Podcasts about thoroughbred retirement foundation

It wasn't that long ago when even large horse training operations used clipboards and index cards to manage all the complexities of their operations. That's all changed because of technology, which now allows training operations of all sizes, and the industry as a whole, to keep a much better handle on their affairs. In this episode of On the Lead, a joint venture between the Jockey Club and In the Money Media, Pete Fornatale and Shannon Kelly sit down with Tracy Attfield, the creator of TLore, and Maggie Sweet, former COO for Todd Pletcher and current Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, to talk all about how technology has changed and improved the lives of trainers everywhere.

Air Date:  April 15, 2024 on 91.3FM WVKR-This week, Erin Boogie sits down with Kelsey, the barn manager of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation based out of the Walkill Correctional Facility. This interview is geared toward all the incarcerated individuals who listen to In the Field Radio on WVKR, who comprise a large part of our listening base.  In the interview, Kelsey discusses the origins of the program and the benefits to the horses and the incarcerated individuals. She also delves into the curriculum the program provides and the type of certificate the individuals earn by participating. Kelsey also tells the heartwarming tale of how she began her work with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. It's another can't-miss interview from In the Field Radio!Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost.This episode of In the Field Radio is brought to you by Misses Kisses Pies, the Capitol Region's go-to bakery for all your sweet treat needs. Visit Misses Kisses Pies in Albany and on Facebook. Support the showShop Our Website!

The show kicks off with PTF and Gary Fenton of Little Red Feather talking about this weekend's upcoming LRF Cares Charity Challenge -- you can sign up to play here.Then Nick Tammaro is here with thoughts on the Wednesday Pick Six at Saratoga.Josh Nguyen stops by to talk about the new ITM video/podcast series The Perfect Trip.And last but not least, Kim Weir is here to give us an update on the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation 40th anniversary summer and to let us know that tix for the August 22 BBQ are selling fast. Get yours here.

The show kicks off with PTF and Gary Fenton of Little Red Feather talking about this weekend's upcoming LRF Cares Charity Challenge -- you can sign up to play here.Then Nick Tammaro is here with thoughts on the Wednesday Pick Six at Saratoga.Josh Nguyen stops by to talk about the new ITM video/podcast series The Perfect Trip.And last but not least, Kim Weir is here to give us an update on the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation 40th anniversary summer and to let us know that tix for the August 22 BBQ are selling fast. Get yours here.

PTF and Nick Tammaro look back at a sloppy edition of the Rebel Stakes where Confidence Game connives his way into the Kentucky Derby picture. They also look back at stakes racing from around the world including the Saudi Cup. Horses covered include Red Route One, Verifying, Reincarnate, Giant Mischief, Wet Paint, Panthalassa, Country Grammer, Taiba, Elite Power, Gunite, Casa Creed, Gem Mint Ten, and many many more.Then Kim Weir of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation stops by talk about her recent trip to the Brooklyn Bunker and give us an update for plans for celebrating the TRF's 40th b-day with events in Saratoga Springs and at Santa Anita.

PTF and Nick Tammaro look back at a sloppy edition of the Rebel Stakes where Confidence Game connives his way into the Kentucky Derby picture. They also look back at stakes racing from around the world including the Saudi Cup. Horses covered include Red Route One, Verifying, Reincarnate, Giant Mischief, Wet Paint, Panthalassa, Country Grammer, Taiba, Elite Power, Gunite, Casa Creed, Gem Mint Ten, and many many more.Then Kim Weird of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation stops by talk about her recent trip to the Brooklyn Bunker and give us an update for plans for celebrating the TRF's 40th b-day with events in Saratoga Springs and at Santa Anita.

PTF and Nick Tammaro are here with a look back at several races for three-year-olds from last weekend including thoughts on Lugan Knight and Arctic Arrogance in the Jerome, Reincarnate in the Sham, and Cyclone Mischief, Litigate and Mr. Ripple in the Gulfstream allowance on Sunday. Also thoughts on Law Professor, Justique, Ice Dancing, and the Coast-to-Coast Pick Five.Next up Kim Weir of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation drops by to give us an update on the herd and plans for TRF's 40th Anniversary this year.

