American country music legend Willie Nelson is not only famous for his braids and songs; he’s also a horse lover who rescues and advocates for the nation’s equines.
His 700-acre property in Spicewood, Texas is a safe haven for around 70 horses, many of whom the musician personally saved from slaughter.
In a recent interview with KSAT, Nelson talks about his passion for the animals.
“My horses are probably the luckiest horses in the world,” said Nelson. “They get hand-fed twice a day, and they were just ready to go to slaughter is probably the last thing they remembered, so they’re happy horses.”
The 86-year-old singer has spent decades raising awareness of America’s horses and has worked closely with several organizations dedicated to protecting and saving them.
In 2015, he received The People’s Silver Telly Award for his video, “The Love of Horses,” which featured organizations and individuals campaigning to stop the slaughter of the animals.
He and his family have also worked closely with the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) to protect wild horses, releasing a song where all proceeds went to AWI.
“I’m a little prejudiced when it comes to horses,” stated Nelson in a letter featured on the AWI website. “I have always loved them. I got involved eight years ago, when AWI first made me aware that American horses are being slaughtered and shipped overseas for human consumption. It’s a shame horses – or any animal – be treated this way when horses are the foundation of America.”
In 2013, Nelson partnered with Habitat for Horses to adopt out some of his Willie Signature Horses, finding them loving forever homes. He has adopted and fostered more than 75 horses for the organization in the past decade.
With the singer still going strong and performing throughout the country, his message will continue to be spread far and wide. In fact, an upcoming CD release features a song called “Ride Me Back Home,” which he says is all about his precious rescued horses.
God bless Willie Nelson for saving all those beautiful horses!!! Now they can live out their lives in peace and comfort.
GOD BLESS YOU WILLIE NELSON…YOUR HEROIC ACT WILL BE TO LAST FOREVER IN THE MINDS OF ANIMAL LOVERS. I am sure those majestic Horses must be bringing such a joy to your life as well. LOVE TO YOU FROM CANADA.
Willie Nelson, you are one cool guy; thank you for being such a compassionate man!!
They may be the foundation of the USA and they may tout they don’t slaughter horses in the USA however the amount of breeding that goes on for the race etc industry requires these animals to be dumped, and sadly countries like Mexico and Canada are willing to do the slaughter. The US gets to keep it’s hands clean, well sort of. This is a terrible plight for horses, breed, sold and then people who can’t afford them or don’t want them think all is well and then the beauties are on the slaughter pipeline, it’s sickening.
A very big thank you!
MY HUBBIES PHONE STATES WE HAVE 3 DAYS LEFT TO DONATE TO KEEP HORSES FROM SLAUGHTER. WHERE CAN i FIND A LINK TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS?
Obrigada por tudo, ser humano acima da MÉDIA! Atitudes q fazem a diferença, qnta nobreza.
Thank you Willie Nelson for saving the horses, and any other animals.
God bless you Willie!!! Your a hero for these horses ☺️
Bless your heart, Mr. Nelson. I’ve always loved your music and voice. You are a great and compassionate man. Thank you so much for caring.
A great singer and a great unselfish person.
Thank you, Willie Nelson!
Thanku Willie Nelson you are a true hero. 🐴🐎❤❤❤
A giant of decency, compassion and humanity. Thank you Willie for your dedication and passion for those beautiful creatures.
Willie Nelson is a truly wonderful person!