Draft horse loaded on a truck headed for slaughter is living his best life after being rescued Ep.66

Episode 66
On June 29, 2023 I was tagged in a post on Facebook from a friend. The post was about a Belgian Draft horse that was at Bowie Texas Livestock, loaded on a truck headed to slaughter in Mexico and was pulled off the truck because it was over full. If you didn't see the first videos of Quinn I will put a link in the description below.
Of course when I told the board about the horse they all said YES to saving him. We drove down to Bowie the next day to pick him up! After picking him up from the livestock yard we took him to the vet because he has a swollen back left leg. We needed to get this checked right away incase he had an infection that needed to be treated. We didn't want to waste anytime getting him to the vet, so we took him straight to the vet from the livestock yard. This is an update on Quinn, his pick up from the livestock yard, vet appointment and how his first week of retirement is going here on the farm.
Thank you to everyone that contributed to Quinns fundraiser! We can't thank you enough for all of your generosity and kindness. We are grateful that we can give this big sweet boy a second chance at a life he deserves!
We hope you enjoy this video! Make sure you subscribe to our channel so you don't miss anything happening around here! Because it's never a dull moment!
Quinns original video
• URGENT! Belgian Draft ...
Please consider making a tax deductible donation to the Big Hoof Foundation to help us save more of these precious lives. We have a temporary page set up on the Fletcher Farms Amarillo website until we can complete the foundations website. Link below.
www.fletcherfarmsamarillo.com...
Thank you everyone for your continued support in saving these gentle giants! We could not be saving these lives without you! If you would like a donation letter please send us an email at [e-mail].
We also still have our t-shirt/hoodie fundraiser going until July 11th, so make sure you place your order now before time runs out!
Bonfire T-Shirt/Hoodie fundraiser
www.bonfire.com/big-hoof-foun...
We have created an Amazon wishlist for supplies that we need if you would like to support us in that way.
Big Hoof Foundation Amazon Wishlist
a.co/0oGJ8y6
Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest @FletcherFarmsAmarillo and @bighooffoundation
The one item WE always need is FEED!
If you would like to send a gift/donation of feed (Alfa Pro, hay, etc) to the horses you can send that through our local feed store, HF & C Amarillo. HF&C Amarillo has offered to help us with anyone wanting to send a gift/donation of Alfa-Pro to the horses. When you call, tell them you are sending a gift to Fletcher Farms Amarillo/Big Hoof Foundation and they will add the gifts to our account. Alfa-Pro is $17.45 per bag. They do offer a discount if you purchase per pallet (40 - 50 pound bags) $16.95 per bag by the pallet. WE go through about 3-1/2 bags per day to feed all 13 horses (175 pounds per day). We also purchase square bales of coastal hay from HF&C. We use 3 bales per day to feed all the horses. Square bales of hay are $16.75 each.
Thank you to everyone that has sent us gifts of Alfa Pro! The horses love Alfa Pro and we truly appreciate the bags/pallets you have sent to us!
HF&C Supply Amarillo
10410 I-27 Amarillo, TX, 79119
hfandc.com
Phone: [phone]
Mon - Fri: 8AM- 6PM (Central Time)
Saturday: 8AM - 3PM
Sunday: CLOSED
Thank you to HF&C Amarillo for your continued support in helping all of our animals! Thank you to all of our subscribers and followers for your support, kindness and generosity! We are grateful for everything and don't know what we would do without you!

[@franksmith6871]

So glad that you saved Quinn from the horrors of being slaughtered! He's so sweet and deserves the life that you are giving him in retirement! Thank you for the work that you do! May your spirits be enriched by the the love and sacrifice that you extend toward these gentle giants!

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@ruthbickerstaffe1915]

God Bless you all🙏

[@melaniemansfield3319]

To bad we don’t feel the same way about slaughtering are cow’s. I understand what your saying and it’s truly wonderful 😉

[@judithfryer7024]

I bet he cannot believe this is his new life. He looks so happy and content.❤

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

He really settled in quickly and fit right in with the other horses.

[@roksannastephens4375]

Amen to that!!

[@littlewiseowl4405]

Please thank the person who tagged you - from all of us who are so grateful. We need eyes everywhere. An offspring of Smarty Jones (racing TB) was just pulled from a Pa. kill pen because he was noticed. Quinn was noticed. There are hundreds, if not thousands of people who can ‘notice’ and respond by caring enough to share what or who was noticed. Network, then network some more. Keep trying - Let’s be active. Quinn is a very real rescue from slaughter. He was on his way….

