Willie Nelson rescues 70 horses from slaughterhouse, relocates them to his ranch

Texas musician Willie Nelson spends a lot of time at his Texas ranch dubbed “Luck Ranch,” when he is not on the road performing.

Close to 70 horses roam his ranch — and luck plays a big part.

Nelson likes to say, “When you’re here, you’re in Luck, and when you’re not, you’re out of Luck.”

The legend is quickly approaching his 87th birthday and not only adores country music but also horses in need.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

The 700-acre plot sits in Spicewood in Texas hill country, more than enough space for his 70 horses to wander.

“My horses are probably the luckiest horses in the world,” Nelson shared with KSAT 12 News. “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.”

Nelson’s allegiance to horses goes way back and can be attested in his latest song, “Ride Me Back Home.”

Image via Sgt. Melissa N. Lessard 504th Military Intelligence Brigade Public Affairs

Back in 2015, a video by Nelson titled “The Love of Horses” won the People’s Silver Telly Award.

In the video, Nelson meets members of Habitat for Horses who were working to end the slaughter of horses by trying to get legislation passed.

Nelson has additionally done other charity work such as raising money for farmers.

Lukas Nelson, Willie’s son, also loves horses — supports Saving America’s Horses along with Habitat for Horses.

While Willie is 90 years old with almost as many horses as he does years on this earth — he doesn’t plan to retire just yet.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

“I retire after every show,” Nelson said. “I say, ‘That’s it, I’m not goin’ no more,’ but then we hang out awhile and people [the band] feel like playing, and so we go play again.”



Additionally, Nelson has his very own health-and-wellness brand, titled Willie’s Remedy.

Recently it expanded its product lineup with new additions along with increased availability in retail outlets.

In February, a new double strength hemp-infused coffee was introduced along with Willie’s Remedy Hemp Oil Tincture.

The coffees are sourced from farms in Colombia and infused with organic hemp oil and deliver doses of CBD.

The original, regular version contains approximately 7 mg of CBD per 8-ounce cup while the doubles strength coffee boasts 15 mg.

“There are no added chemicals, preservatives or binding agents — it’s a pure, plant-enriched coffee,” says Annie Nelson, Willie’s wife, who oversees the line.

Image via Willie’s Remedy

The company is also introducing a hemp oil tincture which can be used on its own or an additive to drink or food.

It will be available in both 10 mg as well as 25 mg formulations.

Willie’s Remedy is a companion to Willie’s Reserve, a signature cannabis brand he launched back in 2015.

Earlier in the year, both Nelson and his music were celebrated at Willie: Life & Songs of an American Outlaw, performed by George Early in 2019, Nelson and his music were celebrated by an all-star cast of performers including George Strait, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, Jimmy Buffett, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson and Eric Church.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

The concert was recorded for broadcast on A&E.

Nelson is slated to revive the Outlaw Music Festival Tour in mid-June for a few dates, with supporting performances from Phil Lesh & Friends, the Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show and Alison Krauss.

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