Horse Sanctuary Farm Visits near Louisville, KY

Louisville, Kentucky is home to some of the most famous horse racing events in the world, including the Kentucky Derby. However, not all horses that participate in these races are fortunate enough to enjoy a comfortable retirement. That's where racehorse sanctuaries come in – providing a safe and nurturing environment for retired racehorses to live out the rest of their lives.

One such sanctuary is the Old Friends Farm, located in Georgetown, Kentucky, just a short drive from Frankfort. This farm was founded in 2003 by Michael Blowen, a former Boston Globe film critic, who became concerned about the fate of racehorses once their racing careers were over. Old Friends Farm provides a home for more than 200 retired thoroughbred racehorses, including many famous champions such as Silver Charm, War Emblem, and Alphabet Soup.

Another sanctuary right in Oldham County is the Second Stride Inc. This organization is dedicated to rehabilitating retired thoroughbred racehorses and placing them in new homes. Their mission is to help retired racehorses transition from their racing careers to new, successful careers in other areas such as show jumping, dressage, and polo. Second Stride Inc. also works closely with other horse welfare organizations to provide emergency care and rehabilitation for horses in need.

The Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KEHC) is another organization located in Lexington, Kentucky, that provides sanctuary and rehabilitation services for horses. KEHC works with thoroughbred racing organizations, as well as individual horse owners, to ensure that horses have a safe place to go when their racing careers are over. They provide medical care, shelter, and a variety of other services to help horses transition to their new lives.

TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is a national organization that provides homes and care for retired racehorses across the country. The TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall is located in Prospect, KY, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for retired thoroughbred racehorses.

The TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall is home to over 30 retired horses who are no longer able to race or be used for breeding. The farm provides daily care, including feeding, grooming, and medical attention, as well as socialization and interaction with humans and other horses. The farm is also open to the public and offers tours and educational programs to help raise awareness about the importance of horse welfare and retirement.

In addition to providing care for retired racehorses, the TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall also partners with local schools and youth organizations to offer equine-assisted learning programs. These programs use interactions with horses to help young people develop life skills and emotional intelligence.

Horse racing is a beloved sport in Kentucky, but it's important to remember that not all horses are fortunate enough to have a comfortable retirement. Racehorse sanctuaries, such as Old Friends Farm, Second Stride Inc., and the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, provide a vital service to these horses and help ensure that they can enjoy their retirement years in safety and comfort. If you're interested in supporting these organizations, there are many ways to get involved, including visiting, donating, volunteering,or even adopting a retired racehorse.


Book the Horse Farm Experience Package which includes a two night stay at the Pillow & Paddock Bed and Breakfast in La Grange, KY and a free tour of TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall for two. You can add a picnic lunch to make a day of it!

Coming to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby? Stay close, yet a world away... book a Pillow & Paddock Derby Package!