We were not expecting him to be in this condition! Update on the newest Rescued Belgian Draft horse

Episode 54
If you are new to our channel, on March 29th, we rescued another Belgian Draft horse from Bowie Texas Livestock. This gelding lot#9714 would be our second rescue to our new 501c3 non profit organization, Big Hoof Foundation. The video of him from the livestock yard showed that he was sore in his front legs but we had no idea what was happening with them. If you have not seen the original video see the link below.
The new boy is a giant (18.1 hands tall) and came in from a farm in Kentucky. He very well could be from the same farm the original 6 horses came from. When we arrived at the stockyard we were shocked to see the condition that he was in. His front legs were completely stiff and we are still trying to figure out how they got him to move like they did in the first video. This is a video of us picking him up and running him straight to the vet on the way home. We have decided to name the new giant guy Liam!
Liam's original announcement video
• We rescued another Bel...
The mission of our non profit is to save as many "big hoof" horse as we can from going to slaughter. We are dedicated to saving Draft Horses that have spent their entire lives working only to be neglected or abused when they can no longer work and are eventually sold to slaughter or abandoned to perish.
Thank you for watching and we will keep everyone updated on Liam and Lucky's progress. Stay tuned!
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to help with Lucky's medical care or bail and transport for Liam, follow the below link to the Big Hoof Foundations temporary website! There is also a donate button in the top of our KZbin header.
Lucky's eye surgery looks to be more extensive then what we originally thought it would be. Baseline cost for just the surgery is $2000 to remove the tumor but we don't know the extent of what is in there until the veterinarians start the surgery. We want to make sure we have enough funds to cover the cost and anything additional that could arise, ex: extended vet stay at the hospital, etc.
www.fletcherfarmsamarillo.com...
If you would like a donation letter please send us an email at [e-mail].
We have created an Amazon wishlist for supplies that we need if you would like to support us in that way.
Amazon Wishlist
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Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest @FletcherFarmsAmarillo
Thank you to everyone that has sent us gifts of Alfa Pro, we truly appreciate your support and can't thank you enough!
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.
Ranchers Supply and HF&C have offered to help us with anyone wanting to send a gift of Alfa-Pro to the horses. When you call, tell them you are sending a gift to Fletcher Farms Amarillo and they will add the gifts to our account. Alfa Pro is $18.25 per 50lb. bag plus tax at HF&C Amarillo. WE go through about 3-1/2 bags per day to feed all the 11 horses (175 pounds per day). We also purchase hay and alfalfa from HF&C which is used to feed the horses and donkeys.
Thank you to all of our subscribers and followers for your support, for your kindness and generosity! We are grateful for everything and don't know what we would do without your support!
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!

[@nancychace8619]

If the Amish are abusive toward their animals they should be held accountable for it.

[@kirstensocialbutterfly6025]

Oh the poor baby. He has worked so hard. His entire life. He deserves the best in life now.

[@lynnmanning2795]

This is painful to watch. Thank you for your kindness to this beautiful horse.

[@lindagibson9528]

They had to drugged that poor horse for him to run like that! Just so heartbreaking 💔. Hes gorgeous and didn't deserve to be treated so abused. So happy ya'll saved Liam. Praying for him. God Bless

[@paulinefollett3099]

I could smell a rat straight away. I felt very uneasy about the whole thing. Who could treat an animal like this? I am just so upset about such poor treatment. He is a beautiful boy, and I am so pleased that he has finally found the love that he so deserves.

[@gretchenoliver3388]

He is so patient with the X-rays and procedure. He had to be tired, but was cooperative with it all. What a good boy!

[@bustersmith5569]

They must have really worked the hell out of him !! SAD,,,

[@virtualselfie6899]

Research shows that is the big cause and then when they use him up, they send to the k. pen. I hope everyone gets the karma they deserve for this animal abuse.

[@watchesfromedges]

He looks so relieved to be away from the pens and among people who make him feel safe and cared for, he looks like he feels he has come home and can relax. He's a beautiful gentle giant and worth trying anything for to make his end days comfortable.

[@lizzieb6311]

Watching him lie there as Cory cleaned his hooves broke my heart…he KNOWS he is being loved…I can’t imagine the bruising he must have from the stones lodged in his hooves for God knows how long. How can he still be so sweet after all this pain and abuse?

[@healinglifecreative6158]

That is great that you communicate to them that they are safe ❤. They get it 😊.

