Neglected Belgian Draft Horse saved from slaughter 1 year later after being rescued.Update on Freya

Episode 79
Back in March of 2022, we rescued a neglected, underweight and abandoned horse from Sexton Horse and Mule in Sneedsville, Tennessee, who we named Freya. She was days away from shipping to slaughter and I knew we had to do something and save this beautiful girl. She deserved so much better! The problem was Sneedsville, Tennessee was 17 hours from Amarillo, Texas. We looked for transport but the cost was too expensive. So...Cory (my husband), being the amazing person he is, agreed to take the 3 day drive to rescue and pick up this sweet girl!
Freya has been with us now for a little over a year and a half. She is doing amazing and living her best life filled with love, food, kindness and the attention she deserves. This video is everything that Freya has been up to since she arrived at our farm and how she is today!
We hope you enjoy this video! Make sure you like, comments and subscribe to our channel so you don't miss anything happening around here! Because it's never a dull moment!
As a growing horse rescue group, we rely on monetary donations to keep the organization moving forward. The Big Hoof Foundation will always be transparent with how your donations are used. 100% of the money we raise goes directly to the rescued horses' bail fees, transport, feed, hay, medical bills, medications, alternative medical treatments, supplements, surgeries, etc. Every dollar raised is for the horses!
Our ability to help these horses is only because of the generous donations from our subscribers and followers! Please consider making a tax deductible donation to the Big Hoof Foundation to help us save more of these precious lives from shipping to slaughter and provide them with the care they deserve.
The information about our Giving Tuesday fundraiser and the grant we were nominated for can be found on our website at the link below. Please vote for us weekly!
www.bighooffoundation.org
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].
Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest @FletcherFarmsAmarillo and @bighooffoundation
If you would like to support us, the one item WE always need is FEED! If you would like to send a gift/donation of feed (Alfa Pro) 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 a complete pelleted alfalfa mixed with vitamins and minerals all the horses need on a daily basis. Alfa-Pro is $17.45 per bag. They do offer a discount if you purchase by the pallet (40 - 50 pound bags) $16.95 per bag if purchased by the pallet. WE go through 6 bags per day to feed all 18 horses (300 pounds per day)!
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
If you would like to send the horses a gift of hay you can do that through Mauls Feed and Seed. We use Mauls for hay because it is grown locally here in Amarillo and they are priced the best in town. A square bale of hay is $13 per bale and we go through 5-6 bales per day.
Mauls Feed and Seed
11385 US-60, Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: [phone]
Mon - Fri: 8AM- 5PM (Central Time)
Saturday: 8AM - 12:30PM
Sunday: CLOSED
We have created an Amazon wish list for supplies we need. If you would like to support us with a gift from our list please see the link below.
Big Hoof Foundation Amazon Wishlist
a.co/0oGJ8y6
A HUGE 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!
I mentioned Finn in this video. If you don't know what happened with Finn, please watch this video for all the details on Finn.
Devastating week on the farm with 2 of our rescued Belgian Draft Horses. Completely unexpected events...
• Devastating week on th...

[@hansgustaf540]

Thanks for this portrait. It is nice to watch Freya enjoying her retirement. She looks good with the long tail. Fingers crossed for many more good years in your paradise for gentle giants.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you!

[@steventrompeter9883]

A great detailing of the personality of a horse. Freya's a real prize. 😊

[@user-tl5cz5fw3i]

Amish have no love for their horses they are just work machines I’m glad you rescued her and showed her there are loving people out there

[@maureen8930]

My Goodness Freya was all bones !! Thank you to Cory & Julie she is a great looking horse 🐎 what a turnaround for Freya May God Always Bless you Both ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💯💯💯💯

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you! It always amazes me to look back at the older pictures and see how much they changed. I see them everyday so it’s pretty shocking to me to see the old pictures.

[@lindarenn4239]

Freya is so beautiful and intelligent. Thank you for rescuing her. ❤❤❤

[@maryfrancessullivan1170]

Julie, thank you for the wonderful update on Freya. It is truly amazing the transformation that all of your rescue horses go through while in your care. They all look so beautiful and contented now! You take such excellent care of all of your animals and show them such love and kindness. Thank you and everyone there at Fletcher Farm for making their retirement so special. God bless you all and Have a wonderful holiday season! Much love being sent your way from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ❤🐴🙏🏻🥰❤️

[@Thecorgially]

It does any horse lover's heart good to see the what retirement life these once overworked Belgians owned by the Amish are experiencing. Freya sure has a lot of personality as well as the other Belgians and glad she likes the donkeys too.

