Old Friends Extension Takes Horses to People
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Photo: Mary Greene
Magic Weisner and Bo's a Ten at Old Friends at Ashton Grove
Residents at a Georgetown, Ky., senior living community will be able to look out their windows, or take a short walk, to visit some Thoroughbred greats thanks to a new partnership with Old Friends.
Some 50 socially distanced Ashton Grove Senior Living residents cheered Oct. 2 when Old Friends officially launched its extension at the senior living community, located just a couple of miles from the main farm. Old Friends founder Michael Blowen believes the addition will be welcomed by many of the residents in the 130 units.
"Well, I always thought that retired horses and retired people belong with each other because I was retired and I liked it," Blowen said. "I figured I couldn't be the only one who likes it."
The new Old Friends facility launched with seven horses, including grade 2 winner and 2002 Preakness Stakes (G1) runner-up Magic Weisner, along with two-time grade 1 winner Daytona; Porfido, a group 1 winner in South America; Ireland's Eye, who closed his career with three straight wins; Secret Getaway, a multiple graded stakes-placed runner; Massone, also multiple graded stakes-placed; and multiple winner Bo's a Ten, a mare.
One of the Old Friends herd at Ashton Grove: 15-year-old Secret Getaway
Blowen said Old Friends recently completed fixing up the fences on the 40-acre property that will be capable of providing a home to about 30 retirees. There is a 12-stall barn and eight paddocks on the land once owned and operated by Hill 'n' Dale Farm.
Mixing Old Friends with Ashton Grove was a dream of Bev and John Passerello, frequent visitors and supporters of Old Friends who wondered if they could move from California and find a place close to the retired horses. They received a surprise Friday when the barn at Ashton Grove was named after them: the Bev and John Passerello Community Barn.
There is currently a 12-stall barn at Ashton Grove for the horses of Old Friends
"This is the wind beneath our wings, especially this guy right here," Bev Passerello said of Blowen, noting that as they tried to complete the farm during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she leaned heavily on Blowen and Ashton Grove executive director Davonna Saier. "They kept telling me, 'We will get there.'"
Saier said it will be a unique amenity for the Ashton Grove residents.
"Ashton Grove is excited and honored to have Old Friends horses in our backyard," Saier said. "I am so happy that our beautiful property will provide a sanctuary for these majestic creatures, and I know their presence will give our residents great joy. Having these retired Thoroughbreds at Ashton Grove is a win-win, and we are grateful for our partnership with Old Friends."
Interested residents will be able to learn more about safely interacting with the horses. Blowen noted that the residents will be living a lifestyle cherished in the Central Kentucky region.
"It will be great to wake up in the morning, look out the window, and see these old horses enjoying themselves," Blowen said. "We've had so many visitors to Old Friends over the years who have said they would love to live in my house. Now people have the chance to do that."