Boyle and Wulfeck have a long history of supporting animals, including extensive volunteer work with The Kenton County Animal Shelter in their hometown. And as a complement to her animal activities, Boyle recently opened Barkstown Road, a pet boutique at 1045 Bardstown Road in The Highlands.
Blowen is grateful for the sisters’ efforts. “Aimee and Kim have been so diligent,” he says. “They’ve done everything from the beginning.”
Ferdinand’s Ball, which debuted in 2010, is named for the 1986 Kentucky Derby-winning horse that was sent to slaughter overseas. This year’s ball takes place Thursday, May 3, at The Frazier History Museum.
Though still a relatively new party, it has already raised substantial funds for Old Friends and become well-known. Guests have included animal-conscious celebs – like author and “EXTRA” host Maria Menounos and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl Kate Upton.
This year’s host is “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star and former fashion model Brandi Glanville. “The reason we chose Brandi is because of her fun, sweet spirit,” says Boyle. “We know she’ll be a welcoming, enjoyable host for our guests. She connected with our cause and is sensitive to our mission.”
Other confirmed celebs include former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones, Miss Kentucky 2011 Ann-Blair Thornton and three-time Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Kent Desormeaux.
The residents of Old Friends are a who’s who of racing and breeding royalty. Some are even film stars. Popcorn Deelites was one of a handful of horses that portrayed legendary racehorse Seabiscuit in the 2003 movie “Seabiscuit.” And Blowen refers to Special Ring as “a millionaire from California.” “We got him when he was 9 years old. He raced until he was 9,” Blowen says. “He won a couple of big races in California (the Eddie Read Stakes) and ran in The Breeder’s Cup.”
In a nearby enclosure to Special Ring and Popcorn Deelites, British breeding stallion Creator rolls rapturously in the mud, then stands up and shakes the dust off. Old Friends retrieved Creator from Japan in 2005 after being alerted that the horse had been sent there to become a breeding stallion.
It was in Japan that Ferdinand met his fate, but Blowen says Japan’s treatment of horses has improved a lot since then, and that they were very cooperative in arranging for Creator to be procured by Old Friends.
“This is my wife’s favorite horse,” Blowen says. “He gets fresh strawberries to eat and pears and ginger snaps.” Blowen says he and Creator don’t get along that well, and adds that Diane often defends Creator when he and the horse are at odds. “She says he’s bigger, he’s stronger, he’s more athletic, he made more money, he’s smarter and he’s better looking.”
For more information about Old Friends, visit www.oldfriendsequine.org. To learn more about Ferdinand’s Ball, visit www.ferdinandsball.com. Contact the writer atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. See an extended slideshow of photos taken at Old Friends Farm at www.brianbohannon.com.