[NOTE: This post was originally published on March 5, 2010.] Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility and 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, has received a $50,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The announcement was made March 5 by Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen.

In October 2009, Old Friends was selected by the ASPCA to apply to the “Rescuing Racers Project,” a $1 million granting opportunity designed specifically to support horses impacted by the racing industry.

Old Friends was one of six selected recipients whose mission is to promote equine welfare.

Dignified retirement

The generous funds will be used at Old Friends to construct new run-in sheds for the current equine population at the facility’s Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, and to begin construction of two additional paddocks that will provide a dignified retirement for up to six additional Thoroughbreds.

Old Friends supports nearly 100 retired racehorses, including six on its first satellite facility in New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division.

“We are very grateful to have been chosen for this grant opportunity,” said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. “It’s very satisfying to be recognized for the work we do and it’s great to be able to give even more to the horses.”

About the ASPCA

In 2009, the ASPCA awarded a total of more than $540,000 in the form of 164 grants to equine rescue groups and humane organizations across the country. The ASPCA works to protect and aid horses through legislation, advocacy, education, targeted grants and enforcement of the carriage horse and cruelty laws in New York City.

For more information on the ASPCA’s equine programs, visit www.aspcapro.org/saving-lives/equine-program. For more information about Old Friends, visit www.oldfriendsequine.org.