[@jimhouse9273]

I am a retired CJF in northern Wyoming. I feel for your big beautiful boy. Call your farrier to trim his hinds and trim long his fronts. Most importantly, major rocker toes fronts all while laying down. This will greatly reduce his break over in front,please, ASAP. JIM HOUSE

[@dianemanson7756]

Great advice that I hope they follow.

[@AZCanner]

Similar to orthotics to help walking? Please get the farrier.

[@gloriastiehl2905]

I thought his hoofs looked long and they should be trimmed too. Thanks for bringing that to their attention!🥰🥰💕💕❣️❣️🐴🐴🐎🐎😇😇🙏🙏

[@deeT02]

Maybe message them. I don't see any reply to you from them.

[@GotAnUmbrella]

He can't stand on the legs for a trim they would have to lay him down for trimming.

[@tinaa2437]

He could not be with better people. Bless you

[@baskervillebee6097]

A horse who has been handled quietly will respond well to medical care because people have brought relief in the past.

[@PAMELAPORTER-ci7mr]

He is beautiful, even with his health problems. Poor fella.

[@maureen8930]

Hi Julie & Cory I get So upset when they made him run now he can hardly walk my heart breaking he so Beautiful & Kind I truly pray they can stop the pain 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ Thank you for caring for him 🥰🥰

[@nancyjohnson5810]

Poor baby, I'm so sick of how his medical condition was hidden to try to get more money for him. When you think why was he even slated for slaughter in the first place. I am so glad he is safe and in good hands now. He is beautiful. Thank you

[@susanpera2131]

Such gentle giants! Love your updates. So glad there are people like you to take care of these beautiful horses.

[@sarahwheeler1594]

👍🏻👏🏻🥰❣️

[@alvashoemaker8536]

…I “SECOND” THAT POST…! THANK YOU for caring for this horse…. ❤️❤️👍🏼‼️

[@cathyd3012]

Such a beautiful boy. After years of loyal toil, he gets to finally be on the receiving end & have his needs met. Seeing him lying down while Cory picks out his feet shows his immediate trust and/or intolerable pain level. Blessings to all involved with your Big Hoof Foundation. ❤

[@cynthiarogers2904]

. *THERE MUST BE A SPECIAL PLACE IN HEAVEN FOR THOSE WHO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED.*

[@nadinelataille7462]

It is a horrible shame that people drug horses to ride them making it seem they are sound. Such disgusting behavior. Thank you for taking Liam out of that situation❤

[@hansgustaf540]

Shame on the bastards doing this! It is fraud!

[@lizzieb6311]

It makes me cry knowing this is happening in so many situations that are never brought to light. It’s horrible. As an arthritic individual who suffered for years with bone on bone arthritis in my hips - finally eliminated by hip replacements- I can attest to the absolute agony arthritis inflicts. Thank God he is getting relief…finally.

[@natasharoesch4470]

What a sweet horse!

[@jadawauford9171]

​@@lizzieb6311 😊

[@judiscallan769]

So happy you have Cory to help and support you and the horses.❤❤❤

[@michelleshaw1211]

What a sweet boy not complaining a bit. I'm so pleased that you always take the gorgeous, precious beings straight to your Vet and that Angel helps them immediately. She's a gem, like you two. Sure hope he's feeling better. I can relate to his walk. Thank you for showing him to us. He's beautiful. Blessed Be.🙏🐴 A Colorado Mountain Grandma USA 💜✌️💕🐴🌞

[@bevfrench3496]

Doing this , Girl you have opened your heart for a world of hurt. Watching you kneel down and kissing Liam , brought tears to my eyes.

[@The-ii5mj]

At Auctions, many of the horses are aced. When you get home, you can see it. I feel like thr Amish need to be held accountable for how some treat their horses. (Many Amish take great care of their horses). 💁 Liam is a beautiful boy💕✌

[@TraycL]

Ohhh of all your horses, I think he’s the one who has most captured my heart ❤️ What a sweetie! I’m so glad you’ve started your foundation to help these sweet Belgians. Thank you for all you’re doing.

[@dianeowens415]

Continued prayers for all of the babies, and for both of you. Thank you. ❤

[@mousiebrown1747]

Great good news that injections for inflammation will help. I get that for my knees-it may not solve anything but it makes pain bearable. Liam is such a sweet beauty!

[@emj342]

Bless his heart ❤....he is fortunate to have a home with you ❤.Maybe ask your vet about putting epsom salt poultices on his soles?? That was so comforting to the horses I worked with....

[@JA51711]

Breaks my heart to see horses so badly abused but thankful this horse is safe now.

