Unbelievable horse transformation after being rescued by Little Buckets Farm Sanctuary

Update: This video being almost 2 years old, it is one that keeps getting viewed so I wanted to post an update here as well. On September 8th, 2021, we lost our sweet Sterling. He passed suddenly and unexpectantly. To say I am devastated is an understatement. I have put together a tribute video to him that is now posted (Sept 13th). As hard it is to watch, Sterling only got more handsome as time went on though I don't know how it was possible as he was so handsome and beautiful. I hope everyone will continue to watch his transformation and now tribute video as he was an absolute amazing horse. He will be forever missed and loved.
Sterling's transformation! With the help of you guys, we rescued Sterling back in February last minute to save him from being shipped to slaughter. And look at him now!!❤ So unbelievably handsome and incredibly sweet! ❤
I was told he was 18. He was so sick in quarantine! He didn't want to eat! But he fought hard. So thankful for his care in QT. ❤ He had a long way to go after he arrived, still underweight, patches of hair missing, flaky dry skin but was such a sweet horse from day 1 here at Little Buckets! We got him lots of food, many baths, the care he needed and look at him now. And the vet thinks he is at least 30 years old. ❤ Gorgeous black, weight back on, and loving life!! And became best friends with Chief, Chester, and Trigger! I love this boy SO much!❤ I was drawn to him as soon as I saw his picture and I am so thankful we were able to save him!!❤
His 6 month transformation is worth the watch! You wouldn't recognize Sterling if you didn't know, my vet said she would have never known he was the same horse if I didn't tell her. ❤🐴❤
Thank you so much for your support and love for Sterling! We can save lives together!❤
Follow Little Buckets Farm Sanctuary -
Instagram: littlebucketsfarmsanctuary
Facebook: littlebucketsfarmsanctuary
Our website: www.littlebucketsfarmsanctuary.org

[@humangecko]

Who would have thought that Black Beauty was hidden under that scraggly coat and bony frame? Amazing work.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much. He is so handsome and special.

[@tegoblue]

I thought "Black Beauty" right away too.

[@mustafaaladagl7793]

vblo z n 😄😦

[@neminem9118]

6:00 so schöne gesunde und glückliche pferde ... 😍

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Pretty darned spry for over 30! Well done rescuers!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Awww Thank you!

[@Aristotles.daughter]

God Bless you for being so good with Nature. God Bless You.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Aww thank you!

[@maisiefreeman8597]

Such a handsome man! He looks so happy now, with his luscious mane and gleaming coat, running around the meadow with friends. Thank you for rescuing him - he clearly appreciates it. :)

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you, he is an amazing, sweet horse!

[@tomasd7540]

You brought back life into this horse. That alone is a huge accomplishment. To do the work you do? I’d be waking up everyday smiling. Thank you. 🙏🏼❤️

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Aww thank you so much, it is not easy every day but definitely very rewarding and very worth it!

[@Marionpm1]

He is a pacer, not a trotter. Good luck with him he is beautiful. Ty for saving him

[@kingdomfreedom8323]

Truly reminds that special story acquainting the young horse lover's intellect and heart's feeling, with the plight of horses. Their side of the story told. Horses not a thing insensible surroundings but a personality presented, loving in devoted, often gratefully a part of who we are. Series associated with humane treatment in time written for the benefit of all horses. A real blk beaut, quite a leader in spirit.

[@natasharostova5859]

His canter is pacey, but I didn't see him pace. Stop the vid at 2:53; Sterling is trotting. My guess is Saddlebred or grade saddlebred; could be Standardbred b/c he does move wide behind; whatever he is, he's precious & a real trooper.

[@unseelie63]

@@natasharostova5859 I was thinking he was a gaited horse,myself,watching his movement.A beautiful boy.Sad to read the accompanying notes that he had passed away,but glad that his remaining time was happier and healthier and full of love.

[@pikachu7118]

Look what yous have done to this horse, amazing kind and caring people, this horse looks totally different due to the love and hard work you all have put in to changing his life. Well done, I wish there were more people like you. He’s beautiful. 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Aww that is incredibly kind. Thank you so much! We sure love Sterling! He is so sweet and handsome!!