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Agreed!

[@christinalazar4155]

I ordered a t- shirt and was wondering how to get some soap! Thankyou for all you do for these wonderful horses.

[@leonip9142]

You guys are awesome. What a beautiful horse.❤

[@janelahmeyer2014]

i just cant handle seeing those stuck on the slaughter truck but thank you for rescuing such a wonderful big beautiful boy and the palomino

[@annjohnson8437]

What a mellow boy he is. Thank you for rescuing him, and for giving him the safe, peaceful life he deserves! ❤

[@QuiltLady]

Imagine how horrifying it must be for the other horses going on to slaughter. So glad Quinn was saved. I have become sad too understanding how between the horses and dog sales, the Amish are getting the reputation of abusing their horses and cows. Doesn’t have to happen.

[@moppeliini6614]

He found a horse paradise with beautiful human angels.🥰😇😘

[@hansgustaf540]

It is a very emotional moment when they finally go the way to be loaded. They can't be sure they will not be brought to the next kill pen - but they fatefully follow the human into an uncertain future. Thanks for saving Quinn. I am glad he got such a nice welcome by Cami and to see him so relaxed on the pasture. 👍

[@maryshaffer8557]

Quinn is a gorgeous horse. I am glad that he is young enough to have a very real chance to have a lot of years left to enjoy his retirement at Fletcher Farms!!!!! Cami seems completely infatuated with him...very sweet!!!!

[@jolynnhill8502]

Thank you for saving as many horses as you can. I still feel sad for all those horses left on that horrible truck. 😢

[@jamesfreeman2258]

What do they do with them once they kill them?

[@dianebollman9979]

@@jamesfreeman2258 Their meat is shipped overseas to France, Belgium, Japan etc - they eat horse meat. But it is a horrific death when they are shipped not humane. Glad Quinn was saved and has a terrific forever life with Fletcher Farms. Hope that the other horse was saved also.

[@janispayne5570]

I bought a gelding that would have been killed for dog food in Canada years ago. He was sweet, gentle and a wonderful horse. So many beautiful horses are killed, it’s tragic.

[@j.sahulka9024]

He’s a beautiful horse. Thank you for saving another one.❤

[@cviegas8743]

Perhaps Lobby your Rep to change the law allowing them to be shipped to Mexico for slaughter.

[@AintNoFool]

Must be heaven to realize no more brutal working for long hours. ❤

[@martymaddox7828]

Quinn is a lucky boy……..through no fault of his own someone worked him hard and discarded him like trash…….I love to watch your channel and seeing all these beautiful horses getting the chance for new life……Thank you both for all the love,food and great care that you show to these beauties……..sure wish I lived closer so I could be a volunteer at your barn…….Thank you again……..❣️😊❣️😊❣️

[@karenpennington5073]

Me too!

[@jacksg1809]

No horse deserves to go for slaughter they know where they are destined for I give my rescues an extra hug .Quinn Ur handsome enjoy Ur life

[@marycoker99]

Quinn is a sweet and gentle boy. I am glad he is now living a blessed life. 😊

[@kingsdaughter9659]

Amazing that they All seem to sense right away when arrival on your farm that they are now safe and at their new Home. Horses are absolutely so intelligent and so sensitive. Love these beautiful Gentle Giants and Love you Julie, Cory and whole team including your vets and supporters, far and wide. You are all Gentle Giants in your own way. Hearts of pure gold. Bless you All you care so much to help all those 🐴 that you can. Quinn is just another loving soul addition to your horse family. Much respect. Blessings 💞

[@shiboof]

OH that place where all of them wait for shipping out I always fast forward. Cannot hardly stand to see so many gorgeous and forgotten souls.

[@emilasmith4279]

He’s a really handsome horse! Glad he fit in so quickly and has Cami to love on him. Him curling his lips is sweet showing how happy he is! ❤

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you! It’s so awesome to see the horse’s personality. They definitely have a way of their own.

[@michellel.s.9747]

So happy to see Quinn safely at his new home. Seeing those horses in that trailer knowing their fate made me wanna cry.. Knowing that you were able to at least save one makes my heart feel a little better. Quinn looks like a handsome and gentle soul and will have the best life with you and your husband and all the other beautiful horses/donkeys that you have saved. Keep doing the awesome job you guys are doing because these beautiful horses are worth saving. 🥰

[@jamesfreeman2258]

Ditto

[@zoewilkins2896]

Same. I hate that these beautiful animals are just discarded. They’re such sensitive, emotional creatures, too.