[@caroledavis3741]

Prayers for this beautiful boy! He has so much love to get and give ❤️ 🙏

[@trippinggauntlet4520]

Oh goodness what a beautiful boy, so gentle but in so much pain. Thank you Julie and Corey for getting him help and for the care of all your herd.

[@sarahwheeler1594]

Sweet comment ❤️🥰!

[@emj342]

Your vet, Dr Amber, gave very sound advice 😊❤. Gastrogard and Pain Meds Rule!!!

[@gaylegordon2038]

I am so touched by his gentleness, his curiosity and his immediate adjustability. One of the sweetest horses I've seen ever. He has finally reached his "soft landing" at your farm. Thank you for your love and superb care for these wonderful horses.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

You are so kind, thank you!

[@christinegothard2776]

So thankful he is in your care ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@d.g.n9392]

Thank you for helping Liam and all the gentle giants. Hope the meds help. 🙋‍♂️🐈🐈

[@glennmcgee1729]

In addition to proper treatment for Lucky and Liam, your loving care will give them the will to bounce back from a lot of recent trauma. You've proven that to me several times.

[@Swimkid1]

A real beauty Julie.

[@debbismith4151]

I have several of upes of arthritis and know about pain so seeing Liam limping just hurt my heart! I cried for him and I am so happy that you rescued him ! Bless you for helping him. You are all in my prayers!!?

[@annereidy7981]

So happy he's in your hands!

[@catherinehubbard1167]

How surprising would it be if he had been drugged to reduce pain before the original video where they got him to run? I’m glad he’s in caring hands now.

[@GotAnUmbrella]

It would be very unsurprising. That happens constantly.

[@roniboyd613]

Liam is absolutely gorgeous❤

[@peggyradeck9140]

He’s such a beautiful horse. It’s criminal that people treat their animals so badly and then just dump them.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Agreed!

[@michelemcdermott75]

Here I am. Totally a city girl- never around horses…but who knew these precious creatures were used and discarded. God Bless You. How I wish I could do more donation- wise. 😢

[@davidens8204]

I am so glad there are treatments you can do to help this ol"man let's hope he can have a healthy happy retirement now

[@kimberlyjohnson-clark2886]

❤❤❤Lucky and Liam are in my prayers and you guys are such angels on earth. I'm 75% blind but I can see them on my pad. I wish I could come and love on them.😊

[@Ladybug1958]

He is such sweetheart 💕, he knows you're helping him,he can tell you love him. Thank God you got him,you all are very special people bless you!

[@lspthrattan]

I hope that part of his discomfort was actually from those rocks in his soles; that's easily fixed. As for the rest; well, he's in good hands. I'll enjoy watching his progress. He's worked hard all his life; I betcha now he'd make a great pasture buddy for less calm horses; a good steady older horse can do wonders to help you gain a youngster's confidence, just by being a good example. But for sure, that big beautiful fella deserves green pasture, a shady tree, and a nice clean pond, and other horse company, and no more work. It's so nice to see what you do for them.

[@maggiemcc]

Aww he's such a gentle boy, I have osteoarthritis in my hands and eventually had to take pills for it. Thank you for rescuing him and God bless ❤

[@lindawashington500]

He’s such a handsome boy. I hope he’s relieved soon. Y’all are awesome!

[@deborahrich2666]

That poor handsome boy…

[@CarnivoreStork]

The auction video says he was 15, Did the Vet think he was older? Poor Boy. I feel so bad for you all.

[@johncarlsen9318]

This is why you are the biggest and most caring guardian angel for Belgians. More people need to understand unfortunately how hard the Amish work them and don't get them the treatment they need for things. Any of us who have been around animals know they can't speak for themselves and need huge hearted people to stand up for them. I know how he feels being sixty myself and have stiffness in my bones. You have some great caring vets who will do everything they can just like you and Cory.

[@crissmith7963]

They work them hard or is it animal abuse?

[@ca6177]

You are so right!

[@daledykstra8898]

Hope he gets better !!!!!!!!

[@janedeclarico5920]

Such a kind and beautiful boy. It was so sad to see such an impressive horse standing tall in the stockyard, bowed but not broken. I am sure he worked faithfully for years only to be abandoned for slaughter instead of being turned out to pasture for a well deserved retirement. So glad you were able to save him!

[@pjk1714]

It's not uncommon horses get drugged to make a better experience for the $$$. Hopefully some pads and injections will be approved for relief. Now you are a registered charity, you might consider reaching out to Syn Chill. You can receive discounts, sample packs and even sponsorships. Takes the edge off pain for transportation and easy on stomach. It's also a good fix to support while waiting for Doctor or during Farrier work. Sweet boy needs a weight to gauge what those joints can manage. Wishing best and look forward to updates.

