Big Horse Rescue Hoedown Fundraiser

Grab your boots and bring the whole family to the first-ever Big Horse Hoedown, a day of farm fun that raises money to rescue the horses who need it most. WHY WE’RE HOSTING THE HOEDOWN Draft horses like Percherons, Belgians and Clydesdales are the gentle giants of the horse world. They can weigh 1,800 to more than 2,000 pounds, and at auction that size works against them. Kill-pen buyers target drafts first, because, as our founder Rosa Liu puts it, “one draft is basically a horse and a half.” The same size that puts them at risk also makes them the hardest horses to place in new homes. Many riders find them intimidating, they need custom tack, many vets and farriers aren’t equipped for them, and Florida heat is hard on them. Big Horse Rescue was founded in 2025 to give these horses a way out. Rosa’s own draft mare, Alice, inspired our focus on big horses. We are small on purpose: we take in a couple of big horses a year, give each one about three to four months of rehab and training, and place them with approved adopters who are ready for them. MEET WILSON Our newest rescue is Wilson, an 11-year-old black Percheron gelding who came to us through an owner surrender on September 26. He arrived anxious and underweight. He had significant skin allergies and swelling in his back legs, his teeth were about 18 months overdue for dental care, and his feet were due for the farrier. In his old herd, he was the low man, picked on by the other horses. Today, Wilson is doing very well. Every ticket to the Hoedown helps cover his care and rehab, and helps us bring in the next big horse who needs a way out. WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION Walk through our 21-foot carnival arch onto a working horse farm and enjoy: Kids Carnival inflatables Mini horse meet-and-greets, sponsored by John N. Lockamy, DVM Live music from Eric Murray Line dancing lessons with Dawn Musgrave Demarest, sponsored by Christopher Kye, MD PA Free popcorn all day, courtesy of Eileen Gesoff, DVM, plus free water stations courtesy of Seaside Dentistry AVAILABLE ON SITE Food trucks: Tacos VeraCruz and Dune Dogs The Hoedown Trading Post, a market of local makers including Simplistic Suds, 4 Arrows Creations, A Fancy Hippie, Quinn Ceramics and Cailah Jewels Co Big Horse Rescue merchandise, including BHR hats, totes and tumblers, sold from The Salty Mare’s donated trailer Snow cones Every merchandise purchase supports the rescue, so come ready to shop. EVENT DETAILS Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026 Time: 11 AM to 4 PM Location: Blue Ridge Farms, 17190 Jupiter Farms Road, Jupiter, FL TICKETS Early bird: $25 per person through October 31 Starting November 1: $35 per person Kids 0–2: free, up to two per adult ticket The Hoedown is a private, ticketed event, and attendance is limited to 300 guests. Buy your tickets in advance at bighorserescue.org/hoedown so your family doesn’t miss out. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS The Hoedown is made possible by Ranch Sponsor Pediatric Neurologists of Palm Beach; Friend of Big Horse Rescue Jenna Quigley Equestrian; station sponsors Eileen Gesoff, DVM (free popcorn), Christopher Kye, MD PA (line dancing), John N. Lockamy, DVM (mini horse meet-and-greet), Seaside Dentistry (water stations) and Sotillo & Company (lawn games); and Proud Sponsor Mike Maroone Chevrolet West Palm Beach. Local businesses can still join them: sponsorships are available at bighorserescue.org/sponsor. ABOUT BIG HORSE RESCUE Big Horse Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes draft horses and other large breeds, with facilities in Wellington and Jupiter Farms, Florida. Horses come to us through owner surrender or auction and receive care and training before placement with an approved adopter. Learn more at bighorserescue.org and follow along on Instagram at @bighorserescue1. We can’t wait to see you at the Hoedown. Bring the kids, bring your friends, and help us save the next gentle giant.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3896874-0

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