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How To Help Retired Racehorses

Old Friends, a retirement and rescue facility for pensioned thoroughbreds in Georgetown, Ky., opened in 2002 — around the time Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand was killed in a slaughterhouse in Japan. Since then, it has provided a place for former champions to live out their days.

Old Friends' retired champions include Sunshine Forever and Ogygian — and other stars graze the pastures, including Popcorn Deelites, who starred in the movie "Seabiscuit." Check out bios of the horses and the Old Friends photo gallery.

CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger reported on this retirement home for horses. Check out his report or visit Old Friends yourself.

How To Help

Donating to Old Friends can directly sponsor facilities that improve retired thoroughbreds' way of life. For example, donors can sponsor a paddock — an enclosed field — for $5,000 or a heavy-duty waterer for $1,000.

General contributions can be made here.

If you'd rather donate items, Old Friends' Wish List includes:

  • Rice bran oil
  • Paste de-wormers
  • Horse treats
  • Carrot cutter
  • Workbench
  • Gator / Work Horse-type vehicle
  • Farm truck
  • Stamps
  • Copy paper and file folders
  • Toner cartridges for printers
  • Software: PhotoShop, Front Page, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks
  • Bookcases, smallish desk
  • Copy machine
  • Contact Old Friends
    Mailing Address: 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, Georgetown, KY, 40324
    Phone: 502-863-1775
    Email:contact@oldfriendsequine.com
    Other Organizations
  • Interested in learning more? Check out the directory of retired thoroughbreds from Blood Horse Magazine.
  • Also, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is another group that works to save "thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter." Online, you can meet some of the horses that are up for sponsorship or adoption.

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