[@joemurphy710]

You can see the love and appreciation in his expression when you talked to him ❤

[@stellaknows8548]

When you were talking to him and telling him he was safe, it looked like he was nodding his head. Prayers for both Liam and Lucky. Blessings 💜

[@TakeTheRide]

I truly wish there were more people in this world like ya'll. It breaks my heart to see that boy in pain. You didn't raise him, yet he appreciates the care & tenderness you both are showing him. He deserves this. He deserves better than what he has had. Prayers to Yahuah for you all and these beautiful animals. Shalom.

[@HitomiIsa]

Poor gentle big boy. I have arthrisis in both knees, and walk with a walking stick, so I know how much pain it is. Thank you for rescuing him and give him the love and care he deserve.

[@irenepinsonneault2740]

He looks like a grandpa who has worked a hard job for a long time. He's lucky to have such a comfy place to retire.

[@thekatt...]

Agreed 💯

[@maggiehenderson8913]

So glad he can get some pain relief ❤️

[@rodandjudibowen5665]

Julie and Cory, you are the best! I wonder if people at the auction ddrugged Liam so he would appear sound. If it works with Thoroughbreds at the track, why not Belgians at auction? Sigh. Well, he and all of your other huge babies are in the best hands now! Hugs and Wahoos! 🤠🐎🐎💞

[@clarepaynick789]

Poor Baby❣️ hope he heals and feels better soon.

[@jacquelinebarnett3439]

He is such a beautiful boy. Hopefully his medicine will kick in very soon. You are amazing with all these gentle giants. ❤️

[@clarepaynick789]

Thank you for taking such good care of him❣️

[@genlovell4662]

He is so special! How can anyone work a sweetheart with puppy dog eyes to the bone. It’s demonic.

[@heatherjohn2047]

Awwww poor baby my heart goes out to him I will be praying for him to get better really soon ❤🤗🥰💕

[@justjanice8373]

Oh bless, this gentle giant has worked hard all his life. He deserves alot of TLC ❤🐴

[@caroldavis5877]

Poor guy, works so hard his whole life, and gets dumped. 😢 Thank You for helping him in his retirement years.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Absolutely! Thank you for watching!

[@crissmith7963]

Maybe the Amish could contribute something towards this horse's retirement and medical care.

[@marycoker99]

Prayers 🙏 💖 for healing and his health. Thank you and Cory for all your love and care. Poor baby is having a hard time walking. In the video they had him running, they had to have drugged him just to sale him for more money. This is so sad! Thank yall, for cleaning his hoofs.❤

[@davehansen6112]

What a beautiful animal but oh my his eyes were so full of pain before the first vet visit! How could someone DO this to an animal, much less one who has reliably served one so many days! I think the people who do this to these horses might want your videos taken down as we have been getting that "Do You Approve of This Video" questionnaire after viewing your videos. God Bless You.

[@NLNL00]

Aweeee…I love the new name for him, it’s perfect! Sending him healing thoughts and prayers. 🙌✨💕

[@virtualselfie6899]

❣💯 Julie, I think I'm hearing you and your vet say you have caught this problem in time. Dr. Amber initially diagnosed and repeated "no founder" after Cory asked her on that and then she said "no rotation" of that pedal bone. She also noted how big a horse Liam is and worked hard. These drafts horses are slaves on certain farms that make them pull 12 hours a day. An older co-worker had severe rheumatoid arthritis and did the steroid injections which worked wonders. That Liam has good blood work, liver, gut, etc., means he doesn't have metabolic syndrome. Arthritis is better than metabolic issues. He's drinking over 10 gallons a day and eating like a horse, very good. I think your mare deals with it by laying down a lot and that is good for an older horse. This prepares you for what to expect and my heart goes out to you and your family going the full 9 yards, to pick the hooves, massage, stress relief, whatever it takes to increase Liam's quality of life and circumstances of living.

[@emj342]

Without being shod and housed on stony ground with those arthritic changes, his pain makes perfect sense...

[@msuestiegemeier7618]

What a Beautiful Boy ❣️

[@ositagordita8550]

Oh Liam, I feel your pain, sweet boy! 💞😿🙏🐾🌻

[@ksweet696]

One thought: You might want to provide hay in a hanging net or raise the manger a bit so he doesn't have to bend over so far to the bottom of the manger, which puts extra weight on his front legs. He's AWFULLY tall after all!

