About us
Greetings
A life with horses
A story that connects hearts
Representative Director
Harada Kiichi
As an equestrian athlete, I have been traveling back and forth between Japan and overseas for a long time, and I feel that the high level of ability of the thoroughbreds in Japan and the skill and enthusiasm of the people who support the horses are second to none. After several years in business, thanks to the support and advice of many people, the activities of our organization are gradually becoming better known. We do not intend to stay in the past or the present, but to work towards the future, to support horses and all those who wish to work with or be involved with horses, to draw out their qualities and to expand their world. Horses have unlimited potential. Even now, after spending so much time with horses, I am still moved by their brilliance every moment of the day. Please join us in supporting them.
About us
We would like to introduce you to the world we depict and the activities we are involved in.
vision and mission
Building the future with horses, with people, opening up the world’
Old Friends in the USA has provided many retired Thoroughbreds with a peaceful place to spend the rest of their lives and fostered compassion for animals in the people who visit. We at Old Friends Japan share the same aspirations, and while celebrating the achievements of the racehorses that have given us excitement and inspiration, we are considering what is needed to utilize their charm and ability to live with people in society, and are working to create a system to realize this. Our aim is to realize a world where horses, people and society are connected and continue to grow over the long term while supporting and protecting each other.
Connecting past achievements to the future
We, Old Friends Japan, are pioneers who build on the past achievements of retired racehorses to pave the way for the future. We find new value in our community to ensure that they do not lose their value after they have retired from active racing.
Retired racehorses play an important role in the education of future generations of leaders and riders. Through our initiatives, we also provide visitors with the opportunity to meet the horses and experience their exploits up close. Together we are creating new communities where horses and people, and people and people, are connected, building sustainable values that will last into the future.
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on how to support
An initiative to nurture horses and people and create a future
Activities to develop people who raise horses
The project supports the dreams and aspirations of children who want to work with horses and in the fields of education and vocational training, using retired Thoroughbreds as ‘teachers’ to teach children. We aim to establish a cycle in which the horses deliver the children to the horse racing and riding industry and to farms in horse-producing regions, where they will create a new future for racehorses and horses.
Activities to raise the “horses” that nurture people
We promote and support retired racehorses to be retrained as riding horses so that they can live with people and take on the role of a teacher who “trains people”. In particular, we are focusing on retraining Old Friends Japan horses that have competed in heavyweight races to become top-class athletes who can take advantage of their superior athleticism and perform on the dressage arena.
Activities to create and expand roles that utilize horses' abilities
Taking advantage of the geographical location of Hiruzen Plateau in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, which is a sightseeing spot, we hold charity events three times a year and open pastureland to the public as a “highlight of tourism. In addition, to expand opportunities for retired racehorses, we are also working to “utilize retired thoroughbreds in the fields of welfare and mental care”.
Activities to communicate to society
In order to let people know about retired racehorses “now”, we actively use social media to disseminate information and raise awareness of retired racehorses. We also contribute to raising awareness of equestrian sports and retired racehorses by bringing their performances at dressage competitions in Japan to horse racing fans.
Overseas collaboration and exchange activities
We collaborate with organizations and people involved in horse racing and equestrian sports in Japan and around the world, as well as with retired racehorse-related organizations in the countries where horse races are held, to exchange mutual techniques and information. In addition to learning from Europe and the United States, we also promote educational activities to deliver Japanese domestic techniques and meticulous care to overseas countries. From now on, we are trying to support children who aim for the world in equestrian sports.
Information on past charity events
Check out the latest information on events and activities.
To everyone who has supported
us so far (corporations and organizations)
Your donation will be used to help support the horses for the remainder of their lives by paying for their care and treatment, and to create a place for them to live out the remainder of their lives.
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on how to support
Inquiry
If you have any questions, please call us or use the contact form.
You can also ask questions in a chat format by clicking on the button at the bottom right of the screen. Please make use of this service.
958-38, Nakafukuda, Hiruzen, Maniwa City,
Okayama 717-0501, Japan
Business hours：10am to 4pm
Regular holiday：Every Tuesday and Wednesday
(However, in the case of a holiday, the next day, Golden Week, and during summer vacation are excluded)
© 2025 Old Friends Japan