[@betty-janececile5214]

I'm sure those horses think they've died and gone to heaven

[@barbadosantigua1]

Beautiful horses God bless you for caring for these beautiful creations of the Lord

[@christinegothard2776]

Julie , it’s been so nice to see Freya’s transformation. I look forward to the updates ❤️🇬🇧

[@annettel4217]

I bet your horses would enjoy a scratching brush. Cog Hill Family Farm (KZbin Channel) got a chimney sweep brush for their animals and it seems to work well. It's a large round black brush with sturdy bristles, about 4-5 feet long and about 3 feet in diameter. Mounted on end and firmly installed, animals can rub whatever itches. Cog Hill did a video on how they installed theirs over a sturdy post cemented into the ground. Apparently cattlemen often get them for their cattle, and they are much less expensive than brushes specifically made for animals. You might need more than one so they don't fight over it. 🙂

[@sherylbartlett3871]

Thanks Julie....It's always fun mingling with the herd. They all looked relaxed, happy and very trusting of you.! I think you restored their faith (somewhat for sure) in people, not those who make them plow. They come up to you for pats & sweet talk ,(trust). HI to Cory who is always busy. God bless to all.....

[@watchesfromedges]

What a charming video! Freya is barely recognisable as the horse you drove so long to fetch, she looks so well and has such a great sense of humour!

[@beckyd712]

Aww! That's how Freya knows you love her "special"; you'll go all the way out to the back 40 just to bring her in for dinner! Bless you for giving them all a good happy home filled with love and kindness. Love and light to you! Blowing as hard as we can to keep the fires away from you and all our big friends.

[@irenesmith1545]

I was always told to give a horse bran mash once a week it helps a horse out with less chance of colicing. It flushes a horses system out. And you can give it to them when they colic. It will help settle their stomach. Ask your vet about it. I love what you and your husband does by saying theses beautiful horses. I love your videos.

[@user-ul4nm1if2e]

Yes, mixed with hand hot water. Let cool before feeding and perhaps a few slices of carrots. Weekend treat. 🎉 Never hear of it now though.

[@lynnwall7046]

Love seeing the update on Freya. She's such a sweetheart. I miss Finn!

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

Great video Julie..so good to see Freya bloom under your care..l love that she is friends with the donkeys 🫏.. that's so cute..maybe she feel protective with then being smaller..some great photos..the one where you were just laying on her and hugging her neck..wow that must feel wonderful..miss Finn..he has left his mark on all of us..can't believe you've had her that long.. .my goodness where has the time gone 😮..love that you are rescuing these big beauties. The treatment they've had is disgusting..so when they arrive with you they think it's more of the same..and then they realise that they will be fed..loved and cared for and that is it..they must feel such joy..and it shows in their mischievousness.. Loved the individual update..and to see how far she has come from the skinny broken wary lady to a very independent woman..😂🇬🇧💞✝️🙏👍👏🫏🐎🇺🇸

[@janetgeller7272]

Freya said, “Oh, I was ready to run.” 😂

[@frankfischer1281]

It is good to see these horses that have spent most of their existence working hard to just be horses.

[@nancyjohnson2070]

Oh my goodness Freya surely has some fantastic talent!! She keeps you on your toes. 😍😍😍

[@sidilicious11]

She’s a crack up, always gotta have her feet in the mangers. Thanks for featuring her. She looks very happy.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you!

[@pjk1714]

Sweet girl. Isn't it remarkable so many different personalities learn to coexist? I believe in time, they realize they are home and loved. Finn will leave a lasting mark with me. You provided a better future and despite the colic, tried your darndest to save him. I have no doubt he knew you loved him.🕊️💛

[@IvymaeOriginals]

I often wonder with each individual horse rescue you do🐎 if the horses ever knew each other prior to seeing each other again on your farm in retirement, especially when they become instant best friends xxx 🙏🐎❤

[@nancychannel8513]

Her happy face is a hoot

[@dianebollman9979]

Love Love watching your videos. Thanks for the update on Freya. You take such great care of all the horses and donkeys. God bless you for all you do to make their retirements peaceful and special.

[@ninakaiser2930]

It’s so touching to see how far Freya has come! I do remember the beginning very well. To see her with Finn is bittersweet. So glad she is living her life now carefree with you and the herd!

