12/30/2024
Willie Nelson Saved 70 Horses from Slaughter and Granted Them Freedom on His Ranch
Beyond his fame as a musician, Willie Nelson is celebrated for his unwavering dedication to horses. Demonstrating his commitment, he rescued 70 horses from the brink of slaughter, allowing them to graze freely on his sprawling 700-acre Texas ranch.
When not touring, Nelson primarily resides at Luck Ranch, which he regards as his true sanctuary. The name "Luck" holds profound significance for him. In a conversation with Paul Venema from KSAT 12 News, Nelson remarked, "When you're here, you're in Luck, and when you're not, you're out of Luck."
The horses are undoubtedly fortunate, a sentiment Nelson wholeheartedly shares. He told Venema, "My horses are probably the luckiest in the world. They receive hand-fed meals twice daily and were on the verge of slaughter, which is likely the last thing they remembered. So, they're truly happy horses."
Nelson's passion for horses is deeply ingrained. His song "Ride Me Back Home" reflects his love for these magnificent animals. In 2015, he was honored with an award for the music video of "The Love of Horses," which features Nelson collaborating with members of Habitats for Horses. This organization works tirelessly to end horse slaughter through legislative initiatives.
This affection for horses extends to his family as well. Nelson's son, Lukas, actively supports groups like Saving America's Horses and Habitat for Horses. Lukas Nelson & Promise, his son's band, also highlight their reverence for horses in their music.
Approaching his 90th year, Nelson remains active and passionate about the causes he believes in, undeterred by age. Reflecting on retirement, he humorously stated, "I retire after every show. I say, 'That's it, I'm not going no more,' but then we hang out awhile and people [the band] feel like playing, and so we go play again."