[@MrSpinnerbug]

Really glad Quinn is enjoying life as he should!😊

[@misscamaross2220]

When I saw those horses crammed into that trailer knowing where they were going made my tummy hurt 😩😩😩 Thank you for saving that beautiful boy! He’s going to live his best life!

[@carmelduggan6547]

It's wonderful that he has come to you while he's still health enough, apart from his poor leg and he appears to be so easy-going, wonderful job🐴🐎🐴

[@happyasalark]

Thank you for saving all the beautiful Drafts,they have been overworked their whole lifes and so deserve to be loved 😍

[@basreynolds50]

Don’t you know grazing and relaxing in a pasture is heaven for these horses after what they’ve been through!!

[@BlueLotusLife]

What a brave boy!❤ It always amazes me how trusting these horses can be. They really do deserve love and kindness for all their beautiful bravery.

[@ruthgoebel723]

What a sweet boy! So nice to see him rolling about and enjoying his molasses. I see a sense of humor coming on!

[@ro9831]

I love seeing all the horses living their best lives! Thanks for what you do saving all these beautiful souls! ❤️💕

[@sueflynn9886]

He is living his best life and I think you guys are too! It’s amazing what you, Cory and your supporters are achieving, being able to offer these beautiful older horses a wonderful retirement filled with love and care is marvellous! I love to see their progress, Quinn is absolutely gorgeous, I am not surprised Cami is smitten with him! ❤️🥰❤️

[@annmolloy8600]

Hi from 🇦🇺. I’ve been watching your videos for a while. How many horses can you look after at any time. Also if I could make a suggestion that you photograph each horse, detail their markings and list them in order of their approximate age. I’d love to know a short history as well if it’s not too much work for you. I love watching them in their well earned retirement. Also do you know if they are mostly from the Amish. Thanks Julie.

[@sharihazlett3774]

He looks sweet as heck

[@sjs2722]

This is a lovely video, good to hear he is only 15 so hopefully he will enjoy many years of retirement with you ❤👍

[@barbiewarner530]

at 3 yrs old my grampa put me on his wrk horse tom n have been in love ever since..good on u all for doing what i can only dream of..god bless u..

[@margaretjohnson8117]

I don't understand why he was heading to slaughter! he is so beautiful .....how lucky you are. thanks for sharing .

[@rata4428]

I give you so much credit for doing what your doing. I do not even think I could go to a place where the horses were taken to slaughter. I would just endlessly cry.

[@shontellepetersen4445]

I always wonder if some of these rescues might have come from the same farms or even be related, like how amazing would it be if they got to see a friend or driving partner they used to live with and they get to retire together :)

[@hansgustaf540]

If I remember well, there was one case that two working buddies from the same place could be reunited... 😉

[@jamesfreeman2258]

That is a great possibility

[@tdp73]

Thank you for helping these animals❤❤❤

[@wethinkweknowitall]

Thank you for caring. You're heroes! 💗

[@LmaA9]

He's a handsome boy. Love him and I'm glad he is rescued. Y'all doing great.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you!

[@KnightMoonShadow]

His feet are pretty short. I'm surprised that they don't suggest cold hosing and DMSO. If you decide to use DMSO, generally, the only type available in the box stores is gel, which I believe needs to be diluted with water, like, 2oz gel to 1 quart of water. You can find liquid DMSO on line, which can be applied directly. It smokes when directly applied, it's a liniment, icy hot. It will give this special guy relief quickly. You can also put in a spray bottle, again dilute with water, soak him down a couple times a day. Cold hose first, DMSO after. I worked with Belgians on a farm every day for 5 years. A lot of times, less is more. I agree with the Vetrenarians, movement. Interesting to see how laid back he is.

[@horsepoorwilson]

Thanks for the update.

[@karenhardie1132]

Beautiful words, they dont have to work anymore and are safe. Great job saving such wonderful animals.

[@Bassetlover3]

I'm in love with Quinn...has nothing to do with my grandson sharing the same name. Lol He is so handsome. You are living my dream by rescuing these animals. I am too old now, but I'm requesting this life in my next life lol. I could watch them all day. You are truly blessed for saving these magnificent creatures and your rewards are unimaginable! I would save every last one if I could. You're an angel on earth

[@jamesfreeman2258]

Ditto

[@jaray7710]

That molasses face was everything! It gave me a big ole 😂. I needed that today. Thanks Quinn, Julie, Cory and the rest!!