PTF and Nick Tammaro are here with a look back at several races for three-year-olds from last weekend including thoughts on Lugan Knight and Arctic Arrogance in the Jerome, Reincarnate in the Sham, and Cyclone Mischief, Litigate and Mr. Ripple in the Gulfstream allowance on Sunday. Also thoughts on Law Professor, Justique, Ice Dancing, and the Coast-to-Coast Pick Five.Next up Kim Weir of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation drops by to give us an update on the herd and plans for TRF's 40th Anniversary this year.

PTF starts the show by catching up with Brian Skirka of Monmouth Park as he previews the upcoming Pick Your Prize contest, which takes place this weekend at Monmouth. You can play on track, or via TVG or Xpressbet. After that, Tyler Frame is here to talk about his experiences as a graduate of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances Program. He describes what he learned from the horses when he was incarcerated and how they changed his life.

PTF starts the show by catching up with Brian Skirka of Monmouth Park as he previews the upcoming Pick Your Prize contest, which takes place this weekend at Monmouth. You can play on track, or via TVG or Xpressbet. After that, Tyler Frame is here to talk about his experiences as a graduate of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances Program. He describes what he learned from the horses when he was incarcerated and how they changed his life.

When an editor at the Globe invited Michael Blowen to the race track one day, it sparked a new interest and, eventually, a new career. Blowen became a racehorse owner with several partners, and, in time, found himself working on the back stretch of Suffolk Downs for trainer Carlos Figueroa to learn more about horses.After retiring from the Globe in 2000, Blowen accepted a position as the Operations Manager for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation in Kentucky, and soon after, in 2003, he launched Old Friends, the non-profit Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY., that now supports over 200 retired horses, including numerous stallions. 

PTF emcees and Quizmaster Rowan Ward takes over for a special Christmas Quiz edition of the show. Two teams of guests appear for charity with Jeopardy alumni Jennifer Kelly and Emily White playing for Old Friends, with In the Money regulars Nick Tammaro and Jessica Paquette competing for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

PTF emcees and Quizmaster Rowan Ward takes over for a special Christmas Quiz edition of the show. Two teams of guests appear for charity with Jeopardy alumni Jennifer Kelly and Emily White playing for Old Friends, with In the Money regulars Nick Tammaro and Jessica Paquette competing for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

PTF and Nick Tammaro kick off the show live from the RTIP Symposium in Tucson with a recap of their dining experience last night. Then they get to the sad news from yesterday about Medina Spirit's passing and what it means and doesn't mean for racing. A deep dive into Saturday's stakes from Aqueduct follows with discussion about American Revolution, Following Sea, Nest, Mo Donnegal, Zandon, Lady Rocket and many others, as well their views on Irad Ortiz's riding and the Pick 6 payout from Saturday. Then Kim Weir is here to promote this amazing charity auction of Kentucky Derby memorabilia that will benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Go https://www.trfinc.org/lelands/ (here) for more information.

PTF and Nick Tammaro kick off the show live from the RTIP Symposium in Tucson with a recap of their dining experience last night. Then they get to the sad news from yesterday about Medina Spirit's passing and what it means and doesn't mean for racing. A deep dive into Saturday's stakes from Aqueduct follows with discussion about American Revolution, Following Sea, Nest, Mo Donnegal, Zandon, Lady Rocket and many others, as well their views on Irad Ortiz's riding and the Pick 6 payout from Saturday. Then Kim Weir is here to promote this amazing charity auction of Kentucky Derby memorabilia that will benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Go https://www.trfinc.org/lelands/ (here) for more information.

It's the third annual degenerate gift giving guide, hosted by PTF. We kick off with regular DG gifting guide guest Jennifer Kelly, who pens https://foxesofbelair.com/ (two popular pieces on the topic), to give her highlights for the 2021 season. Kim Weir of the https://www.trfinc.org/players/ (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation) is here at 24:45 with an EXCLUSIVE whiskey offer for ITM listeners. Charles Grabitzky and Holly Seidewand of https://www.firstfillspirits.com/ (First Fill Spirits) -- one of PTF's favorite liquor stores -- are here to offer further holiday whisk(e)y selections. Michelle Yu drops by with gift ideas and some thoughts on where to hang out at the upcoming Santa Anita meet. We close with Kurt Rossner of https://oldsmokeclothing.com/jk (Old Smoke Clothing) who has an exclusive offer for December 1 only for ITM listeners at 1:23:41.

