Luck Ranch is the perfect name for this horse rescue. These lucky equines get a second chance at life.
Willie Nelson, 88-year-old country singer, known for his music and affinity for a particular green-leafy plant, puts his guitar away and time on the road on pause for one reason: his 700-acre ranch, known as Luck Ranch. About 70 horses Nelson rescued roam the ranch, and some were destined for slaughterhouses. So it's no surprise that he includes horses in the lyrics of a recent song he's written, entitled "Ride Me Back Home."
Willie Nelson's Luck Ranch is about 30 miles outside of Austin, and paint horses roam the pastures. Nelson also hosts the Luck Reunion his ranch in Spicewood, a day music festival every year that is not to be missed! This exclusive event is a wonderful opportunity to see the ranch in person, and you can even feed some of the horses next to the tents.
During an interview with Paul Venema, a reporter with KSAT 12 News, Nelson talks about what he loves about this Texas countryside,
"He likes to call his ranch, Luck. When you're here you're in luck and when you're not, you're out of luck."
Is Nelson retiring anytime soon?
Retirement, Nelson says, is not a part of the conversation he tells KSAT 12 News.
"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 (his band) feel like playing, and so we go play again."
Nelson's rescue horses are some of the luckiest horses in the world! Thank you, Willie! Nelson's ranch represents his love for country music and horses in need. He is the epitome of what it means to be a Texas Gentlemen.
Horses Aren't The Only Thing on Luck Ranch
Luck Ranch was initially built in 1985 as the backdrop for Red Headed Stranger. Willie and his wife now have the little town of Luck on their Texas Ranch serving as a backdrop for Luck Reunion Festival. His wife, Annie Nelson, invited Orion Weldon and his wife, Tina Weldon, over to discuss starting a regenerative agriculture farm on Luck Ranch.
Nelson is the co-founder of Farm Aid and a long-time environmentalist, so it makes sense that his next venture is with these ranchers. They have already been successful on their 500-acre ranch in Texas Hill country. Now their Terrapurezza products will be on Luck Ranch with Willie Nelson as their spokesperson.
To see more about the Weldon's and their whole foods, check out terrapurezza.com.
Fun Facts About Willie and Luck Ranch
In 2015, The People's Silver Telly Award was given to Nelson's video "The Love of Horses." Nelson met Jerry Finch and other members of Habitat for Horses while they were all working on getting legislation passed that would end the slaughter of horses!
Willie Nelson's ranch shows his true devotion to these beautiful creatures. His son Lukas Nelson is also a horse advocate as he supports Saving America's Horses and Habitat for Horses like his dad. Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real have many songs devoted to them.
"No place but Texas would I ever roam. No place but Texas; My home, sweet home." We love you, Willie Nelson!
Are you a Willie Nelson fan? Did you know he rescued horses? Please leave a comment on our Wide Open Pets Facebook page!
This post was originally published on April 8, 2019.