[@lindamerrill1694]

Another beautiful horse saved what a good job Fletcher Farms !!!

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you! We are so glad he is a part of our retirement farm.

[@lynnwall7046]

He's such a sweet and beautiful boy. I think it's just amazing what you both are doing. God bless you!!!

[@KhaeLikesCoffee]

Quinn is such a sweetheart. His eyes look happy, like he's grateful for his new life. ❤

[@Misskitty15]

So sweet to see all the rolling & decompression❤❤❤

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Glad you enjoyed it! It’s my favorite part about watching theses animals decompress

[@Misskitty15]

@@FletcherFarmsAmarillo 😉

[@muffassa6739]

I live in Michigan USA and we have trucks of horses going to Canada for slaughter many people try to get some from the auctions but many die a horrible death. Bless you all for saving so many wonderful horses 🐎 ❤ ♥

[@heatherjohn2047]

He is so cute and adorable 🥰

[@danamelby4090]

Such a sweet boy thank you for rescuing him

[@asdf7290]

I didn't help much, but it was fun watching the horse I donated for coming home.

[@christinasmith9958]

It's wonderful to see how good he's doing.

[@teresasmith8946]

What a wonderful feeling it must be for them to be in a tranquil place where the others are content no fear or anxiety I know they all can not be saved but these horses are God bless you all and your mission.

[@mariaviir3289]

Thank You from. SWEDEN ❤❤❤❤

[@caroledavis3741]

He’s so handsome and trusting. Loved when he first went out with the one horse he was comfortable enough to roll. Glad the bones in the leg are good. Hugs to you Quinn and prayers the compression boot helps…you’re going to have a great retirement! ❤

[@richardshultz6834]

Thank you for what you do!

[@CriaAndKiddFW]

Whay a handsome guy. I would love to have a huge draft horse as a pasture/therapy pet to just brush and love on... maybe next year...

[@trippinggauntlet4520]

Welcome Quinn, what a sweetie. Thank you Julie.

[@nancychannel8513]

😅 he seems right at home and that is so wonderful

[@user-km9xc3zs5w]

Thank you for rescuing him.

[@carollemke8373]

Thank you so much for saving him. He is such a nice horse and he deserves a good life.

[@lyndakowalke8858]

Quinn is a lovely mellow old boy. It's nice to see that Cami is interested in him. The heard is so chill, perhaps except from Liam. Have they made any improvement together? I hope his leg will not bother him too much and that the compression boot will help him. I know how problems with the Lymph system are and the boot is necessary. He seems very happy - You sure have a large heard now, its amazing and they are all so beautiful and well behaved. I love seeing them roll too. Big cuddles for all and a huge thank you Julie and team for all the wonderful work you do.🐎💕

[@susanpera2131]

So glad you have him!

[@Thecorgially]

It does my heart good to see Quinn living his best. Indeed, he is the sweetest horse. So glad you were tagged at the last minute and could save him. Since most of the Belgians that wind up at Bowie have been owned and worked by Amish, I wonder if some of them came from the same farm. I did order soap earlier and sent a donation towards Quinn's bailout, etc. Will also share this vlog with friends.

[@erikadeyzel2199]

Quin is beautiful. Maybe you and horse plus rescue should team up, Tawnee is just as much a horse rescue fan as you are. Bless you.❤

[@sstarkey1695]

Handsome guy! Looking forward to seeing him live his happy life!

[@terryt.1643]

He is such a social boy. Thank you for saving him and giving him a chance to know a good life surrounded by friends.🥰🐴💕❤️👍👍

[@colleencarroll4190]

Thought that had been made ILLEGAL!!! Blind horses, lovely horses, horses that have worked their whole lives, ETC. WHAT KIND OF MONSTERS DO THIS TO OUR HORSES!!! Thank you for Having a Heart and Rescuing as Many as you Can!!! IT NEEDS TO BE OUTLAWED!!!

[@mirja1687]

draft horses paradise 💞

[@Faelani38]

❤ I am glad he is settling in good. Have a good weekend.

[@christinegothard2776]

What a gorgeous young man Quinn is. ❤️

[@paulinefollett3099]

Wow, he is such a beautiful horse, both in looks and personality. I hope that you can help with his swollen leg. I loved it when he did his rolling.