It's the third annual degenerate gift giving guide, hosted by PTF. We kick off with regular DG gifting guide guest Jennifer Kelly, who pens https://foxesofbelair.com/ (two popular pieces on the topic), to give her highlights for the 2021 season. Kim Weir of the https://www.trfinc.org/players/ (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation) is here at 24:45 with an EXCLUSIVE whiskey offer for ITM listeners. Charles Grabitzky and Holly Seidewand of https://www.firstfillspirits.com/ (First Fill Spirits) — one of PTF's favorite liquor stores — are here to offer further holiday whisk(e)y selections. Michelle Yu drops by with gift ideas and some thoughts on where to hang out at the upcoming Santa Anita meet. We close with Kurt Rossner of https://oldsmokeclothing.com/jk (Old Smoke Clothing) who has an exclusive offer for December 1 only for ITM listeners at 1:23:41.

Today's show kicks off with PTF and Drew Coatney looking back at an exciting weekend of Grade 1 action at Woodbine and asking the question: would their be a market on the Belmont and Woodbine backsides for Charlie Appelby voodoo dolls? Next up we have a memorable visit from Leverett Miller (starts 28:09), who shares the story of his late wife Linda and her role in founding and running the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances Program. Remember that the TRF's annual horse show is October 21, a chance for everyone to see the amazing work happening to this day as a result of Linda's passion and hard work. You can check it out at trfinc.org or the TRF's Youtube page.

Today's show kicks off with PTF and Drew Coatney looking back at an exciting weekend of Grade 1 action at Woodbine and asking the question: would their be a market on the Belmont and Woodbine backsides for Charlie Appelby voodoo dolls? Next up we have a memorable visit from Leverett Miller (starts 28:09), who shares the story of his late wife Linda and her role in founding and running the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances Program. Remember that the TRF's annual horse show is October 21, a chance for everyone to see the amazing work happening to this day as a result of Linda's passion and hard work. You can check it out at trfinc.org or the TRF's Youtube page.

Konni Harrison is a multi-talented individual with over 30 years of experience with investor relations, donor relations and individual financial education.Konni started owning successful businesses as a teen, then went on to earn a degree in Marketing and Finance.Konni offers a course called Anxiety to Action: How to Start the Estate Planning Conversation with your Family where she provides a 3 step process to give you the tools to set the stage for a positive interaction with your family.Konni and her dog D akota are a nationally registered Pet Partners Animal Therapy Team . Their job is to make people smile!Konni also serves on the board of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation 10% of all sales will directly benefit the herd of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Pete Fornatale of http://inthemoneypodcast.com/ (inthemoneypodcast.com) joins Bill to talk about their collaboration on the story of Quick Call, his contributions to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances program and how the program has changed lives.  Very excited to have you join us at http://inthemoneypodcast.com/ (inthemoneypodcast.com).

A collaboration with the Can Do podcast. NYRA Senior Racing Analyst (and Saratoga native) Andy Serling joins Bill Duncliffe to discuss treasured Saratoga memories and the legendary Saratoga specialists, with a special focus on Quick Call and his longtime contributions to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances program.

Photo Credit Cody Jo Wasial A collaboration with the Can Do podcast. NYRA Senior Racing Analyst (and Saratoga native) Andy Serling joins Bill Duncliffe to discuss treasured Saratoga memories and the legendary Saratoga specialists, with a special focus on Quick Call and his longtime contributions to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances program.

