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Big Guy

Age/Born:  Unknown
Arrived:  November 12, 2005
Crossed:  August 27, 2007

Belgian Gelding


The telephone rang at 5:17 a.m. on November 12, 2005. Sandy's heart sank as she knew this would be "one of those" calls. Indeed it was. It was one of the area kill buyers calling to say that there was a look in the eyes of one horse that was imploring him. He knew this horse was supposed to go to Refuge Farms instead of a slaughter house, but Sandy would have to be there by 10 a.m. or else it would be too late.

The kill buyer was at the farm of a man who was ill and depressed and had taken pot shots at his animals with his shotgun. He was there to "ship 'em" to slaughter. This special horse had run into the woods to escape from the panic of the shootings. The owner found him in the woods and brought him back to the barn where he then beat him and left him without food or water.

Sandy barely made it in time to rescue this horse. It was the first horse she saw as she walked into the owner's barn and the one she knew would be coming back to THE FARM with her. As she walked this "big guy" down the driveway and into the trailer, she was amazed that despite his wounds and starvation, there was no hesitation in this big giant...there was no fear, and no defenses in this creature whatsoever. From that moment one, his name became, "Big Guy'.

Big Guy is truly a gentle giant who is absolutely loved by all. In spite of all that he had to endure with his previous owner, he teaches us amazing gifts about forgiveness and how even in the midst of pain and suffering, how it is possible to walk gently on this earth with a kind and sensitive heart. His heart is as soft and gentle as you will ever meet. He is a favorite of everyone and will forever impact your heart when you look into his eyes. It is through his eyes that you can feel the deep love of his soul.

Big Guy is also incredibly tolerant! He is currently the only gelding on his side of the pasture. Boy, does he get the attention from all the mares! Our Big Guy just takes it all in stride…big ones at that. The farrier even has to order special shoes for him because he's never seen hooves that big!





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