Meet The Residents of Freedom Ranch

Apollo was bred to be a roping horse — but he grew too tall, too strong, too powerful for the sport.

He was rehomed, unsure of his place in the world, until he arrived at Freedom Ranch.

 

Here, he finally exhaled.

He found freedom, peace, and the space to be exactly who he is: a magnificent, kind-hearted giant.

 

Your sponsorship helps him live the relaxed, gentle life he was born for.

Thor’s story is one of grit and grace.

He was a lesson horse who was “ridden hard and put away wet” — used often, rested rarely, and given far too little care.

He arrived with:

• Bad knees

• Missing teeth

• Cushing’s disease

• A tired body

• And a heart still full of love

 

Despite everything, Thor is the sweetest horse you’ve ever met — soft, loving, appreciative, and endlessly forgiving.

 

Sponsoring Thor gives him the comfortable, dignified retirement he deserves.

Luna came to Freedom Ranch unable to see the world around her, unsure where safety was, and deeply vulnerable. But what she lacked in sight, she made up for in courage.

Today, Luna navigates her world through sound, touch, and trust — especially trust.

She knows the voices of her caretakers, the feel of her favorite perch, and the comfort of a routine built just for her.

 

Luna reminds us daily that disabilities do not define a life — love does.

Sponsor Luna and help her continue living safely, confidently, and joyfully.

Ruby was just eight weeks old when she came to you — terrified, tiny, and literally having her ears chewed on by larger goats.

She fought to survive from day one, and with your care, she blossomed.

 

Today, Ruby faces another challenge: swollen udders from false pregnancies — something she bravely lives with every single day.

But she never lets it dim her joy.

She still plays. She still snuggles. She still shines.

 

Ruby is a testament to resilience.

Sponsoring her means giving ongoing comfort to a soul who has endured more than most ever will.

Peanut arrived as Ruby’s tiny, frightened stallmate — a baby who shook at every sound and tucked herself behind anything she could find.

With patience and love, she transformed.

 

Now she melts into scratches, seeks out affection, and trusts humans again.

Peanut is proof that gentleness heals what fear once broke.

Your sponsorship helps her continue thriving.

Pixie arrived first — a sweet little girl with a spark in her eye.

But something was missing: her mother.

When you discovered Sugarplum was heartbroken without her baby, you reunited them.

 

The moment they were together again, the relief was visible.

They nuzzle. They rest together. They live as a family — as they were meant to.

 

Sponsoring Sugarplum or Pixie means you’re supporting a story of love, reunion, and healing.

Just like with Sugarplum and Pixie, Loki was rescued first — but his mother, Hildegard, was aching for him.

When reunited, the bond was undeniable.

 

Loki is playful and mischievous, Hildegard gentle and wise.

Their story proves that love is instinctual — and families belong together.

Sponsor this sweet duo to help keep their connection strong and their lives full of joy.

These two gentle goat sisters weren’t living the lives they deserved.

Malnourished, lacking proper care, and unsure of humans, they needed a safe place to start over.

 

At Freedom Ranch, they found peace.

They flourish together, always close by each other’s side, reminding everyone who visits that sometimes the greatest healing happens in pairs.

 

Sponsoring Bella or Luna helps ensure they continue living the life they were always meant to have.

Alfie arrived with a badly broken leg that had never healed properly.

He limps to this day — but nothing slows down his spirit.

He races (in his own way) with the herd, sunbathes on rocks, and has learned that life doesn’t have to hurt anymore.

 

Alfie doesn’t know he’s “different.”

He only knows he’s finally safe, loved, and home.

Your sponsorship gives him the comfort and care he will need for life.

These three brothers came from another sanctuary needing help.

As babies, someone attempted to remove their horns — a painful process that was done terribly wrong, leaving them with disfigured, hard-to-manage horns that require yearly medical tending.

 

Despite their past, they greet each day with curiosity and sweetness.

They rely on Freedom Ranch for safety, trims, and specialized care.

 

Sponsoring the brothers supports critical medical treatments that keep them healthy and pain-free.

But here?

They live like kings and queens.

Blankets, snacks, belly rubs, warm shelters, soft bedding — pure happiness.

 

They grunt with joy when they see their caretakers, flop for scratches, and live the kind of life every pig should have.

 

Your sponsorship gives them full bellies, warm beds, and a future free from fear.

Drama Llama survived mistreatment and abuse on the reservation.

She arrived cautious, guarded, and unsure of humans.

 

But with time, love, and patience, her true spirit emerged.

Today, she stands proud — a guardian of the smaller animals, watching over them with wisdom and loyalty.

 

She is more than a llama.

She is a symbol of resilience.

A protector.

A survivor.

 

Sponsoring Drama Llama helps ensure she continues living with the dignity and love she fought so hard to find.