Interview with Kim Weir of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. We talk about TRF's newly opened Chestnut Hall Sanctuary Farm that will be the permanent home for 11 retired racehorses from the organization's national herd of 500. Chestnut Hall is nestled on 30 acres of historic farmland in Oldham County, Kentucky and was gifted to the foundation by Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated. It was his vision that these athletes serve as “herd ambassadors”. The farm will be open to the public but more importantly it will serve as a way to educate the community about these unique equine athletes, their second careers after racing and connect visitors with the lessons we can learn from these beautiful animals. For more information or to book a tour go to https://www.trfinc.org/trf-sanctuary-farm-at-chestnut-hall/ Horses, Hats and Bourbon is sponsored by Mint Julep Experiences. To get started planning your next Kentucky adventure go to https://mintjuleptours.com/horseshatsbourbon/

PTF kicks off the new show with a segment with Kim Weir of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and debuts a major announcement about a new, one-of-a-kind TRF initiative that is about to launch. You'll also learn in the segment how to obtain the 2021 version of the In the Money Players' Podcast whiskey http://turfinc.org/players (via a donation to TRF). The bulk of the show consists of PTF and JK going over the races from last weekend, with an emphasis on the three-year-old picture as both PTF and JK are starting to narrow in on their Derby horses. Listen to find out what they think about the Wood Memorial as a race, thoughts on Essential Quality, Highly Motivated, Rock Your World, Medina Spirit, and a few interesting longer shots as well.

PTF kicks off the new show with a segment with Kim Weir of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and debuts a major announcement about a new, one-of-a-kind TRF initiative that is about to launch. You'll also learn in the segment how to obtain the 2021 version of the In the Money Players' Podcast whiskey via a donation to TRF. The bulk of the show consists of PTF and JK going over the races from last weekend, with an emphasis on the three-year-old picture as both PTF and JK are starting to narrow in on their Derby horses. Listen to find out what they think about the Wood Memorial as a race, thoughts on Essential Quality, Highly Motivated, Rock Your World, Medina Spirit, and a few interesting longer shots as well.

This week, Acacia focuses on the topic of Thoroughbred aftercare, and is joined by Kim Weir, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. They talk about the new TRF Second Chances juvenile program that is kicking off this month, and also discuss aftercare in general, Thoroughbreds in different disciplines, aftercare and the racing industry, and much more.

This week, Acacia focuses on the topic of Thoroughbred aftercare, and is joined by Kim Weir, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. They talk about the new TRF Second Chances juvenile program that is kicking off this month, and also discuss aftercare in general, Thoroughbreds in different disciplines, aftercare and the racing industry, and much more.

We talk with Kim Weir from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation to get a recap of their first ever virtual TRF Blackburn Horse Show, and how their program not only offers sanctuary for retired racers, but also offering a second chance for inmates. What's pairs perfect with a thoroughbred? Well, bourbon of course! We chat with Alice Peterson from Pinhook Bourbons on how racehorses have inspired their spirits. Leandra joins us with another hot training tip and brings us our Adoptable Horse of the Week. Stay tuned... Retired Racehorse Radio Guests and Links Episode 42: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired:  Click Here Hosts:  Jamie Jennings of Flyover Farm and Host of Horses in the Morning and Joy Hills of Joy Hills Equestrian Title Sponsor:  Kentucky Performance Products Featured Image Credit: TRF Blackburn 2020 Horse Show Livestream Media Partners:  The Thoroughbred Makeover and New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Guest: Kim Weir of TRF Blackburn | 2020 Horse Show Goes Global event Guest: Alice Peterson of Pinhook Bourbon Guest: Leandra Cooper of New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program Additional Support Provided by: Cashel Products New Vocations Adoptable Horse of the Week: Southern Brigade

We talk with Kim Weir from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation to get a recap of their first ever virtual TRF Blackburn Horse Show, and how their program not only offers sanctuary for retired racers, but also offering a second chance for inmates. What's pairs perfect with a thoroughbred? Well, bourbon of course! We chat with Alice Peterson from Pinhook Bourbons on how racehorses have inspired their spirits. Leandra joins us with another hot training tip and brings us our Adoptable Horse of the Week. Stay tuned...Retired Racehorse Radio Guests and Links Episode 42:Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Click HereHosts: Jamie Jennings of Flyover Farm and Host of Horses in the Morning and Joy Hills of Joy Hills EquestrianTitle Sponsor: Kentucky Performance ProductsFeatured Image Credit: TRF Blackburn 2020 Horse Show LivestreamMedia Partners: The Thoroughbred Makeover and New Vocations Racehorse AdoptionGuest: Kim Weir of TRF Blackburn | 2020 Horse Show Goes Global eventGuest: Alice Peterson of Pinhook BourbonGuest: Leandra Cooper of New Vocations Racehorse Adoption ProgramAdditional Support Provided by: Cashel ProductsNew Vocations Adoptable Horse of the Week: Southern BrigadeSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=87421)

