Fletcher Farms Amarillo

05/31/2026

Shipping day is always one of the hardest days in rescue work. It's the day the clock runs out. It's the day that separates the ones who make it from the ones who don't. And no matter how many times we do this, it never gets easier.
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This week, we got the call no one ever wants to be too late for.
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Mare Lot #284 arrived alongside Gelding Lot #286, a horse we were fortunate enough to bring home last week. But #284 had no one coming for her. No pledges, no rescue lined up, no one fighting for her corner. So the lot called us directly and asked if we could take her. Without hesitation, we said yes. Because that's what we do. Every animal deserves a chance, and we were not going to let her run out of time without a fight.

At the same time, an incredible sponsor stepped up in the biggest way. Four jennies had come into the lot together, two bonded pairs who had relied on each other through what must have been an incredibly frightening experience. But in the final hours, both bonded pair were separated, leaving their friend behind. Separated from their friends, their companions, the ones they had leaned on, they were now alone, scared, and running out of time. When our sponsor heard their story, they didn't hesitate. They covered the bail for both jennies.

Then we received a call that stopped us cold.

One of the jennies had passed away before we could get to her. We are absolutely heartbroken. She was so close to making it. She had someone fighting for her.

In her memory, the funds that had been designated for her bail were not wasted. They were redirected with purpose and are now helping to save Lot #1179, a gelding missing an eye and giving another animal the second chance she never got to have.

And because we simply cannot do an end of the month rescue without an extra traveler, we are also rescuing a beautiful registered Percheron from Bowie Texas Livestock. These big, gentle giants so often go overlooked, and we are so grateful to be able to open our doors to him as well.

These rescues are only possible because of YOU. The sponsors who step up, the donors who give what they can, the followers who share our posts and spread the word, you are the reason these animals make it home. You are the reason we can say yes when the lot calls. You are the reason that trailer has a full load of survivors instead of animals left behind.

We are currently running a fundraiser to cover the bail and transport costs for all of these rescues. Every dollar makes a difference. Every share saves a life.

www.bighooffoundation.org

05/25/2026

Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is a time to remember the sacrifices made for our freedom and to reflect with gratitude.

May we never forget those who served with courage, strength, and selflessness. 🇺🇸

🇺🇸❤️

05/23/2026

Yes… I’m absolutely a helicopter horse mom.

If you ever wonder why I always have my phone out filming the horses, it’s because something is ALWAYS happening around here. The sweet moments, the funny moments, the chaos, the drama, the zoomies… I never want to miss it.

Half the time I’m recording because they’re being adorable, and the other half I’m recording because I just know nobody would believe me otherwise.

If you love keeping up with the horses and want even more behind-the-scenes videos, updates, and exclusive content, come join our Patreon family! We share all the day-to-day moments that don’t always make it to social media.

https://www.patreon.com/FletcherFarmsAmarillo817



Trust me… there’s never a dull moment around this herd.

05/23/2026

In just a few short weeks, Noah will celebrate the 3rd anniversary of his rescue. Noah arrived at rescue in June 2023 from the Bowie Livestock Auction as tag #136. Estimated to be 21 years old, Noah now spends his days enjoying a well-earned retirement.

He’s an old soul who loves to relax, observe the antics of the other rescue animals, and simply enjoy the peaceful life he deserves.

If you’d like to help support Noah’s ongoing care, you can sponsor him here:
https://www.bighooffoundation.org/product-page/sponsor-noah

05/22/2026

Unfortunately, this was one of OUR posts that was stolen and reposted by scammers. This is exactly how people get deceived on social media.

Please be careful before donating to any fundraiser or nonprofit page online. Always research first and verify that you are using official links. Scammers often copy real content, logos, and photos to make fake pages appear legitimate.

For your protection, please ONLY donate through our official website and verified links connected directly to our nonprofit. That is the safest way to ensure your donation is truly helping the people and mission you intend to support.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support us and helps spread awareness about these scams.

www.bighooffoundation.org

05/22/2026

Big news!

