Ranch Happenings: 8/16/26-8/22/26
Sunday, August 16th, 2026
"Middle Tennessee is under an “extreme heat warning” With temps over 100 and heat indexes over 110 this weekend. We’re taking all the extra steps to keep our herd as comfortable as possible. Cold hosing multiple times a day, fresh cool water, fans, salt and electrolytes, and adequate shade for every horse at all parts of the day.
It’s often said that winter is hard on horses, but here in the south, summer can be even more relentless. Good herd stewardship takes mindful management in all seasons… especially on days like today."
Monday, August 17th, 2026
"‼️ Local Rescue Horse In Need ‼️
We have been asked to take in a horse that a couple rescued a month ago, but are struggling to care for after a sudden job loss. The horse is a BCS 2 (emaciated) and in need of immediate care. We would like to help but in order to responsibly do so, need to have committed support to help see this deserving horse through his rehabilitation and hopeful adoption.
This is not a horse in a kill pen where a system designed to extort funds from good-hearted people makes horse traders rich…. It is a horse in need right here in our area with a family who tried to do right when they saw suffering now needs help. It is what ethical rescue looks like.
We are hopeful that there are some folks out there who can help shoulder this with us. These are the raw, hard expenses (though not exhaustive) that we will incur by caring for this horse for the first 6 months. As you may know, this has been an incredibly tight season for the Ranch with unexpected expenses that have been recent and are ongoing, and while we normally like to jump in and say yes, we cannot do so in this case without the support to do so. The funds for the rescue arm of our ministry are designated as such and so in order to say yes we need you, now.
Can we find 9 people who can give $100/month for the next 6 months to bring him into our care? Or, perhaps you can’t do $100 but you can buy one of the bags of alfalfa pellets for $25/month?
Those that shoulder with us will have the opportunity to submit a name for vote.
If we secure the funds, we will pick him up Thursday. If we don’t, we will let them know we are unable to help at this time and decline the support of those that commit. We know times are challenging for many and are hopeful that we can come together: neighbor helping neighbor helping NEIGHbor 😉
To commit, please follow the link in the comments and designate as Warrior Fund (rescue horse fund). You may also Venmo or donate through this post. We are asking for either a one time amount or commitment of monthly support for 6 months to help this specific horse, please indicate in your donation whether it is one-time gift or that amount for 6 months. Thank you.
Note added: As of 7:30pm we have 4 of the 9 spots covered, so just $500 more/mo needed to bring this guy in. Thank you so much for everyone showing up in a big way! Let's bring him to the Ranch!!"
Wednesday, August 19th, 2026
"An incredible Summer Session Season has come to an end. Our Fall Session Season launches next week!
Stay tuned for our season recap.
And be sure to get our Hoedown on your calendar!!!"
Thursday, August 21st, 2026
"Edited to add: His name is officially Reese!
The name Reese means "fiery".. how fitting!
While we traditionally give a horse a new name when they arrive at the Ranch, you all voted for his name to continue with him. We think it's very fitting and honoring that the name given to him by the family who rescued is what he is known by. The other names were all fantastic as well and we will see if one fits a future rescue horse!
With heartfelt thanks to the incredible 17 individuals who stepped up to help, we welcome this sweet old guy as our newest rescue horse!
We would like to commend and thank the family that started his rehabilitation over a month ago. They did an incredible job healing up rainrot, starting a refeeding protocol, and getting him on the road to recovery. He already has improved in health in that short amount of time.
As tradition, when a horse arrives at Freedom Reigns Ranch, they get a new name signifying their new step in life and this sweet old guy needs a name!
Those that donated and who have committed to supporting his first 6 months of rehabilitation have suggested names for him and they are:
Reese (pronounced rees-E, his current name)
Victory
Fredrick
Ezekiel
Yasha
Please comment with the name you like for him. The name with the most votes at 5pm CST on Friday 7/21 will win! (You can vote on both Facebook and Instagram for a total of two votes)"
Friday, August 21st, 2026
"His name is officially Reese!
The name Reese means “fiery”.. how fitting!
While we traditionally give a horse a new name when they arrive at the Ranch, you all voted for his name to continue with him. We think it’s very fitting and honoring that the name given to him by the family who rescued is what he is known by.
He’s got a long way to go and we are excited to have the opportunity to “put our money where our mouth is” and prove that old horses shouldn’t be skinny. And not only that, but it’s possible to help even the super seniors thrive after being in such a compromised state.
We are excited to share his progress with you.
Officially welcome, with sincere gratitude to the incredible donors who stand behind him, Reese!"
Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
“So much has already happened this year…and there is still so much more to come!
Through our Spring and Summer Seasons, we’ve had the privilege of providing more than 2,500 hours of programming for children and young adults in Middle Tennessee who have experienced trauma.
And behind every hour is a story….
We’ve watched lives be transformed,
hope be restored,
peace enter hard places,
and God show up in ways only He could.
We are deeply grateful for every child who has walked through our gates, every family who has trusted us, every volunteer who has served, and every person who has prayed, given, and believed in what God is doing here.
And we’re not done yet.
Fall Session Season begins next week!
Please join us in praying for the children and young adults who will come through our gates in the months ahead…for open hearts, healing, courage, connection, and for God to continue doing what only He can do.
There is still so much to come.
And we can’t wait to see what God has in store!"