Rya is a strikingly beautiful painted mare with a quiet strength that shines through everything she does. She came to Freedom Ranch just minutes away from being sent to a kill pen, rescued at the very last moment and given a second chance at life.

Rya lives with DSLD (Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease), a progressive condition that affects the ligaments in her legs. While we do not know how much time we will have with her, we do know this: every day of her life will be filled with comfort, dignity, and love.

Despite her diagnosis, Rya remains gentle, kind, and deeply trusting. Here at Freedom Ranch, she will never be asked to perform or pushed beyond her limits. She will live out the rest of her life in safety—moving at her own pace, enjoying the sunshine, and receiving the best care we can give for as long as she is with us.

Rya’s story is a powerful reminder that every life matters, no matter the challenges it carries.

Moonshine is Rya’s painted colt, and like his mama, he was rescued just minutes before being sent to a kill pen. Still so young and full of promise, Moonshine was given a chance at life that nearly slipped away.

Sweet, curious, and full of youthful spirit, Moonshine stays close to his mother’s side, learning about the world in a place where he will never know fear or uncertainty. Because of rescue, Moonshine will grow up safe—surrounded by patience, kindness, and compassion.

Moonshine will spend his life here at Freedom Ranch, a living reminder that saving one animal can save an entire future.

Atlas is our sweet older gelding with a heart as big as his soft, knowing eyes. Calm, affectionate, and endlessly kind, Atlas was also just minutes away from being sent to a kill pen when he was rescued at the last possible moment.

As a senior horse, Atlas needed more than a second chance—he needed a place where he could finally rest. At Freedom Ranch, Atlas has found his forever home. He will never be rushed, overworked, or forgotten again.

Atlas will live out the rest of his days here in safety, care, and peace, reminding us that it is never too late to save a life—and that senior animals deserve love just as fiercely as the young ones.

Lola was one of the very first Miniature Highland cows to call Freedom Ranch home, and she quickly became the heart of the herd. Calm, nurturing, and endlessly patient, Lola embodies the gentle nature that makes Highlands so special.

As a mama, Lola has raised multiple calves here at the ranch, each with her signature sweetness and charm. She plays a vital role in helping Freedom Ranch remain sustainable, allowing us to support the many rescued animals who depend on us for care.

Lola’s legacy is one of motherhood, stability, and quiet strength—and her presence helped lay the foundation for everything that followed.

Freya joined Lola as one of the first two Miniature Highland cows at Freedom Ranch. Thoughtful, observant, and calm, Freya carries herself with a quiet confidence that brings balance to the herd.

She is a devoted mother and has passed along her gentle temperament to her calves. Freya plays an important role in our breeding program, helping support feed and veterinary care for the many rescue animals who live here.

Freya reminds us that leadership doesn’t need to be loud—sometimes it’s found in steady calm and watchful care.

Athena is Lola’s first calf and a beautiful dun heifer with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Confident, affectionate, and curious, Athena loves human attention and never misses a chance to be part of whatever is happening around the ranch.

She represents the best of what responsible breeding can be—raised with patience, kindness, and respect from day one. Athena’s sweet nature makes her a favorite with visitors, and her presence helps share the mission of Freedom Ranch with everyone she meets.

Athena is strength, sweetness, and spirit all in one.

Fiona is Lola’s adorable little clone, right down to her expression and gentle mannerisms. From the moment she arrived, Fiona captured hearts with her soft features and calm, loving personality.

She is curious but thoughtful, often choosing to observe before stepping forward. Raised with care and intention, Fiona is part of Freedom Ranch’s sustainable breeding program, helping ensure the long-term care of our rescued animals.

Fiona is a perfect example of how nurture, patience, and love shape an animal’s future.

Teddy Bear is Lola’s youngest calf and lives up to his name in every way. Soft, gentle, and incredibly affectionate, this little bull calf is already known for his calm demeanor and sweet nature.

Raised with hands-on care and respect, Teddy Bear is being given the best possible start in life. His future will help support Freedom Ranch’s mission, ensuring food, medical care, and safety for the many rescued animals who depend on us.

Teddy Bear is proof that kindness can be raised from day one.

Largetha is Freya’s first calf and her unmistakable mini-me. From her looks to her temperament, Largetha mirrors her mama’s calm and steady presence.

She is confident, balanced, and comfortable within the herd, carrying herself with quiet assurance. Largetha plays an important role in Freedom Ranch’s sustainability efforts, helping support the rescue animals who call the ranch home.

She is a beautiful example of consistency, care, and thoughtful breeding.

Most of the chickens at Freedom Ranch came to us as rescues from unwanted homes or less-than-ideal situations. Some were no longer wanted for laying, others were at risk simply because they had nowhere else to go. Here, they were given what every animal deserves: safety, space, and consistent care.

Our chickens live protected lives, free from overcrowding and neglect, with room to roam, dust bathe, and express natural behaviors. In return, they provide fresh, delicious eggs that we enjoy here at the ranch and offer for sale to help support feed, veterinary care, and the many rescue animals who depend on us.

