Lil Freya on the approach

{sample photo} How big will she get? Could she grow to be your favorite horse?

Watch foals in their playtime

Freya, the little big horse- first meeting

One of the most exciting things about Freya is her breed. Her mother was an Amish workhorse. The Amish use draft horses to pull their plows for the fields. When her mother was bought by a local family to pull their maple syrup wagon, unbeknownst to them, she carried Freya inside. Later when they discovered she was pregnant, there could only be guesses as to what kind of horse the father might be.

Freya was born on March 22, 2022. Later we’ll have a post to talk more about the morning she was born. After looking her over, the vet’s belief that she was ¾ draft, specifically Belgian Draft, was confirmed. There are some wonderful attributes to draft horses that included: they are the largest of horse breeds, have a heavy bone structure, big hooves and are well-muscled. They possess a quiet and calm temperament. They are most often used as work horses for pulling heavy loads. Historically they were also trained as war horses and Julius Caesar recommended Belgium horses for use in heavy cavalry units describing them as “rustic, hard and tireless.” They are generally known as gentle giants, a real live Snuffeupagus.

Upon meeting Freya, she immediately came near our little WSS group and began to sniff us all over -our hands, heads and faces. She gave kisses and allowed us to lead her to the barn to show us some of her ‘tricks.’ Keep in mind that although she already weighs 900 pounds and is 15 hands high (the stature of a ‘normal’ horse) but she is still a nursing baby. So, allowing her to be pulled out of sight of her dam shows her congenial disposition.

Once she had shown us the beginnings of her training which included being led, allowing herself to be touched all over, walking over a noisy plastic sheet (typically would send a normal foal into hysterics) she became anxious about the absence of her mom. Then, proving once again that she truly is a very little and young horse, she took off at a gallop to reach her mom (who was standing only a short distance away- so why not run at full speed?) And then the little big horse must crane her neck way down, then pull her head way up to nurse.

Freya will be coming to live at WSS next month. Would you pray for her arrival?  We firmly believe that Freya is a gift from the Lord and we will train like it all depends on us, and pray like it all depends on God. For we walk by faith, not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7

Our horses are a community affair. Would you consider donating for hay, farrier care, repairs to tack, medication, or even sponsoring Freya or your favorite horse? Please join us on the the horse adventure!