Old Friends founder Michael Blowen has announced he is stepping down as president of the world-renowned Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, which celebrated its 20th anniversary at the end of 2023.
However, while Blowen won’t be running the farm on a daily basis anymore, he will still be greeting visitors, giving tours, and other things as needed.
Taking over the reins as the president and CEO of Old Friends is John Nicholson, best known as the former executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park from 1997 to 2014. He will assume his new position on February 1 and will be responsible for the leadership of the organization.
“I started looking a couple of years ago for someone to take over as president,” explained Blowen. “The most important thing I was looking for was someone that really, really, put the horses first. It’s not like they’d just be saying it, but that they really have to think about the horses first.
“Then maybe about six months ago,” Blowen continued, “I ran into John and we started talking, and I said to him, ‘You know, I’m really looking for somebody to take over Old Friends because I’ve really taken it as far as I can take it.
“It started out with Diane and I and a golf cart and feeding the horses; a little mom and pop operation on the corner. And, today it’s like a multi-million dollar corporation, and it needs somebody that can handle that kind of operation. It needs a really good CEO that has managed a much bigger facility than we have, and the only way that we can improve is to get more space for more horses, which means more money, more donations, and an executive CEO that knows how to handle big business.’
“As I was looking for someone to step into the position, something that was a big concern for me was to find somebody who had the same attitude towards the horses that I did. I always worried about that.
“Well, now, with John coming on board, I’m not worried about it at all. I feel like, instead of being an old has been, I feel that a big weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.
“So when John said he would like to take the position, I just thought this was the greatest thing. I’ve known John for decades, and what he did over at the Kentucky Horse Park was just phenomenal. He did a wonderful job over there.
“So, two things. First and foremost, to have somebody of his experience, his sensitivity for the horses, his love of the horses, along with his administrative abilities, and the way he gets along with people – he knows a lot of really important people that would really love to help Old Friends – I just thought it was so obvious that he was the person to take over this organization and take it up to the next level.
“The second thing was that we finally have put together a great team, both on the farm taking care of the horses, and in the office to keep the farm running smoothly. It’s our ‘World Series’ team and I wouldn’t trade anyone on our staff now. So, I felt like John would be coming into a great situation where the momentum was pretty much there and he just had to keep it going and take it to another level.
In accepting the position, Nicholson said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity of joining the Old Friends family to continue and enhance Michael Blowen’s vision and values. Old Friends has been at the vanguard of the Thoroughbred Aftercare movement and I feel privileged to be a part of such an important cause.
“I have always had a deeply felt respect and appreciation for Michael’s vision and tenacity,” Nicholson went on. “What he has accomplished is beyond remarkable.
“I have treasured our friendship over the years, especially having had a great collaborative relationship between Old Friends and the Kentucky Horse Park. He and I have always shared a spirit that the horse has given far more to us than we could ever give in return.
“Old Friends is making an important and vital contribution, not only to the racing industry, but most importantly to the lives of the horses who have given so much to us. I have been fortunate in my career to be a part of some meaningful endeavors, but Old Friends offers all of us who love the horse a unique opportunity to serve the animal who has served us so well.
“It is also very gratifying and reassuring that Michael will remain a part of the daily world of Old Friends as the founder. We are blessed that he is in good health and his passion for the mission of Old Friends is undiminished. I plan to sit at his knee in the weeks and months ahead to listen and learn. I know for certain that working with him and the Old Friends team will be exhilarating and rewarding.
“And, at this stage of my life and career, having had much experience in the equine, tourism, and non-profit worlds, I believe I am in a position to help assure that Old Friends will remain a strong and viable force for all the good things it does for decades and generations to come.”
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