To understand
the soul of a horse
is the closest
human beings
can come to
knowing perfection.
...Author Unknown
One of the highlights of my trip to Ohio was to visit Old Friends Farm, a retirement facility for racehorses in Kentucky.
I wanted to see Silver Charm, a champion American Thoroughbred racehorse. He won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 1997. At the age of 29 years old, Silver Charm is the oldest living winner of the Preakness, the Kentucky Derby and the oldest living winner of an American Triple Crown race.
Besides loving horses, I also collect silver charms so it meant a lot to me to meet Silver Charm. I also have a silver & gold charm of his Kentucky Derby win that I found a few years ago.
We took a tour with Michael Blowen who started the facility with one stall and one horse. In 2003, Old Friends put a new face on the concept of Thoroughbred after care. It was a great day, spending time with all the horses.
I had two retired thoroghbred horses that I rode in equestrian and jumping events at local horse shows. I loved it in my childhood, teens and early 20's. The best birthday gift I ever got was a horse for my 14th birthday.
Sounds wonderful. We used to have a thoroughbred farm and practice arena. We have been to some of the farms and sales in KY. They are such wonderful animals
A lovely collage with four great shots of Silver Charm. Such a beautiful horse. How wonderful that you got to see him, Cathee! (I love the quotation, too!) Fav
@beverley365 It really was special to see and pet Silver Charm’s soft muzzle. We drove past the Old Friend’s turn off, four years ago, but didn’t have time to stop. Then I did some research, found the pendant/charm for the 123rd Kentucky Derby he won and his name, Silver Charm, made it a “must” see him before he crosses the veil. So happy he was still healthy, happy and well cared for. Silver Charm is the star but I loved seeing all the beautiful horses.