[@SoaringSpirit1111]

He so reminds me of my rescue boy of 4 years. He was at a feedlot & had only days, I was told he was 15. Well we have had a journey together. Your boy looks like he might be an apendix like mine, they both have a ranch brand. I've searched every state to no avail. But like your beautiful boy, mine turns out to be in his late 20s, about 27 now. With good nutrition & care they blossom. I wouldn't trade him for the world. God bless your rescue & what you do. Its hard work but so rewarding -:) He moves very soundly & I love how he flags his tail when trotting/ running. My boy Shiloh says hi -:)

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Aww thank you for sharing. Sterling and I send big hugs to you and Shiloh. Sterling is incredibly sweet and handsome and we love him so much!

[@robertmuller3145]

Just another awesome story, I love these monsters

[@Anna-fl3sv]

Omg, you gave it back it spirit. 💞💞💞

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you!!

[@cultfan5227]

A beautiful horse ! Thank you for saving him.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you!

[@nicem8746]

You did a great job with him. Thank you. I heard the donkey in the background thanks for that too,♥️❤️💕

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!

[@ToLoveTruth]

To think that a gorgeous boy like this could come to his later years so terribly neglected...it’s heartbreaking. But he found you! And now he gets to live out his years loved and showered with kindness and enjoying all of his new found friends...what a wonderful happy ever after. Little Buckets Farm Sanctuary, you all are worth your weight in gold...truly you are...thank you for all you do for these precious creatures...God bless your beautiful hearts! ❤️🙏🏻

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Aww so incredibly kind. Thank you!

[@magnus9165]

That is how a happy healthy horse acts.

[@sdeshera]

Its like watching black beauty finally ho home and retire! Sterling is so happy and stunningly gorgeous .

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Awww thank you so much!

[@sdeshera]

@@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary Thank you for your rescue work, and for sharing this beautiful story. There's far too much ugliness in the world, the good , kind and wonderful needs to be given much more attention!

[@gj9736]

Gorgeous, just gorgeous! What a transformation this gelding went through in a very short time. It shows what loving care can accomplish in an animal that was uncared for by someone that should have never owned this beautiful creature to begin with. It just warms my heart as a horse lover of 74 years and that has loved horses my entire life and still to this day will advocate for them, to see this horse and its companions so happy, running and playing together and just being horses, the way it is ment to be. What a wonderful sight to behold, thank you so much for sharing this video of this geldings transformation, it gives me hope in humanity and that there are still people out there like you that do care about an other living being! ❤️😊 How I wish that I was young again and to be around those majestic creatures. I miss touching them, smelling them, I miss their nickers and their velvety soft noses. Oh how I miss those days. 😔

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Awww so very sweet and horses are truly amazing. Sterling sends big horse hugs to you!!! Thank you!!

[@gj9736]

@@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary thanks I can use those hugs! 😊 Didn't see your response until just now because I was busy unpacking since we moved. Yes I am a die hard horse lover as far back as I can remember. Horses are magical to me and I love just watching them unsaddled and unbridled, running free! I cherish the memories I have when I still was around those incredible beautiful creatures, that is something I will always have locked away in my memory and that will stay there until I am gone. Thank you so, so much for being so kind and loving to the horses you are able to rescue, for giving them a place to flourish, to recuperate from abuse and neclect and where these magnificent beings get to experience that not all humans are bad. God bless you for all you are doing. 😊❤️❤️❤️

[@DivineMizE]

With his tail up and that smooth trot, he looks like a Tennessee Walker. Gorgeous. The before pictures, he looks like an very ordinary horse. Not any more! 😍

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Awww thank you! Tennessee Walker was what his papers said from the auction. He is truly amazing horse - inside and out!

[@virginiadonnelly1031]

So beautiful!! So sad to think of all the other beautiful creatures that weren't saved.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you! Yes I think of all the ones that don't get help everyday of my life.

[@vicksterhill3657]

The world needs more souls like yours.. 🥰 He looks amazing 💜

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Awww thank you!

[@triciamarie6906]

Wow! He is Beautiful AND sweet! Love watching him run with that tail up!! Thank you for rescuing him and for all you do !! 💕🐎💕

[@RuthAnnnMorris]

Thank you for what you do for this majestic animal… I’d of never thought that possible after the first picture, and he adores you for it too!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Aww - Thank you very much! He is a sweetheart!

[@gaylemora1390]

Thanks for saving him

[@KimmieKayy]

It’s black beauty, ginger and merrylegs !

[@sandrabeck8788]

Exactly what I thought!

