Michael Blowen is a former Boston Globe journalist and the founder of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, dedicated to the care of retired racehorses.
Early Life and Education
Michael Blowen began his career as an educator after earning a master’s degree from Emerson College in Boston, where he stayed on to teach for a period. He had a longstanding interest in writing, which led him to publish an article on Elia Kazan’s film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Last Tycoon, catching the attention of a Boston Globe editor and launching his journalism career.
Career at the Boston Globe
Blowen joined the Boston Globe initially as a “second-string” critic and eventually became the newspaper’s top film reviewer. His work at the Globe spanned 24 years, during which he developed a reputation for insightful criticism and storytelling. A pivotal moment came in 1979 when an editor invited him to Suffolk Downs racetrack, sparking his lifelong passion for horses.
Transition to Horse Welfare
Blowen’s fascination with thoroughbreds led him to apprentice with trainer Carlos Figueroa at Suffolk Downs, where he learned the intricacies of horse care. Over time, he became increasingly concerned about the fate of retired racehorses, particularly after learning that many were sent to slaughter rather than proper retirement homes. This concern motivated him to take a more active role in horse aftercare.
Founding of Old Friends
After accepting a buyout from the Boston Globe in 2001, Blowen and his wife, Diane White, moved to Central Kentucky. He became operations director for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation before founding Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, in 2003. The farm began as a small operation with a few paddocks and has grown into a multi-million-dollar facility housing over 100 retired racehorses, including notable champions like Silver Charm, Touch Gold, and Birdstone. Old Friends also operates a satellite location near Saratoga Springs, New York, and previously had an outpost near Kentucky Downs.
Achievements and Legacy
Blowen’s work has brought national attention to the aftercare of retired racehorses. He has personally overseen the rescue and rehabilitation of horses, including returning stallions from Japan and Italy, and has emphasized that all horses, regardless of fame, receive equal care. In 2023, marking the 20th anniversary of Old Friends, Blowen announced he would step down as president, passing leadership to John Nicholson, while continuing to engage with visitors and tours.
Personal Philosophy
Blowen often emphasizes the mutual benefit between humans and horses, noting that while the horses are cared for, they also enrich the lives of those who work with them. His dedication combines hands-on care, advocacy, and education, ensuring that Old Friends remains a sustainable and respected institution in the horse racing community.
Michael Blowen’s journey from Boston Globe journalist to champion of retired racehorses reflects a unique blend of storytelling, compassion, and entrepreneurial vision, leaving a lasting impact on both journalism and Dignified Racehorse Retirement in Aftercare.
