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.fletcherfa...
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!

[@peggyradeck9140]

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

[@FletcherFarmsAmarillo]

Agreed!

[@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💕✌

[@joemurphy710]

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

[@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!

[@melviadinsmore38]

Thank you for all you do for the babies. They are so sweet.

[@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.

[@gjalameda6686]

These have got to be the sweetest horses I've ever seen in spite of years of hard work they still trust people. They melt my heart. I am so impressed by your dedication and compassion. .

[@Cathy-cs4hh]

Poor Liam. What a sweetheart. I sure feel his arthritis pain. Praying that he gets good pain control 🙏🏼

[@chrisboone8569]

Its so sad that people just use up these beautiful majestic animals and then just throw them away thank you all for taking them in and showing them kindness and love.😢

[@littlebird8837]

Such a sweet boy...you're good people!! ❤️🐴🙏

[@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 🥰🥰

[@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.

[@lynn7086]

I understand.My heartbreak every time they bring a new horse home.

[@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…. ❤️❤️👍🏼‼️

[@SG-vu4qy]

what a beautiful soul he is. thank you for saving him. he's in great hands. if you research hot castor oil packs, it is miraculous on arthritis. takes pain away.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 😊.

[@obiwankenobi6952]

What a poor Horse….work till you die or get killed, with constant paine he will have an upset stomach already…I love the Belgian Draft, their Eyes are so soft and sweet ❤❤❤❤

[@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.

[@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....

[@judiscallan769]

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

[@kirstensocialbutterfly6025]

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

[@dianeowens415]

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

[@barbaraness4507]

I started to tear up as soon as I saw him trying to walk!

[@Janmification]

What a beautiful animal. And pretty quiet. I hope he is able to be made more comfortable quickly.

[@deborahbush6320]

Awe that broke my heart to see him in pain standing in he trailer 😢

[@caroledavis3741]

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

[@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 😊

[@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.

[@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. ❤

[@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 ❤️🥰!

[@maryogran165]

He is adorable. You and Cory are heroes 🐎

[@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.

[@d.g.n9392]

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

[@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.😊

[@deborahrich2666]

That poor handsome boy…

[@lynn7086]

Poor Boy.I feel for him. I onow a lot of people's with Arthritis. Poor Boy was drugged at the previous place. I hate horse abuse of any kind. I was reading an article last month where Horse Racing in the United State is down a lot for a number of reason.Thsnk god.

[@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.

[@christinegothard2776]

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

[@karenlindstrom516]

Thank you for saving this gorgeous boy.❤❤

[@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 💜✌️💕🐴🌞

[@CarnivoreStork]

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

[@nancychace8619]

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

[@marygarrett9724]

Some are just like other people

[@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!

[@genlovell4662]

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

[@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 💯

[@clarepaynick789]

Poor Baby❣️ hope he heals and feels better soon.

[@heatherjohn2047]

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

[@maryfitzgerald8229]

Magnificent being! Beautiful

[@PAMELAPORTER-ci7mr]

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

[@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!

[@jacquelinebarnett3439]

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

[@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.

[@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!!?

[@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!

[@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.

[@msuestiegemeier7618]

What a Beautiful Boy ❣️

[@emj342]

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

[@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.

[@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.❤❤❤❤

[@annereidy7981]

So happy he's in your hands!

[@ginamaria2579]

He’s absolutely amazing 💕

[@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!! ❤❤❤❤

[@clarepaynick789]

Thank you for taking such good care of him❣️

[@JA51711]

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

[@lindawashington500]

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

[@kevinheath7588]

Its fantastic seeing how this channel is growing in subscribers and richly deserved ❤ It takes a village to raise and support such cases you are taking on. Thank you for everything you are doing its beautiful. Happy Easter to everyone at Fletcher Farms 😊❤

[@beckyd712]

*Thank goodness You were the person to take this big beautiful fella home! Love and Light+Blessed Be!* ps It might be easier for him to eat if his food was up higher-I noticed he has to lean all his weight forward to get his head down to the food.

[@samanthadillard2853]

It seems like you know he's like okay you guys are going to take care of me so I'm just going to lay here and let you do it because this feels good to be taken care of

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@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!

[@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

[@debragiannetti9755]

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

[@cstarv]

Poor horse, they must have loaded him up on drugs to get him to move when they were showing him for sale. I know it's common at auctions to do this but it really shouldn't be allowed. I hope he can be made comfortable, he's such a magnificent horse

[@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 ♥♥♥♥

[@cynthiarogers2904]

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

[@hejnye]

doing that little two step constantly...getting him to the Vet was the best thing, thanks for everything you do at your farm, you are a jewel.

[@judithfryer7024]

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

[@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.

[@tinaa2437]

He could not be with better people. Bless you

[@ThirdEyeThrifter]

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

[@yougottabekiddiing]

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

[@pepeboy234]

On the original video of Liam, when the guy was leading him around, I noticed that his feet did not look good and I thought he may have had something wrong with his shoes or an infection, but it was apparently his legs. Nevertheless, I would also recommend that you get a top notch farrier to work on his feet. It can make a huge difference for the probems in his legs and making sure that he has the best advantage if his feet are in good shape and making sure he has the proper shoes can also help. If the shoes are too small it will impact the way he stands, which will put more pressure on the bones in his legs resulting in more pain

[@renayeblack5906]

God bless you, Julie your husband, Cory and your precious friends ( the board). :) I am so grateful to all of you, wonderful souls!! And, am praying for the very best outcome for Liam & Lucky( in the Mighty name of Jesus). Thank you!!!! 🐎🐴🐎

[@forsythia33]

what a cutie!!

[@juttakosielowsky6942]

I had drafts. When they scratching his hind legs he might has scratches, sebhoria?

[@stevischermi6409]

The horse you named Liam was drugged for the sale. I am disheartened and disgusted by the things that are done for money with animals

[@sallyannesmith3607]

He's so handsome. It's so sweet of you to take on such a damaged horse. I hope the new guy recovers quickly.

[@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.

[@lynnmanning2795]

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

[@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❤❤

[@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 💜

[@daledykstra8898]

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

[@daledykstra8898]

It’s a shame they can’t give him cortisone to breakup the extra calcium to make his leg more flexible

[@dekelly58]

I love that you do so much for these horses and that your husband gave his heart to keep them alive. If we are ever in Amarillo I would love to come say hi to these beautifully handsome horses. Would that be okay? I love your videos and the support you receive. I can pray in support. I sit here in tears for all you do. God bless you, your husband and the animals.

[@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! 🤠🐎🐎💞

[@KEarllongJr]

So happy a new update love what you are doing 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@maggiehenderson8913]

So glad he can get some pain relief ❤️

[@NLNL00]

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