[@hennagal7360]

Bless you for the kindness you have shown - and for taking the time to show people the love and joy a horse can feel in these films - watching in the UK 🌎🤗

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Aww thank you so much!

[@scheherazadenoir5950]

30??! WOW! Your place is a paradise by the way.😍 And Sterling sure comes running when he sees you. You're a lucky lucky lady.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much and yes when he runs over, it is such a great feeling, every single time! :)

[@scheherazadenoir5950]

@@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary 💖 Back at ya', you're a good soul, extra hugs to Sterling

[@debndogs2208]

He is magnificent and so happy with his beautiful friends - I hope he lives with you forever 🐴💕

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much and he absolutely will.

[@emj342]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@brendaleverick3655]

So heartwarming! Bless you for rescuing and helping him. You're an angel! 😇

[@s1nd3r3llee]

Such a sweet hearted and beautiful boy! You have done wonders with helping his beauty and spirit come back! He looks so happy now, and grateful, too. Thank YOU, for having such a good heart for helping animals that need it! ❤️

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much for your kindness!

[@denisedspain7991]

Love when they are all bucking and skipping around. So cute!

[@SandraVanLankvelt]

God Bless you for rescuing this neglected horse that you cared for and brought him back to a beautiful horse for as long as he lived. It's a good thing to know your love and care more than likely were the best years of his life. Thank you for all you do for these rescue horses. They deserve better than how they were treated prior to coming to your ranch. Rest in peace Sterling and God allowed that through the love of Little Bucket Sanctuary. Miracles happen every day.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you for your kindness❤️🙏 Sterling was an absolute amazing horse and I miss him every single day!!🙏🐴

[@SandraVanLankvelt]

@@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary I understand your loss and pain. 8/4/22 my Golden Retriever of just a couple months shy of 13 years old passed away. Part of our hearts do go with them for sure and I understand your pain. God's Blessings.

[@kimmyframpton]

Oh, he looks smooth! My fave ride is a pacing horse!

[@k.wilki0392]

I think you took 20 years off of him❣️ There aren’t enough heroes like you in the world with so many Sterlings out there. I’d love to know who’s brand that is. I believe 1000% that breeders are responsible for any animal they bring into this world. The few times I bred my Champion Dobermans, 4 out of my 5 page contract was regarding the legalities of returning my puppies to me in the event their new families could no longer care for them. I.D. chips HAD to have my name and contact information registered along with the new owner for life! My part could not be changed. If Sterling was of my breeding I’d want to know what happened to him. God Bless you for what you do for these innocent creatures❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much. We did a little research on the brand and hadn't turned up anything yet.

[@kingdomfreedom8323]

Responsible breeders are diamonds.

[@kingdomfreedom8323]

@@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary Head is formed so noble, affectionately friendly, in kindly trusting eye, just blossomed like a fragrant flower unfolding, looks to be a champion.

[@debbiethomas3687]

The world needs more people like you.

[@cindyj5522]

he is just gorgeous. was he a retired racer? glad he has a home where he can pace to his heart's content without the whip and buggy chasing him.

[@carmenb4455]

Fabulous transformation, those horses are sooooo happy together it's a joy to watch. Well done, love rescue stories like this.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Aww thank you so much!

[@annepountney5155]

I wish all people would care for their animals. This boy looks amazing from the start of his rescue. Thankyou for giving him a new wonderful life.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you for your kind words

[@phyllisnunn2061]

OMG just INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! What a beautiful spirit, too!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

thank you so much, he is an awesome horse and sweet, sweet, sweet!

[@maga2550]

That is a house like Black Beauty!!! And it looks like my dead mare Sharon..... Thank you for helping this lovely horse! Greetings from germany

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Hi back to you in Germany. :)

[@gingerbiscuit4871]

Such a happy herd, so playful and Sterling is really agile for his age. Lovely video TFS.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much!

[@susanhenshaw622]

You are an Angel....what a beautiful boy!🇨🇦Could watch him happy all day!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

You are so kind. thank you!

[@thefairyqueen369]

Bless you for your love and care of these majestic creatures. Horses are so intelligent and highly spiritual. They are predominantly old souls!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you! Yes horses are amazing!!

[@arrinagreek6369]

I am in love with that sweet fellow! Thank you so much for rescuing him! ♥️♥️♥️

[@lindalala5813]

Good on you! Anyone who takes care of these precious animals has God's Blessing and my thanks. Thank you for sharing!