Their eggs are more than nourishment—they are a reminder that rescue and sustainability can work hand in hand, creating a better life for animals while helping sustain the mission of Freedom Ranch.

Our Chinese Ringneck pheasants are a stunning and unique part of Freedom Ranch. Raised in a safe, well-maintained environment, these birds are respected for both their beauty and their contribution to the ranch.

The pheasants provide nutritious, flavorful eggs, which we use and sell to help support the ongoing care of our rescued animals. They are housed with intention, protected from stress and harm, and allowed to live calm, enriched lives.

At Freedom Ranch, even our non-rescue animals serve a greater purpose—helping ensure that the animals who arrive here in need will always have food, medical care, and a safe place to call home.

Valkyrie and Blue came to Freedom Ranch after being left behind on a vacant property. Their owners had planned to move and take them along—but when that move never happened, the two emus were left alone with an uncertain future.

We stepped in to give them the safety, care, and stability they deserved. Since arriving at Freedom Ranch, Valkyrie and Blue have thrived, forming a strong bond and becoming a beloved part of our animal family.

Last year, they gifted us a beautiful clutch of eggs that hatched into five healthy baby emus—each one a testament to what happens when animals are given the chance to live without fear. Valkyrie and Blue will live out the rest of their lives here in safety, never forgotten again.

Ziggy came to Freedom Ranch after starting life as a well-intentioned purchase. He was bought as a baby by a young woman in Phoenix, but as Ziggy grew—nearly five feet tall and approaching his first year—his care needs quickly became more than she could manage.

Rather than risk neglect or rehoming him repeatedly, Ziggy was brought to Freedom Ranch, where he could finally settle into a forever home. Here, he receives proper space, nutrition, and enrichment, along with the patience and understanding a large, intelligent bird requires.

Ziggy’s story is a reminder that exotic animals grow fast, and responsible rehoming can be an act of love. At Freedom Ranch, Ziggy is safe for life.

Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot, Quatro, and Mambo No. 5 are the five baby emus born right here at Freedom Ranch to Valkyrie and Blue. Each one has their own personality, but all share the same curious, energetic spirit that makes emus so special.

One of the group, Quatro, lives with hip issues and knock knees. Despite these challenges, Quatro continues to persevere—keeping up with the flock and reminding us daily that resilience comes in many forms.

Raised with hands-on care, patience, and respect, these five babies will always have a safe place here at Freedom Ranch. Their story represents hope, growth, and the powerful outcomes that come from giving animals stability, space, and compassion.

 

Bandit is more than just a dog — he’s a constant companion and shadow here at Freedom Ranch.

 

 

He came from a sketchy breeder who was trying to get rid of their puppies. We originally went to meet a different Blue Heeler, but that pup was very anxious and skittish. Then the breeder opened another crate, and Bandit jumped straight out and into my arms. She looked surprised and said, “He’s never done that before.”

 

I told her, “That’s because he’s my dog — he was just waiting for me.”

We adopted him on the spot.

 

Bandit was only 8 weeks old when he came home with us. Shortly after bringing him home, we discovered he was dealing with jaundice and parasites. With a few vet visits, proper medication, and a lot of care, Bandit made a full recovery and bounced back to perfect health.

He's now 2½ years old and goes everywhere with us. From ranch chores to long days working with the animals, Bandit is always right there — alert, loyal, and ready for anything.

As a Blue Heeler, he's smart, driven, and protective, but above all, he's incredibly bonded. Bandit watches over the ranch, keeps an eye on the animals, and makes sure I'm never alone. He's a reminder that sometimes the right animal doesn't just need rescuing — they find you when the timing is right.

Bandit isn't just part of Freedom

Ranch — he's family!

​

Much like Bandit, it seems that Boots and Tomcat simply found their way to us.

 

Their journey to Freedom Ranch began with a call from a local teacher who was looking to adopt a pig for a fun school fair event. Fortunately, at the time, we had a pig available for adoption, and it turned out to be a perfect match. When she arrived to pick up the pig, she mentioned that she also had two bonded kittens in need of a new home.

 

As fate would have it, we had been keeping our eyes open for a pair of barn cats. The kittens—brother and sister—were born with strong hunting instincts and raised to keep barns mouse-free. Before we knew it, Boots (also lovingly known as Mittens) and her brother Tomcat were on their way home with us.

 

Though they were just kittens at the time, it was clear they were born to work. Today, they are as cute and cuddly as can be, incredibly friendly, and excellent little hunters. During the day, they roam the property doing their important job of keeping the mouse population in check, and at night they come inside to sleep safely and comfortably.

 

Boots and Tomcat are the perfect example of animals finding exactly where they’re meant to be—and we’re grateful every day that they found Freedom Ranch.