a few times and one of my most treasured pictures is me with Silver Charm. Also living there are two horses from the film Seabiscuit. Can't wait to go back again. It is so beautiful.
Beautiful! So glad it’s making a huge difference for the horses.
Hey! Gorgeous George wanted a bite of carrots too!
Just saw this!!! Mr. Blowen is my hero!!! I have had the great privilege of meeting him and listening to the wonderful stories he tells!!! Could listen to him forever!!! Along with meeting him I have petted and fed carrots to some of the most magnificent horses!!! As he says some did well some did not and it makes no difference to me!!! They are all beautiful and living in heaven on earth at Old Friends!!!! This is always the first trip of spring!! Just amazing to be in their presence!!! I have too many favs to write here!!! RIP To those that have passed!!! You were so loved!!! Thank you Mr. Blowen for the wonderful life you have provided to these horses and their friends!!! 💕🐎
I've visited Old Friends several times; I call this place: Heaven on Earth and I refer to Michael as Saint Michael.
If you've never been to OF you don't know know what you're missing 🐴🐎 Best to put it on your Bucket List!!
Gorgeous horses that deserve our love, respect and continued care.
What wonderful people, thank you for caring for these deserving horses.
Awa I'm so glad they find good loving homes for them so they can enjoy being a loved pet
I love my home, my Kentucky.
Beautiful story. It's nice to know that there is a safe haven for these horses who have done so much for their previous owners in racing and breeding.
They definitely deserve that for all the money they make for their owners, instead of taking them and get slaughtered
Absolutely I wholeheartedly agree, when I heard that there are horses get slaughtered after making all the money for their owners I was personally sickened... 💔🙏🏾🐴
@@michaeld.williamsiii9026 Its not just TB horses, it's American mustangs that get placed into a US govt program for "adoption" where people are adopting the maximum allowed, they cost $1,000, holding on to them for the legally required 1 yr and then sending them to auction or outright slaughter for petfood. Happens quite often in Texas. Taxpayers are footing the bill and the American mustang pays for it with his life.
@@mooonienelson2126 well what can we do to stop this? Creating awareness is the first step I'm sure but then what?
@@robyndismon394 When something in a federal program bothers me, I usually write one of my senators a letter and express my concern about the, in this case, animal welfare issues and the use of taxpayers money to fund the program - poorly thought out program without oversight.
mooonie nelson yes it happens in TX a lot
What a beautiful story...
You don't know how much what you are doing means to me, Michael ( and wife). Thank you.
Bless the man,and everyone who's volunteered to help these horses.Actually getting teary.The things Thoroughbreds can be subjected to...
Thank you for saving lives and souls as it should be. KEEP IT GOING!!! God Bless you all.
Been to Old Friends a couple of times, and always feel a little sad to leave. The whole place just exudes peace and contentment. Thank you Michael Blowen and your dedicated volunteers. And thank you to the horses!
This is Wonderful!! So glad to see these Horses have survived racing after so many have died on the racetrack..👍
Wonderful story!!!
The work done by the people of Old Friends is fantastic. Bless their hearts.
Thank you so much for your big heart and love. I lost my OTTB best friend last Feb at nearly 25. When will these owners and the industry be responsible for their actions and the lives of these noble horses that earn moeny to line their pockets and grease their fame.
What a Blessing. I Absolutely Love what you are doing.
Remember that you’re not Lucky you are Blessed and Loving every minute of it I see.
Have a Blessed Day and Hugs and Carrots to ALL of Your Horses...
Here are people that understand what it means to give back to those (the horses) who have given so much. I consider people who throw away horses to be one of the lowest forms of humanity on the planet. Money is a tool, used in a conscientious way it can pave the way to WONDERFUL things! When having and making money Leeds to greed it becomes an obsession.
Beautiful.
Beautiful
No wonder the owner looks happy and content, it's my idea of heaven. Those beautiful horses have finally got what they deserve, time to just be themselves. Absolutely wonderful place.
I call it Heaven on Earth 🐴
What A Beautiful way to Retire.
I Thank You Sir. Thank You for growing UP AS A MAN..AND Believing That Horses Are Worth Loving
The price for living on this earth,is doing good deeds.What a most profound,wonderful view of life.
Love this story.
This is wonderful!!! What a way to spend retirement for both the horses and humans alike!! God Bless 🙏😇
Been around horses much of my life and I have never seen anyone bite carrots for a horse. LOL. What a great place and love seeing the old timers feeling themselves on a nice day.
This is about a hour drive from me in NKY. This makes me so happy, and one day could hopefully volunteer. People commute 1 hour for work, better yet to give back to my homestead state! ♥️
Loved this piece!
I just adore Mo Rocca.
The final sun with painted horseshoes was quite creative and charming.
We love Mike, Old Friends Farm and Silver Charm is like a family member. ❤
Really nice story.