[@maryreinhardt2120]

If you haven't subscribed yet, please do. 🐎

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you!

[@rachealsmith5138]

I loved seeing Freya’s story! It was kind of sad to see the pictures of her and Liam, but made me happy too! ❤. She can be so mischievous sometimes, and her scratch spot face is hilarious! Thank you for this look back!! 😊❤

[@daveshoemaker7137]

Thank you for rescuing her and the others! We have rescued several dogs that were saved from puppy mills and they were from Amish farms! It's all about the money for them! They will give up animals for bags of food! They seem to have no guilt over anything they do to animals! Have you ever tried the scratching posts for horses?

[@shellyross8283]

Freya is very happy and healthy! She seems very sassy at times! 🧡🧡

[@larrymunden1753]

She is one clever girl! Thank you for your loving care. 🐎💖

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Yes she is! Love her to pieces! Thank you for watching!

[@mango8918]

Julie...you are such a wonderful mom to all of these beautiful horses. Thanks for doing all that you do to give these gentle giants a home where they can live out their retirement lives in peace.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you! We appreciate you watching and for your support!

[@rodandjudibowen5665]

Hi Julie! Thanks for the nice video featuring Freya, your Giant All-Purpose Steed! Hope you really did have a nice Thanksgiving Day! Wahoo! 🤠🐴💓

[@elledriver1678]

thank you for all you do for these beautiful babies! They are so lucky to have you all!!

[@Liz_678]

She is beautiful ❤ The love given here is extraordinary!!

[@chichitex1252]

What a lovely video! Freya is quite the beauty and I’m happy you have her and protect her!❤❤❤

[@jacquelinebarnett3439]

Freya is stunning, really love her. I really like to hear the horses munching away at their hay. You have done an amazing job Julie.❤️

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you so much! We appreciate your support!

[@dragonwarrior9346]

Freya is so sweet ❤

[@maryreinhardt2120]

Julie, have you considered doing merchandise with pictures of the horses? Your pictures are beautiful, maybe put them on tshirts with the horses name

[@cathymyers2473]

A calendar!!!

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Yes! We are working on doing some shirts and I am working on featuring some of my photography of the horses on canvas.

[@shellyross8283]

@@FletcherFarmsAmarillo Julie, have you considered using the Communities on your channel to showcase some of your photography around the farm? It is easy to use and a great place for your subscribers to be able to see them. They are great.

[@rileyearl1]

Everything about Freya seems happy. She was practically prancing! I'm grateful for you guys and the good work you do.

[@idalolo1]

What a wonderful update on your girl, Freya! She is a precious and beautiful soul! Thank you, Julie!

[@Misskitty15]

Thanks for the wonderful video! So many happy horses & Freya is so cute with her scrachies 😊❤️. Good to see them all having a wonderful life! I'm glad you have one you can ride❤. I voted for your ranch & got others to vote too! 😁

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you so much! We appreciate your support!

[@jantaylor3788]

Love Freya and to see her improve And be happy! She is a sweetie.

[@13juju]

What a Perfect/Beautiful video of the herd, Freya is so strong and has pride, just like the rest, thank you!!!

[@christinematton4125]

Freya is adorable and very clever ❤

[@RC-vb1hz]

I enjoy these videos so much. Seeing the transition these horses make just amazes me.

[@ginamaria2579]

Yay, love her so much Fletcher Farms is such a blessing for amazing animals 🙏💕☺️

[@loz6795]

Such a beautiful natured girl 🥰

[@user-fz6vs4de9m]

I am impressed with your dedication. Thank you

[@beckyd712]

It's good to hear the birds from home. I actually feel warmer hearing the wind on the mic. LOL! I can hear Freya saying "Oh come on, where's your sense of adventure?" when she took off running.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

🤣 that’s probably exactly what she was saying however I’m water she isn’t very graceful. I was afraid she was going to slip.

[@judytinker3392]

Their personalities are beyond cute. They are so awesome and they have so much charm and horses smell amazing

[@macknine4461]

thank you

[@karenkay8928]

Freya - You are a beautiful girl. You look happy and well fed. I am so happy you were rescued from horrible situations. My family does not support any Amish business. It was mentioned in a comment that they are a cult. I agree. My son was caring for a rescued Amish buggy horse. They worked her so hard before her rescue. He made sure she had a good retirement. Her name was Queen, and we all treated her like one. RIP beautiful Queen. You are missed.

