Hi! I’m Little Brown! I may be new around here, but don’t let that fool you—I’ve already got the place figured out. While the retirees spend their days lounging in the paddocks, looking handsome, soaking up attention, and generally enjoying the life they’ve earned, I’m the one putting in the real work. I’m out front leading tours, posing for photos, greeting visitors, and making sure everyone who walks through our gates understands just how special this place is. It’s a big job—but I take it seriously. (Well… mostly seriously.)
I’ve been paying close attention, too. I know who lives where, who shares a fence line, who prefers quiet company, and who still thinks they’re heading to the starting gate any minute now. Around here, every horse has a story—and it’s part of my job to help tell it. So if you’ve got questions—about the horses, the farms, or how it all works—I’m your guy. I’ve got answers, opinions, and probably a few stories to go along with them.
Go ahead—ask me anything.
Questions for Little Silver Charm
John has the final say—but I wouldn’t say he decides alone. We have our daily discussions (I do most of the talking), and I make sure every horse is properly considered. We try to keep a good balance: welcoming champions you’ve heard of, and giving a home to horses who need one just as much. That’s how this place works best. And between you and me… nothing gets approved without crossing my desk first.
Some of the horses you’ll see living on their own are stallions—and that requires a little extra consideration. Stallions can’t be turned out with mares, geldings, or other stallions, so they have their own paddocks to keep everyone safe and comfortable. It’s just part of who they are. That said, they’re never isolated. They have neighbors nearby, plenty of activity to watch, and lots of attention from our staff and visitors. Around here, everyone is well looked after—no matter their living arrangement.
Big Brown is exactly what you’d hope he’d be—impressive, beautiful, and remarkably kind. He’s a Derby winner, of course, and he carries himself like one. But what stands out most is how aware he is of everything around him. He watches the tours, keeps an eye on the other horses, and seems to take it all in without missing much. He’s not loud about it—but he’s always paying attention.
Yes—we see quite a few visitors, and I make sure they’re properly welcomed. People come from all 50 states and from all over the world to meet the horses, take a tour, and spend time getting to know this place. Some have followed these horses for years, others are visiting for the first time—but they all arrive with the same curiosity and appreciation. It keeps things interesting around here. And if you ask me, this is one of the coolest places in Kentucky… so I understand why they make the trip. And between you and me, I make sure they leave having met the right horse first.
Do we like carrots? We love them! Carrots are a favorite around here, and you’ll see plenty of happy horses enjoying them. For those who are a little more… dentally experienced, we even shred carrots so everyone can take part safely. No one gets left out. We’re also big fans of Mrs. Pastures horse cookies—they’re always a hit. As for me? I’ll take a banana every time.
Yes—we’re home to some very famous horses. Our residents include Kentucky Derby winners Silver Charm, Big Brown, and I’ll Have Another—all of whom left their mark on racing history. We’re also proud to have Hall of Famer Lava Man, along with Silver Charm, who earned that honor as well. Beyond that, you’ll find winners of major stakes races, including some of the sport’s biggest stages like the Breeders’ Cup. Around here, you don’t have to imagine racing history—you can meet it.
We have quite the range of ages here. Our oldest resident is Silver Charm at 32, with Miss Du Bois just two months behind him. They’ve both earned every bit of the quiet, steady life they enjoy today. On the other end of the spectrum is Shepherd’s Delight, who at just 6 years old is still very much the youngster around here. No matter their age, though, they’re all treated like the veterans they are.
Yes—we have quite an international group. Our horses have come to us from all over the world, including Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, and Chile. You’ll find names like Forte dei Marmi, Marshall Rooster, and Rathor from Great Britain; Boule d’Or and Daytona from Ireland; Wake Forest from Germany; and Porfido and Tricky Hat from Chile. No matter where they were born, they all end up speaking the same language here—good care, full bellies, and a well-earned retirement.
In my free time? I study. Little Silver Charm left behind quite a collection of notes on how to be the littlest horse at Old Friends, and I take my responsibilities seriously. There’s a lot to learn—timing, presence, knowing exactly where to stand when visitors arrive. I review it all carefully. Someone has to keep the standard high.
Visitors can get wonderfully close to the horses, but we always keep their comfort and safety in mind. Some horses enjoy a little extra attention, while others prefer to be admired from just over the fence. It depends on the horse, the day, and what’s best for them. During tours, we’ll guide you on when it’s appropriate to interact—and when it’s best to simply enjoy their company. Around here, we let the horses set the terms. They’ve earned that.
It takes a lot to keep a place like this running—and we’re lucky to have a lot of help. Old Friends is supported by people who care deeply about these horses: visitors, donors, members, and friends who believe in giving them the retirement they deserve. Every visit, every contribution, and every bit of support helps make this life possible for them. I do my part too, of course.
Now that’s a tricky question. I’m very professional, and I make a point of giving every horse the attention they deserve. It wouldn’t be right to play favorites……but if you’re asking for a purely objective opinion, Big Brown does set a very high standard.
