Scott Fais, Florida On A Tankful
The stars of the Kentucky Derby shine in the spotlight the first weekend in May every year.
Ever wonder where the horses go following their days on the track? Greener pastures await these animals just off Interstate 75 in Alachua County.
The Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm is a haven for retired police horses and other service animals.
"Most of these horses come from Florida. We have many horses from south Florida, Metro, Dade, City of Miami, Broward County. We have other horses that come from state parks -- the ranger's horses. We have horses come from handicapped riding programs, the circus. Sometimes they are found abandoned," said Peter Gregory, the founder of the Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm.
Gregory, 79, makes two promises to each horse when they arrive.
"First, is you'll never be ridden or worked again. And the second is, you're going to be here forever," said Gregory.
Here, mothers and daughters share their love for horses, and even big brothers admit to feeling something inside for animals less fortunate.
"It made me feel real sad because I like horses," said Jacob Zamora, 10.
Zamora brought several carrots to share. He'll leave with tender thoughts of what he'll remember most.
"Some of these horses were blind, and I saw one that had a real swollen foot," said Zamora.
There's no admission tickets here, providing you bring two carrots to share.
And maybe a dog biscuit. On second thought, they're too busy napping.
For more travel adventures with Scott Fais, go to Central Florida On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 300. Select Entertainment/Travel and then scroll over to Florida on a Tankful.
Comment on this story.
Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm
What:
Feed and pet more than 100 retired service horses and one cow!
Where:
North of Gainesville in Alachua, Florida
Hours:
Saturday Only. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone:
(386) 462-1001
Address:
P.O. Box 2100
Alachua, Florida 32616-2100
Longitude & Latitude:
(29.815029600476883, -82.49427795410156)
Parking:
Free
Admission:
Free with two carrots per person
Web site:
http://www.millcreekfarm.org/
E-mail:
rhh@millcreekfarm.org
Central Florida Directions:
Expect about a 2 hour drive when using downtown Orlando as a reference point.
From your part of Central Florida, jump on the Turnpike headed north. Have the toll change ready.
Next, jump on Interstate 75 north when the Turnpike runs out. Take I-75 to Exit 399.
Travel west on U.S. 441 to County Road 235A (immediately after Santa Fe High School).
Turn right at red light onto 235A.
Travel about 3 miles to the Mill Creek Farm sign. The sign is on your right, just beyond the I-75 overpass.
Turn right and follow driveway and park under the trees near the picnic tables.