[@3554ELM]

God bless you for bringing such happiness to that horse.❤❤❤❤💐💐💐💐💐💐🌹🌷💕💫✨

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

❤️🙏🐴

[@thinkinoutloud.1]

He is mixed breeding, he is also very pretty. Nice temperament, fine horse. What an amazing transformation. Look at his beautiful shiny coat. You cared for him very well. Good job!

[@user-bx7nw1ve6y]

Good for you guys! What this world needs is fewer breeders and more rescuers.

[@ps603]

He is beautiful & wants to show how happy he is now.

[@riazghuman8698]

A true determination, love and good care is required to reach on this level of success, happiness and satisfaction. Extremely excellent job done by you.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

So very kind thank you so much❤️🐴

[@riazghuman8698]

@@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary, i didn't see you, only heard your voice and saw what you did, is more than enough for me to believe that you are very Beautiful person, in and out both. Its a privilege to hear and see what you are and what you do. Thank you for sharing and giving me the opportunity to see and feel such wonderful experience.

[@lindabright515]

Wow, what am incredible job you've done. He looks incredible and so happy. Thankyou for all you do for these beautiful majestic animals.🐴🐎🦄🦓💖

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much! So kind.

[@carboumen7661]

Preciosos todos . 😍

[@christinecawood2358]

Thank you so much for rescuing him...I hope you keep him so that no other human can let him down again.. x

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Absolutely! He is at is forever home! Thank you

[@lisalutzke1558]

Such a nice job. He looks great. So happy. He thank you.😊🐴

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!

[@dalefdykstra5116]

God bless you and your hard work to all these beautiful horse hugs to you and all of them to!!!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!

[@kristn6513]

That's a gorgeous girl. As is the facility. Thank you for rescuing & sorry I said mare.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!

[@JustJ.]

What a gorgeous horse! I can only dream of owning one..

[@louisesorensen9916]

So sorry for your loss. He was an incredibly sweet and beautiful boy. You gave him a happy ending. ❤

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you🙏💔 He was absolutely the best❤️🐴

[@annetteheat4110]

Wow he looks gorgeous. He has kind eyes. Well done you are doing a great job.😎🐴🐎

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Many thanks! So appreciated

[@elenacaddell3639]

Beautiful boy

[@jalenewarner9514]

He sure is handsome

[@kirrosh]

He is so lovely!!! Thank you so much for posting this. Watching Sterling and his friends prance around happily literally brought tears to my eyes. It is so moving!!! Thank you so much for doing what you’re doing. I hope you fall upon a fortune so that you can keep doing it for more and more wonderful animals ❤️🐰🤗🐰❤️

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!!❤❤❤

[@jeanfish7]

@@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary this boy looks Morgan....do you ride him at all? His gaits look. Like silk. 💘

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

@@jeanfish7 He is an amazing horse. Told he was a Tennessee Walking Horse who was 18 when I rescued him. However my vet believes he is at least 30 years old however he does not act it. We do believe he has some arthritis. So we just let him enjoy walking and running at his own pace in the field. :) Thank you!

[@jeanfish7]

@@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary I guess I can see TWH...the one I rode was 15.3H...how tall is this boy? I was just impressed by that trot!:)

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

​@@jeanfish7 I believe he is 15.1. My memory is slipping me right now. :) Yes beautiful trot! I love to watch him move!

[@bobbic9742]

What a difference!! Beautiful love and attention food and companionship. Great turn around. Great job and video💕💕❤️❤️

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

So kind. Thanks so much.

[@rosariocisneros4293]

He is so Beautiful!!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!

[@sc-ty7zs]

Bless you for saving him. Wonderful people. xx

[@nancybrouse5070]

Beautiful animals, but little horse needs a little friend. God Bless your work.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thanks - Chester loves the big boys and is extremely close with Sterling. Not that we won't ever rescue another miniature horse, we sure would when we are able to.

[@fldeejay68]

I don't want to imagine his life before you saved him. At least now his life is rainbows and sunsets and friends and love! What a great gift you give these animals! Thank you for all you do and for sharing 💜🙏

[@fldeejay68]

Great job on the video by the way! I love the horses running and Chester running with the big boys always makes me laugh!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

@@fldeejay68 Thank you so much :)

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you for all your support and love!