[@nancysimpson4246]

Beautiful absolutely gorgeous really enjoy your videos😊

[@caroldavis5877]

Shes a character❤

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Yes she is!!!

[@kimmiranda7955]

I was supposed to walk? Julie, why didn’t you say something sooner?!? That burst of energy was no accident. You know she has a mischievous side from her talent of playing in her water and standing in her feeder until it falls to pieces.

[@carmelduggan6547]

It's really wonderful to see how happy Freya is and how much she is now enjoying life after years of very hard work 🐴🐎🐴

[@shellyross8283]

At 22:40 Freya says “scratch right here, please.” 🧡🧡

[@maggiemartin4841]

Freya looks gorgeous and so at peace. Have to say i laughed when she took off with you, she still has spunk isn't that lovely. Thanks so much for the video, im so happy these horses have you and your team xo❤

[@lyzcairo1044]

What a transformation ❤

[@ellengriesmeyer4269]

She reminds me of a horse I once had. These videos deeply affect me soo much. Thank you for posting.

[@Iris_Germany]

Julie and Cory you are wonderful humans to rescue all this poor babies! ❤ love and greetings from Germany

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you! We appreciate your support!

[@annjohnson8437]

Freya is such a sweetheart! Thank you for giving her a safe and loving retirement! You guys are awesome! ❤

[@deborahferrari9233]

Thank you for saving Freya...you have a heart for horses. That makes all the difference!!

[@loisadams837]

Thank you for the update. Exactly what I needed to see! Freda is doing so well. It’s amazing to see how far and well she’s doing in retirement. I still get so upset that people can be so horrible to their loyal friends and unfortunately hard workers! Thank you!

[@loisadams837]

P.S. I know Freya’s name. Spellcheck doesn’t 🤣🤣

[@kathymazey1299]

Thank You for the update on Freya. She’s definitely got a silly side to her beautiful personality. Her different ways to scratch the different places are so adorable. You got some really awesome pictures of her.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@lauralake7430]

Omg, the faces she makes when shes getting groomed! So funny!

[@user-tl9bb3tf3p]

Such a precious video! Made me laugh... Made me cry! Thank you for being so gentle & peaceful & happy with her! Just so sweet!

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you so much!

[@CC-xk6cp]

Hi again JULIE What a gem she is! So happy you had gotten her cause she's a real sweetheart. Lots of smarts and personality. Thx as always for the update and happy to see you and all is going good there. Catcha next time.

[@dianeandorchidsatvictorharbor]

You and your organisation do wonders for these horses. I did think I would do this by email because I had doubts about raising my thoughts in the comments in case I got shouted down by other comments saying I was out of touch, or its a stupid idea. But I thought if my words helped in any way to spark ideas in your organizations board members or your subscribers then it was worth the risk. The photograph of Freya at 19:32 was superb and gave me a few thoughts on fundraising. Photographs or prints (like the calibre of 19:32 and the following shot) could be offered for sale or auction. Another thought was brought to mind by remembering a trip to the zoo on Jersey Island in the Channel Islands in the early 70's. Some of Jersey Zoo animals were sponsored by companies. Whether it was the total care or a yearly donation the plaque on the cage didn't say. Several approaches could be considered e.g. the company would sponsor the care of one horse for the year. They could be given a photo to hang at their company detailing their sponsorship. A group of employees could sponsor a horse for the year. This would probably be a bit more of an informal arrangement. Maybe someone you know works for a large company where the people in area they work in would donate a few dollars each week. As someone on a fixed income I do understand that in this financial climate this may not be feasible but it could be worth a try, or hopefully my thoughts may trigger some bigger/better ideas from one of your other subscribers.

[@shellyross8283]

I think that is a very interesting idea.

[@loralilaymon2618]

I cannot imagine keeping up with all the Idifferent personalities of your 'family'... Wow!!! I'm sure at times those big beautiful babies seem overwhelming... just remember they need you sooo very much...

[@staceyrees353]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@darlenestassen977]

I enjoyed the video that you posted on Freya! Her tail is so pretty! She seems so happy, and a good girl! Thanks for sharing, and for rescuing this sweet soul!

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you so much! We appreciate you watching and for your support.

[@user-ug3qq4py3i]

Horses work their entire lives for us. They give their hearts. They are stunning creatures. It's fitting to save them from the slaughter that's going on. For shame BLM! For shame auction houses that do their worst! No excuses!