Love this, BRAVO!!!!
So much beauty 🌹 : the land & the horses 🐎
100 % AWESOME
What a touching and encouraging story.
Such an honorable man!
What a great report. And such a loving endeavor. ❤🐎
Thank you and God bless you all!
Sadly all don't find a happy retirement home.
THANKS TO MICHAEL.
Pls support all horse organizations. Save a horse.
Great job Mo!
I live in the Lexington, Ky area and never knew this place existed. That's pretty cool, might have to drive by it one day and check it out 👍
Beautiful story! Beautiful souls! Enjoyed this piece like church😊
This might be true for some TBs but most don’t get this happy ending
So true 😩
The back of Old Friends is a couple of farms over from my Mom's neighborhood. I take the beauty of the Bluegrass & all the horse farms for granted until I leave KY. Then I realize how much I miss the area.
If I Had alot OF money..
This would be MY CHARM to Retire the Rest of my Life..
Thank You
Beautiful!! Rest and Fun!!😊😊💖💖😊😊
What a beautiful story.
Beautiful. What do these horse do all day. Answer , anything they want . That to me is beautiful. ❤️
God bless you
ALL living things, if they’re fortunate to make it to old age should be revered and respected and given dignity.
God bless him@
Hats off to him...
Soooo Beautiful love them horses💕
Thanks Mr. Mike!!!
Hope to visit soon and volunteer eventually bless Mr.Blowen for doing this 😬👍
Silver Charm’s 30th birthday brought me here. The sad thing about that is, he doesn’t have much time left. But thank you Old Friends for giving Silver Charm the best life any retired racehorse can ask for
I went there a couple years ago, awsome place!
was really glued to this video was really cute.
Thank you for this
Horse racing is a cruel sport. Whipping them to go faster. They ruined. Their legs and other parts fall apart. Many go lame and their owners just shoot them. I rescued two retired race horses. They were at the auction to be butchered. They r such wonderful horses. Easy to ride. And they appreciate everything. Every bit of kindness means the world to them because they aren’t used to kindness and love. Much love from Kentucky, Lesley and Service Dog Jake
@The Horses Plus Humane Society : hold fund raisers to buy cast off race horses as well as others at auction in Tennessee. Jason and Tanzie have dedicated their lives to horse rescue.
You can give your useless to you horse to them. They will rehabilate them or euthanize and cremate. They are associated with dozens of rescue societies all over the country.
Those who make decisions to slaughter these beautiful creatures ought to be ashamed of themselves! Absolutely appalling!
love this place
Some horses are jolly lads.
What a lovely man for giving these horses a sanctuary to live out their days in peace - honestly this is the least we could do for these gentle beings, if only we can save all the horses from god-awful predicaments - from wild horses being round-up and sent to Mexico for slaughter for their meat to horses that are exploited, neglected and abused around the world, I applaud anyone that has the big heart to give any animal sanctuary - we humans need to help animals not exploit them
This is sooooo awesome! ❤️❤️❤️
That's great. These horses deserve a nice retirement
Thank you for sharing this love it 😍 also just saying thanks for showing the possiye vs the worst in the Post racing world love silver charm especially
Lovely!! ❤️
This dude looks like he could be Joe Walsh’s brother. Anyway, what a great guy. 😊
I like that thought, “the price of living on this earth is doing good deeds.” The horses are beautiful and it would be a crime to see them slaughtered! Actually the quote is “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Either way it’s a good thought.
a lot of these horses go to stud, my parents went to derby with an owner one year and he owns william shatners old ranch and now he is in the breeding business. apparently selling derby horse "juice" is a multi milliondollar business lots still can live a good life they treat the horses like gold
He rested on the 7th day the Sabbath and that's Saturday not Sunday. Sunday is the first day of the week.
Its cool that they got Sylvester the Cat to narrate this
I just hope the Mosses eventually retire Zenyatta to Old Friends particularly since Lands End her present residence doesn’t permit visitors per their website and she would certainly attract visitors me for one as soon as I can drive and walk again Think one of their former horses is at an Old Friends farm I love OTTBs and so grateful that Mr. Blowen had and then implemented this fantastic idea
They cannot all go to this farm. There needs to be more retirement farms. There is a need for them in every state where there is racing.
Too bad the majority of racehorses don't end up in such nice places. Some are lucky enough to be retrained to be hunters/jumpers, etc. Many unfortunately are run through auctions and end up on trucks headed for slaughter.
Resources typically do not have a good life. By their standards. There’s a big difference between what humans think they should have and what they really should have. Horses job is to eat and poop all day long and run free. Every horse should have that life. God bless this person.
Hero
I have thought of this life since before, I started a family! I use to live near Santa Anita, and walked my baby there and points between, before I had my child, I was trying to figure out a way to get my foot in the paddock door!