Old Friends to Partially Reopen to Tourists

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility based in Georgetown, KY, announced today that it will partially reopen to tourists for small, private tours only, beginning Monday June 15. 

On March 15, Old Friends, which generally hosted daily guided walking tours to meet their Thoroughbred champions, shuttered its agri-tourism operation due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

With careful consideration of protocols mandated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Health, Old Friends has opted to reopen for private tours only—that is groups of up to five people per party.

Guided walking tours are approximately 90 minutes and will feature select Old Friends residents, including Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm. But please note: Tours have been modified to comply with Commonwealth of Kentucky public health and safety COVID-19 requirements. Old Friends cannot make any exceptions to these restrictions. Please review requirements before booking.

Tour Protocol

•    Tour reservations are available by phone only. Please call (502) 863-1775 to book.

•    Summer season private tour cost is $25 per person 

•    Limit 5 people per party. We regret that we cannot accommodate children under 12 at this time. 

•    Payment is via credit card only; guests will be required to pay in advance when booking.

•    Advance reservation required. There will be no same-day reservations or walk-ins at this time.

•    Tours will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm daily.

•    Tour duration is 1.5 hours

•    Golf carts are NOT available. Tours are walking only. 

•    A face mask will be required for all visitors to Old Friends. Please bring enough masks for each member of your party. 

•    Social distancing of a minimum of six (6) feet must be practiced.

•    Tours are restricted to the main route. At this time, we cannot accommodate requests to see specific horses residing elsewhere on the farm.

•    PLEASE NOTE: There are NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS available at this time either in the Visitor Center or on the farm. Please plan accordingly.

For complete updated tour information and additional requirements CLICK HERE

"We are so happy to be able to welcome back small numbers of guests with this partial reopening," said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. "We miss everyone, and the horses really miss their fans. We hope folks will join us but respect the limitations and maintain best practices," Blowen added. "We are working very hard to comply with health and safety protocols, and we still very much need to protect our staff and volunteers, as well as our visitors."

Once again, Old Friends is complying with Commonwealth of Kentucky public health safety COVID-19 requirements in order to sustain this partial reopening. Old Friends cannot make any exceptions to these protocols.

To book a tour or for additional information, please call the farm at (502) 863-1775 or visit our website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.