[@naturegal-xq5li]

Shared public I'm so proud of you all. Thank You Thank God.. I don't approve of slaughter.. ..I don't eat flesh.. I've saw too much pain & death from vile humans... My heart overflows.,❤ Watching This....

[@tammyspurdle9208]

❤❤❤

[@DebbieAppelhans]

Thank you for recuse beautiful 😍 horses 🐎 ❤️ life's matter 🙏 angel 😊😊

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

You are so kind! Thank you for watching!

[@DebbieAppelhans]

@FletcherFarmsAmarillo thank you for recuse beautiful 😍 horses 🐎 us those beautiful 😍 horses 🐎 life's matter angels 🐕 😇 ❤️ 💜

[@catladynj]

Enjoyed the bare back video footage. Lol❤😊

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

lol that day she scared the heck out of me 🤣

[@DyanEsoap]

So happy Freya is with you and she looks wonderful! 🧡🧡🧡

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you!

[@shellyross8283]

The horses are living their best lives at Fletcher Farms. 💛💛

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you!

[@kmccarthy3760]

It's so nice to watch all this from England 🇬🇧 😍 ❤❤❤Thankyou

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you for watching!

[@JulieSims-ug8fi]

You’ll have a heart ❤️ of gold to help these horses from being killed they deserve a great life until there time comes all animals deserve a better life in years to come you’ll are there guardian angles thank you’ll again i breaks my heart really so sad that people are distroying such beautiful animals

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Agreed! We are working on a program to help save more of these horses!

[@Lonesome__Dove]

Freya has quite the personality!

[@jackiematheson105]

Animals need good care I love all animals.

[@KnightMoonShadow]

Are you sure she doesn't have scratches? You'd have to shave her legs to treat it. Probably keeping her legs free from all of the hair will help greatly, so it can get air.

[@59Alaskan]

Scratches.. ?

[@KnightMoonShadow]

Oddly the links and comments I posted about scratches has disappeared twice. You can look it up.

[@maribelfain9342]

You such big hearts 💕 you strong woman its alot of work god will bless you in journey with frea. ❤

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you so much!

[@dedwin8930]

Youre so lucky to have this life! A ton of work from you every day to keep them happy and healthy!!💞🇺🇸

[@michelleisker343]

I think they might like those roller brushes like at the car wash.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

We have tried to find an old used one from a car wash with no luck but Cory has an idea to make them a scratch post. Just need to add it to the project list 🤣

[@stephenanderson4605]

Wonderful to see the before and after pics. It shows all the love and care that you give. Thanks for sharing 10:54😊

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching! We appreciate your support.

[@user-fw5kd1hn2c]

Oh how far beautiful Freya has come from when you picked her up, she's such a gorgeous girl, loved the scratches, bless, it was nice, but a little teary seeing Finn, lived watching video. Have I missed your newest rescue donkey having her baby??? You and Cory do such amazing work for these rescue babies, your absolute angels, thank you. Luv Diane 🇬🇧.

[@loisloumis5088]

Thank you for the beautiful video. Freya is one sweet girl. Thank you for your hard work. 🤗

[@MiraGabriel9]

I watch all your videos from Sweden. Thanks for a wonderful update! Perhaps you could put a bitless bridle for Freya on your wishlist? Sending Freya lots of loving scratches. 💗💗

[@kmccarthy3760]

She's so clever indeed ❤❤❤❤Thankyou

[@aucuneideejsp8891]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Heaven on earth for the beautiful horses.

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

You are so kind! Thank you!

[@obiwankenobi6952]

What a beautiful Girl…look at her kind Eyes, after all they go through in their life they are still so trusting..❤❤❤

[@deborahharvey6017]

Would bet that she habituated cantering/galloping while being ridden by her previous owners children. It is what I did as a young child and have witnessed same at a nearby farm. Our horses seemed to enjoy the fun games and the ones I've watched at my now 60 plus year old self also seem to enjoy their playful cantering interactions with the children. She thought you'd enjoy the game. 🙂

[@user-ln8hp4vt5z]

Beautiful 🤩 thank you Hero’s 🙏🐎🙏.

[@nancyadamson286]

I'll bet Freya loved having you on her back, saw the puddle and thought you'd enjoy a romp thru a puddle as much as she does! Think of it as: Lucky You! Wish i could excercise her.😊

[@Lily_1010]

You could sell the pic at 19:36 for wall art, it's a gorgeous photo!

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Thank you! It’s one of my favorites! I have a few that I want to print to canvas and start selling on our website.