Old Friends Equine: A Retirement Home for Thoroughbred Race Horses

Ferdinand - 1986 Kentucky Derby Winner - Slaughtered in Japan

(We are working on this section which will be a memorial for FERDINAND)

The Blood-Horse 's Lenny Shulman later noted: “…his death may yet bring benefits to those that follow him.”

One way the industry has responded is the recently initiated “Ferdinand Fee.” This summer, the New York Owners and Breeders' Association, based in Saratoga , initiated the small voluntary per-race charge (collected from owners of NY Breds) and will funnel the revenue to Bluegrass Charities and the Thoroughbred Charities of America, two organizations that help fund race horse rescue and retirement groups. Another small step in maintaining the safety of Thoroughbreds sent to breeding sheds around the world: Some owners are now including buy-back clauses within their stallion contracts. Reportedly, such clauses were included for Derby winner Silver Charm and Dubai winner Roses in May, both of whom were recently sent to Japan .

And of course, there is Old Friends. Thanks to our supporters, we are now sanctuary to 15 former race horses, including four retrieved from stud duty in Asia . For more information on our retirees see Our Horses. For more information on how to visit them at Hurstland Farm, see Visit Us.