[@laurelbozman6997]

So happy for Quinn

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you!

[@Sunshine-vr9qr]

I look forward to all your videos. The lord has Blessed these Magnificent Horses with you and your organization. May you all be blessed ❤

[@elizabethhannah4704]

You are such Angels. Thank You, thank you so very, very much for everything that you do for these beautiful animals. God Bless You Always.

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

Im just so pleased to see the beautiful gentle boy still sweet and making friends already. Great he us safe and knows it...

[@virtualselfie6899]

💝 Cami has really stunning conformation as she recorded her initiating a new friendship with Quinn. They all need besties and such bonding really improves their health. Loved your "Easily Distracted Horses" t-shirt. Congrats to your non-profit and the daughter's design of the Big Hoof Foundation logo; it's really cool.

[@lindagibson9528]

Awe Quinn is such a Beautiful boy! Thanks for saving him. Liam and Dutch are also very Beautiful. They all look so happy. I hope Anna is doing well...miss seeing that Pretty lady. God Bless

[@timhatch5909]

Thanks for the update, Quinn is a good looking guy. May his retirement be long and peaceful.

[@bernadetteking4234]

God Bless you and keep you❣️ So heart warming to watch. THANK YOU for all that you do❣️❣️❣️

[@sarahwheeler1594]

I think he’s the first Belgian I’ve ever seen with no white markings.🤔 He’s such a handsome boy!❤️🥰‼️

[@floydstowe]

His leg looks so swollen I am surprised that he is walking as good as he is but he is in good hands now

[@CM-xn6xc]

Is there a chance that in time, farms who are finished using these beautiful horses will be able to surrender them directly to you, rather than sending them to a kill pen?

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

I would absolutely love that! One of our subscribers and I have been discussing this option for quite sometime and working on a plan for the future.

[@tonifreeman-pt1rb]

What a beautiful horse and so lucky to have found a great forever home.

[@geraldineclarke5434]

I'm horse-less in my old age. Your videos help me adjust to that fact. I spent a lot of time with Belgians when I was a kid - the team that moved the starting gates at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park a very, very long time ago.

[@janetwann5578]

God bless you for saving these amazing souls....I hope you always can continue to have the room on your farm to always do this

[@ninakaiser2930]

He is such a gorgeous boy and doing so well! No wonder Cami is in love with him 😉 I am so glad his back leg didn’t show deep underlying issues. Hopefully with time it will get better for him!

[@colleencarroll4190]

he is a BEAUTY! So glad he is safe!

[@NLNL00]

Yay! Thank you for the update! 🎉❤🎉❤🎉

[@lilianmcguigan9240]

Quinn is so handsome, with a sweet personality. Poor Liam seems to have so much difficulty getting around. Painfull to watch.

[@darlenestassen977]

Thanks for sharing Quinn's story! He is such a gentleman! What a joy! God bless you and your foundation.❤

[@SocialShires]

More people need to embrace the draft breeds. The calm and serenity of them is infectious.

[@ingridbond3432]

your videos, like FF mission - go straight in to heal the heart 💙

[@bq1428]

Doing a fantastic job❗️😉🐾

[@piggylover4808]

Retirement is looking good on Quinn!!!

[@d.g.n9392]

Thanks for helping these sweet gentle giants I ordered a tshirt and made a small donation. 🙋‍♂️🐈🐈

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you so much for your support and generosity. We truly appreciate it!

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

He's a stunning horse so glad you were able to save him.

[@boessheila50]

Quinn is a lovely big fella.❤ All these BIG BELGIANS R SO NICE AND CALM QUIET. THEY SEEM TO KNOW THEY R SAFE AND WONT BE ABUSED!!!

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

I agree! These horses deserve a chance at love and kindness.

[@badgranny6311]

I’m so happy to see Quinn living his best life, he’s awesome!!!!! donating is the least we can do to help you and Cory help these beautiful animals have a better quality of life ❤ May God watch over your rescue herd and May he continue to bless and keep you all safe and healthy..love you sweet girl❤❤

[@KaMa.89]

I can‘t stand to see the other beautiful horses and know they are going to slaughter… If they are not rescued before. 💔😢

[@trevg1275]

What a gorgeous boy, he seems to be very content already 🥰

[@barbaragalbreth4429]

Thank you Fletcher Farms