On the second part of Going in Circles LIVE we speak with Kim Weir of the TRF about their upcoming virtual horse show featuring the horses and inmates of the TRF Blackburn facility on October 20th --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/charles-simon6/message

PTF, JK and Matt Bernier are here to guide you through a 6-race contest for charity, happening in real time, to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Presented in association with the Breeders' Cup and Horseplayers.com the guys guide you through what their lives are like during this chaotic time and look ahead to Saturday's Florida Derby.

Shari Goodwin is an innovative business strategist, leadership coach, author, speaker, and horsewoman with over 25 years of experience, including starting four businesses and serving as Director of Program Strategy for a global engineering firm. She presently owns Jaeger2 and helps leaders position themselves for optimum impact and quality of life. She is the author of two inspirational Amazon best-sellers, Take the Reins! 7 Secrets to Inspired Leadership, and Reinventing Greatness: Leading Yourself & Others Through Change with Confidence & Trust. Shari was a founding member of the Board for George Mason University’s Women in Business Initiative, she is the Board Chair of the Women’s Business Council for the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce, she serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Be the Change Foundation, and Shari holds memberships in the Equine Experiential Education Association and the International Coach Federation. Her horse, Lemon Squeezy serves as an Ambassador for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, helping ex-racehorses in need. Visit www.jaeger2.com. Get the new Your Inner World – Guided Meditations by Sister Jenna. Visit www.americameditating.org. Download our free Pause for Peace App for Apple or Android.

Brought to you by Woodbine Mile Day. Nick Tammaro is here to reflect on the Saratoga meet as well as racing from Belmont and Kentucky Downs. Plus, we get his early thoughts on Saints of Newark, the Sopranos prequel. Then Kim Weir of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation stops by with an update on how things went this summer up at the Spa for the TRF/In the Money media partnership.

We're back again, sooner than usual. There's just too much to talk about in terms of both the DQ controversy(4:00) and the racing from the weekend. PTF and JK discuss Bricks and Mortar(10:31), Mitole(15:50), Twitter(18:30) and then review many more Oaks and Derby undercard races(22:30)while sliding down a few rabbit holes along the way. Then Pat Cummings(47:50)of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is here to talk about how the DQ might have been handled differently under other rules. He also highlights how new Category 1 rules could actually make racing safer in the USA.