BREAKING: Today, the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced language that would bar the transportation of horses for slaughter for human consumption in the US and abroad.

Each year, more than 20,000 American horses are trucked to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico, where they are brutally butchered for their meat using ineffective stunning methods that can leave them conscious during dismemberment.

The bipartisan amendment to the Committee’s five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill, led by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), would close the legal loophole that permits this practice, achieving the same policy goal as the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act.

AWI joins the ASPCA, Return To Freedom, Wild Horse Conservation, The Wild Beauty Foundation, and advocates throughout the country in urging Congress to bring this widely supported measure across the finish line.

📸: Alisha

05/22/2026

Most people have no idea that donkeys are still caught in the slaughter pipeline connected to the United States and Mexico.

While official USDA records often group horses, donkeys, and mules together as “equines,” tens of thousands of American equines are transported across the border into Mexico for slaughter every year. In 2024 alone, more than 17,000 U.S. equines were shipped to Mexico for slaughter, according to published USDA and animal welfare data. In previous years, the numbers exceeded 50,000–100,000 annually.

Donkeys are especially vulnerable worldwide.

Globally, an estimated 5–6 million donkeys are slaughtered every year, largely for their skins used in the ejiao trade. Demand for donkey skins has become so extreme that donkey populations in multiple countries have drastically declined.

That is one of the reasons Big Hoof Foundation rescues donkeys alongside Belgian draft horses.

In fact, our farm technically started because of a donkey named Jack.

Years ago, we found Jack on Craigslist. What started as helping one donkey in need became the foundation for everything we do today. Jack opened the door to a mission centered around compassion, second chances, and lifelong sanctuary for hardworking equines who deserved better.

Donkeys are often overlooked, underestimated, and discarded when they are no longer useful. But anyone who has spent time around them knows they are intelligent, deeply emotional, loyal animals who form powerful bonds with people and other animals.

Whether it’s a retired Belgian draft horse or a donkey like Jack, they all deserve safety, dignity, proper care, and a peaceful retirement home.

When you support Big Hoof Foundation, you help provide feed, farrier care, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, shelter, and lifelong sanctuary for equines who have spent their lives working for humans.

Because every hardworking animal deserves the chance to finally rest.

www.bighooffoundation.org



Big Hoof Foundation

05/21/2026

What an emotional week this has been. We originally set out to rescue two geldings and a beautiful Percheron mare from the kill pen in McLean, Texas on our last fundraiser.

Before we could make it there, we received the heartbreaking news that the mare passed away on Sunday. We are devastated that we couldn’t save her in time.

Because of the incredible support and donations from so many kind people, we were able to put the money raised toward saving another horse in need.

Instead of two, three geldings received their freedom ride and are now safe here on our farm.

These boys now have a second chance at life because of each and every one of you.

Thank you for standing with us, believing in rescue, and helping save these precious lives. Your support truly made the difference.

If you would like to support their care and feed please consider donating at www.bighooffoundation.org

05/21/2026

Our two rescued horses from Wisconsin arrived late last night, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome them home.

While they were being boarded together waiting for transport, they formed such a special bond and quickly became best friends. After everything they’ve been through, it’s beautiful to see them find comfort in each other.

We’re so excited to give them the peaceful retirement they deserve full of love, soft pasture, and a safe place to simply be horses. We can’t wait to share their journey with all of you.

05/19/2026

Today, two beautiful horses a giant Belgian Draft horse and a Percheron we rescued from Southern Wisconsin officially started their freedom ride to Amarillo.

We had a delay with transport, but everything is finally back on track and they are safely on their way home. If all goes as planned, these two amazing horses should be here by tomorrow!

We are beyond grateful to every single person who came together to help make this rescue possible. From donations and shares to transport coordination and encouragement, it truly takes a village.

Thank you for helping give these horses the second chance they deserve. We can’t wait to welcome them home.