[@judycook4314]

You sure have a lot of big things going on! I love this guy and feel so bad about his pain. Hopefully you will be able to get shots to help with the pain. Thank you for all that you do.

[@juliegray8616]

Where are the new horse? Leo is totally amazing. You guys are awfully wonderful to take this baby in and he’s had so much trouble with his poor hose in his leg. You know with arthritis. I’m praying that all goes well.❤❤❤❤

[@cherylmillard2067]

He has nice looking hooves, what a sweet guy.

[@92083Barb]

Thank god for Fletcher farms! that beautiful boy hurts so bad

[@debbiesmith4322]

Thank you so much for rescuing beautiful Liam and helping him it's heartbreaking to see he is in so much pain. He has the kindest eyes bless him. Sending love from the UK xxx

[@nancyallen641]

Well, Liam is just outstanding. Movement is a great help and you’re setting it up so he can start moving more. What a kind, handsome boy.

[@GreenAcresIIGA]

You can literally see his gratefulness in his whole body! Thank goodness you got him out of there. Poor darling 😢he’s like thank goodness these people saved me!! ❤❤❤❤

[@judithfryer7024]

The look on his face. He knows you are trying to help him x

[@debragiannetti9755]

Prayer and all good thoughts for Liam. He’s such a beautiful soul

[@cherylholub3100]

You have never had a good friend, until you have had a horse.

[@JulianaBlewett]

As someone with rheumatoid arthritis & psoriatic arthritis, I understand the pain. He's so big and powerful, no wonder he's a sore boy. I hope he can get some relief. He walks like I do in the morning.

[@lizzieb6311]

Seeing him shifting his weight from one leg to the other in the trailer was hard to watch…thank God you saved this beautiful boy and got him immediate attention. This handsome boy will finally get some relief from the pain…. Terrible to think how many years he’s been suffering without meds. You and your foundation is such a gift ♥♥♥♥

[@rocroc]

Imagine what he was like in his prime......makes me sad. Damn.

[@susanblack7782]

You are angels of mercy at Fletcher Farms❤️✨ Poor Liam, you have given him his life back and his honor and hope to live a good life being cared and receive unconditional love in retirement. I am 69 yrs. and female. I have loved horses my whole life. I have so much respect for you all.

[@aquariusmoon771]

Poor, sweet creature. What they do is freaking criminal. So glad he found his way into your hands. ❤ Thank you so, so much.

[@livemusic_321]

Blessings to All ❤

[@kingsdaughter9659]

Poor Guy, I ache just watching him struggle to even walk. You guys are so kind to bring this beautiful guy home to his now forever home. Welcome home Liam. Cudos to you all at your Foundation and all those who contributes to help you help these loyal horses who have given so much of themselves in life. They now deserve the love care and respect due them. Great job Julie and Cory.👏. Special Blessings 🙏💞.

[@ruthbickerstaffe1915]

Liam is such a big, gentle horse. I do t know you and your husband but I love how kind you both are to your rescues. I loved that you were sitting with Liam in the straw, stroking him, talking to him and kissing his face. That’s exactly what I would have done. Thank you for the care and love for these gentle animals.🙏🙏💗💗🐴

[@seanbailey6004]

Once in a while we become witnesses to great people doing great things for animals. This is one of those times🥰🥰🥰

[@diannawalker758]

Awww. Poor guy. He's in good hands now.

[@cherylmcnutt9905]

For those who can’t afford to donate, but still want to help, if you watch the ads/commercials the farm gets a residual for every one we watch. You need to watch the ad all the way through to the end for them to get credit.

[@ThirdEyeThrifter]

What a sweetheart… he’s just the sweetest most grateful horse…❤

[@peterjones4621]

The poor baby, it's painfully obvious that he was terribly treated before you got him, these people are just monsters, they didn't even give him water!! I thought I could see his ribs somewhat, did they even fee him??!! Arghh!! I'm so glad he's under your care and getting the opportunity to have a relaxing retirement. I know you can't help all the older horses in the U.S. but there must be quite a few horses out there who need care and will never get it, that's heartbreaking. Thank you so much.

[@yougottabekiddiing]

What a huge guy! At least he hasn’t been emaciated as well! Prayers 🙏🏻

[@francineherron1940]

Thank you so much for rescuing this sweet kind boy. He was so cooperative when you're husband was picking out Liam's hooves...so trusting ❤️

[@sybileberhart3439]

He is such a gentle horse and really seems to know you all are helping and will be kind. He has not given up on the human race. I am so thankful you have him. I know you will give him everything he needs. Thank you❤❤