Today, Elise is welcoming Kim Weir, the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.   Founded in 1983, the TRF is the oldest and largest equine sanctuary of its kind in the world! Its mission to save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse, and slaughter. The sad truth is that over 10,000 American racehorses each year are shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. It is this reality that the TRF is determined to change.   In this episode, Kim speaks about some of the amazing work that the TRF is doing for retired Thoroughbreds, gives her perspective about what it is like to work with these horses every day and be a part of an amazing community, and why you should consider an off-the-track Thoroughbred to adopt in the future. She also speaks about the TRF’s incredible program for inmates called the Second Chances Program. She explains how it helps both the horses and the prisoners, how the inmates get selected for the program, and the profound impact it has on all those participating.   The work Kim and TRF do is absolutely amazing. You won’t want to miss this week’s episode detailing all that they do for retired Thoroughbreds!   Topics of Discussion: [:18] About today’s episode. [:53] Kim elaborates on the sad truth that happens to many Thoroughbred horses born and raised to race after they can no longer run — or, are simply not fast enough. [3:20] Kim gives some insight into what the Thoroughbred racehorse industry is like and what happens to horses after their racing career ends. [7:07] TRF’s history and their first retiree, Promised Road, and how he helped pave the way. [11:24] About EquestFile, the awesome software program that helps you track all your important horse and barn details! [12:11] Some of the practices that TRF employs to ensure the horses’ lifelong wellbeing. [17:11] About TRF’s continued involvement with people who adopt their horses. [21:57] What it is like for Kim to be a part of such a large and passionate community all working on behalf of these horses? [24:38] What Kim wants the world to know about off-the-track Thoroughbreds. [29:07] Why you should consider an off-the-track Thoroughbred: there is, literally, a horse for every need. [31:19] More than just helping horses: TRF’s Second Chances Program for inmates. [36:46] The profound effect TRF’s Second Chances Program has had on participating inmates. [41:04] How do inmates get selected for the program? [43:52] The parallels between the horses and the prisoners. [47:56] About the beautiful relationship between the horses and the men in the TRF Second Chances program. [56:58] How to adopt a horse from TRF! [1:01:05] Why adopting a horse from TRF may be perfect for you. [1:04:38] About next week’s episode of Because of Horses. [1:06:12] Where to learn more about TRF, what Kim is up to, and all the ways to get involved.   Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story! To recommend someone please send an email to elise@becauseofhorses.com.   Mentioned in this Episode: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation TRF’s Facebook Page The Kentucky Derby The Triple Crown The Preakness The Belmont Penny Chenery Secretariat Monique S. Koehler EquestFile (Use coupon code: BOH10 to receive a 10% discount for two months off your subscription) TRF Second Chances Program Next episode of Because of Horses   Like what you hear? Because of Horses would love to hear your feedback! Please email elise@becauseofhorses.com to send Because of Horses your thoughts.   To Support the Podcast: ● Donate on Paypal to help keep Because of Horses running — all amounts are welcome! ● Subscribe: RSS Feed, iTunes, Google Play, TuneIn, Stitcher, and Player FM

We've got a multi-part extravaganza for you today. First up, JK and PTF recap the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation charity contest from the weekend and play a little Derby Buy, Sell, Hold. Then Chris Larmey is here to try to reprise his impressive feat from three years ago when he selected from the non-taken runners in our Derby draft and still tied for first. Last but not least, Tim Carroll of Sky Sports Racing is here to put Winx's amazing run in perspective for American fans.

Ever wonder what happens to racehorses when they're done racing? Maria speaks with Kim Weir of The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation where they not only save horses, but they also save lives. Their "Second Chance Program" helps inmates learn life skills so they can lead productive lives when they're released! Learn more at TRFINC.ORG

Ever wonder what happens to racehorses when they're done racing? Maria speaks with Kim Weir of The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation where they not only save horses, but they also save lives. Their "Second Chance Program" helps inmates learn life skills so they can lead productive lives when they're released! Learn more at TRFINC.ORG

We visit an upstate NY prison where inmates care for retired thoroughbreds in a symbiotic manner. It's part of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances program.

Michael Blowen’s fear of horses grew into a deep love for horses, and for saving their lives. Early in his career, Blowen was a writer and movie critic for The Boston Globe. He eventually held the enviable position of movie critic, which gave him contact with film stars and celebrities throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. A chance outing in 1997 to Suffolk Downs in Massachusetts proved to be a life-changing event. Wanting to learn more about horses to improve his chances to win at the track, Blowen asked to work the stables for free, and he fell in love with these majestic animals. In 1999, The Boston Globe offered Blowen and his wife, Diane, also a Globe columnist, a retirement buyout. He took it and joined the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, which rescues horses and provides them with safe homes. A year later, he moved to Kentucky to help the foundation. Blowen then founded the non-profit organization Old Friends Farm in Georgetown, a retirement and rescue facility for pensioned thoroughbreds. In 2002, Derby winner Ferdinand was slaughtered in Japan, gaining national outrage. This influenced Blowen to focus on at-risk racehorses, giving them a comfortable place to live out their years and also providing the public a chance to meet these formerly famous racehorses. Old Friends is open to the public and attracts nearly 20,000 visitors each year. Blowen and his wife reside on Old Friends Farm and like the retired thoroughbreds he cares for, he too will be buried on the grounds of the farm, when his great day comes.