Visit Horse Country Adds Old Friends as Member

Visit Horse Country, the premier destination for immersive equine experiences in Kentucky, is thrilled to announce that Old Friends, Inc., the renowned Thoroughbred retirement facility, has officially joined its esteemed membership. This marks a significant milestone in the shared commitment to showcasing the majesty of the Thoroughbred and ensuring its dignified retirement, creating enhanced opportunities for visitors to connect with the sport's heroes. The decision for Old Friends to join Horse Country's growing collective signifies a deeper collaboration between the two organizations and their dedication to the welfare of the Thoroughbred and the promotion of Kentucky's iconic horse industry. Moving forward, Horse Country and Old Friends will work more closely to provide seamless access and exceptional experiences for visitors eager to connect with the horse, land, and people of Kentucky's iconic equine industry. "We are absolutely thrilled to officially welcome Old Friends into Horse Country membership," said Hallie Hardy, Executive Director of Visit Horse Country. "Old Friends has long been a sanctuary for our sport's equine heroes, sharing their inspiring stories with thousands of fans. With the Breeders' Cup returning home to Lexington this fall, the timing couldn't be better to formalize this partnership as we welcome racing fans from around the globe. Together, we look forward to promoting equine tourism, highlighting aftercare, and offering guests an unforgettable look at every stage of a racehorse's life--from foaling to the finish line and beyond." Old Friends, founded by Michael Blowen, offers a sanctuary for retired Thoroughbreds, including Kentucky Derby winners, champions, and beloved "hard-knockers," allowing fans to visit these equine heroes up close. Their inclusion in Horse Country will provide visitors with an even more comprehensive understanding of the Thoroughbred life cycle, from their racing careers to their well-deserved retirement. Visit Horse Country and Old Friends will collaborate on cross-promotional tour itineraries, digital engagement across Visit Horse Country's online channels, and concierge booking support to streamline visitor experiences. "Old Friends is proud to welcome thousands of visitors each year, and we are now extremely pleased to join with Visit Horse Country in order to give even more people an opportunity to visit and interact with some of our Racing legends," said John Nicholson, President and CEO of Old Friends, Inc. "Visit Horse Country and Old Friends are both committed to sharing Kentucky's horse heritage as well as the great sport of Thoroughbred Racing with the world." This partnership underscores the collective spirit of Kentucky's Horse Country, where legendary land and dedicated horsemen hope to share its majesty with the world, celebrating every facet of the Thoroughbred's journey.