[@lizziesangi1602]

He runs right up to you, when he sees you and this video reminds me of the James Taylor song 🎶 YOU GOT A FRIEND Awesome to see him run and kick up his heels with the other guys ❣🐎

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

He truly is a sweetheart!

[@trautegoede1132]

What a wonderful horse! And wonderful, that you safed him!

[@marterisher2335]

I LOVE his fancy boy trot. Stirling know his worth!!!

[@carlosvega6588]

Que bueno que todavia ai personas con un Buen Corazon ase falta mas personas como ustedes 😄🎠

[@fairwitness7473]

He carries himself like an Arabian with that trail. What a beautiful boy!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you!

[@shanemorley7143]

He's beautiful!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much Shane!

[@susanaufiero5071]

I just loved watching this video thank you so much for saving this beautiful boy he is sooooo happy and looks fantastic - loved your other hoses and pony too!!

[@gingercox6468]

He is showing his joy that you rescued him.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

So sweet. Thanks!

[@toddgeisinger2634]

Thank you for saving the horses amen

[@justsayin7317]

It always amazes me what a little TLC can accomplish. Well done for giving this magnificent creature such a good life.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!

[@darilynadams7281]

Thankyou for looking after the lovely horses. From an Aussie.

[@ninakrzyzanskinaturfotografie]

Thank you!!!

[@lisatopham4249]

Well done to you ! What a happy healthy herd ,keep up your wonderful work ,your the real horse people ,lots of love from Cornwall x

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!

[@dalefdykstra5116]

He brings out the spunky in all the horses and ponies

[@johnkirby4290]

Thank you for caring. I wish I could send you a bus load of Love 💗💜💗❤️🧡💚♥️💙

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

So sweet! Thank you!

[@stephaniecimorose9421]

Thank you!! He’s soo happy, healthy and loved!!

[@robertabellman9330]

… ~ ♥️ ~ …. Hope Does Amazing Things !!

[@bannmeier]

Huge difference ❣️.

[@lorilafler1282]

Just found your channel. Beautiful transformation . All your horses are beautiful.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Aww thank you so much. So happy you found us. :)

[@ijustwanttosleepnow]

What an incredible transformation.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thanks, he is an amazing boy!

[@EvansBrosRacing]

The way he runs to you shows how much you mean to him , awesome job , I know your heart must feel it every time he comes running , mine sure does , just watching it !

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

It absolutely does. He is so sweet and was so sweet from the first moment. We love him so much! Thank you!

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Amazing recovery! Glad you rescued this oldtimer to give him all the love he deserves in his golden years!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you! He is a very special horse!

[@DUCKWALK_74]

So awesome to see how far he has come and how happy he is with his heard

[@leajohnson8441]

He was so handsome so sorry for your loss.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you, he was amazing🙏❤️

[@heatherblakeway9590]

Years ago i picked a horse up for rspca & brought back he was just skin on bone black 4 white socks blaze. My god he turned into a stunner but was a long road. Went on to jump at hickstead uk anazing. To this day i remember his bravery & humbled by the trama he must have gone through to rise above it & trust a human being again so intensly. Was so proud of him. Well done indeed.

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you and thank you for your wonderful story. It is amazing how they do trust after being treated so horridly. I know with Sterling - the trust and sweetness was immediate which was so unbelievable as I know he was not feeling well.

[@oakleyutter2750]

Oh my gosh… First time I watched your KZbin… Now I’m subscribed… What a transformation! Congratulations… You have a wonderful happy horse… To join all your other happy horses!

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!! And thanks for subscribing!!

[@DebsInManchesterUK]

aww lovely outcome beautiful horses running free

[@jenlocorriere2888]

I have noticed this myself over time watching him on your videos. He looks amazing ❤️

[@sprites0da]

what a happy gorgeous boy

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thanks so much

[@kennethleonard5329]

I love these stories I could watch them all day

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you! He is a special one!

[@kingdomfreedom8323]

All for the want of love, as care given not neglected, in trouble taken to provide in preserve and just when you're not looking for anything majesty appears before us.

[@stewyoung8523]

Great job. Love that strut.

[@danamelby4090]

Awesome transformation he beautiful

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thank you so much!

[@jacksg1809]

Well done he's a credit to u ,he's Def happy 😍❤️❤️❤️

[@LittleBucketsFarmSanctuary]

Thanks so much!

[@reneewebb448]

Just love it .thank you for sharing.