RIDING FREEDOM'S TRAIL |
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AMERICA THE BRAVEThe Wild Heart Mustangs™ logo features a strong symbol of something we feel passionate about - the American flag. The freedom that Americans enjoy has never been free. It's been defended and preserved by countless military men and women who've given their time, energy, strength, heart - and sometimes their lives - in the name of freedom.
This page is dedicated to those in the military now, and in the past, and to the families who watched, waited and prayed for the safety of their loved ones. Let us never forget those who have served this great country. Thank you ALL for your service! |
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On this page, you'll find articles about honor, health and healing for the heroes among us, with a section of resources that we hope will help and inspire you. If you have questions that aren't answered here, please let us know and we'll do our best to assist you.
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NEW FREEDOM FARM
by Lois Dawn Fritz
New Freedom Farm was in it's infancy when Lois Dawn Fritz shared her personal story, and struggle, in the June Issue (The Healing Power of Horses and PTSD). Lois Dawn Fritz is a Navy veteran who has battled PTSD, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Through Lois' struggles with every day life, she found healing in her animals and especially her horses.
Located on 13 level acres in Buchanan, VA, New Freedom Farm (NFF) is built on faith and determination. NFF is dedicated to helping those who have served our country along with their families. On July 1, 2016 New Freedom Farm became a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. |
"Healing Humans through Horses" is what New Freedom Farm (NFF) is all about. Not only is the farm a place for healing humans, but it is also a place dedicated to providing safe haven for its equine residents. NFF is a safe place for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse and Secondary Trauma.
Lois' dream has always been to open New Freedom Farm to other veterans to help them heal and find the same "new freedom" that is bestowed upon her rescued mares, foals and other equine. A chance for a new beginning fostered from hope, love, kindness and believing in someone when they do not have the strength to believe in themselves. Contact New Freedom Farm to learn more: Facebook -New Freedom Farm Website - www.NewFreedomFarm.net Email - newfreedomfarm2016@gmail.com 6118 Lithia Road, Buchanan, VA 24066 Phone: 908.319.1016 
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The service to veterans and their families is free of charge. Totally independent and not affiliated with any other farms or programs, New Freedom Farm is self funded relying 100% on donations.
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Where do I begin? Since May 13, 2016, it has been an amazing journey. Our herd here at New Freedom Farm has grown. Since the last article (June Issue "The Healing Power of Horses and PTSD")… we have saved a heavily bred Tennessee Walking Horse from a kill pen in PA. She came to New Freedom Farm via Gerda’s Animal Aid. She was to be a foster and now is officially part of New Freedom Farm. L’Oreal is the name I chose for her. She was a complete match to Mabeline, so we now have the “Covergirls.” L’Oreal gave birth to Silver Justice (named after Gerda Silver, founder of Gerda’s Animal Aid). Silver Justice was foaled without any assistance. I kept near constant watch in the barn for 33 days for L’Oreal to give birth. I went in the house for 2 hours one morning before sunrise and came out to a beautiful, dry, standing, nursing filly. She is a “double whirler” with a personality to match the swirls on her forehead. Both mare and foal are as healthy as can be.
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L'Oreal with her foal, Silver Justice
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On July 1, 2016 New Freedom Farm became an official nonprofit 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Receiving the confirmation letter from the IRS was just as exciting as getting my MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing degree). Without wasting a minute, I was able to pull my first slaughter bound mare with a colt at her side from the kill auction circuit on July 7, 2016. I posted my intentions on Facebook early in the morning after seeing the pair on-line. Within 3 hours I had the funds to pull them, ship them here to New Freedom Farm and have them vet checked on arrival.
Martha and George Washington
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The pair arrived safely at New Freedom Farm from Louisiana and the primary donor named them Martha and George Washington, continuing the theme established by Lady Liberty and Silver Justice. The colt was unable to nurse because the mare was so under nourished; she had stopped producing milk. With some medical intervention we were able to induce her milk production within a couple of days. As of this writing, Martha Washington is gaining weight and George is growing strong.
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Since Martha and George’s arrival, we have also been fortunate enough to have pulled two mini horses from a kill pen in Bastrop, LA. The naming theme continued. Patriot and Lincoln are the last permanent equines to reside at our farm, at least until we have more capacity. These two minis are a work in progress, neither appear to have been handled very much but they both seem to really like children in the pasture with them.
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Lincoln "the last" (left) and Patriot (right)
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In August, New Freedom Farm welcomed its first official group of veterans from the local VA hospital. Prior to this group event other veterans had been visiting us one-on-one with their families via word of mouth referral. New Freedom Farm has also been active in the community and raising local awareness by attending the local Botetourt County Fair and Town of Buchanan Block Party with our information booth.
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We are looking forward to our open house/ribbon cutting on October 8, 2016 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Our plans include a special patriotic opening ceremony, flag-raising and benediction. Amelia Efland will be performing on horseback and doing colt/filly demonstrations. Local music performers will be performing all day. Southern BBQ lunch will be available for $8.00 a plate. There will be lots of local vendors and fun for the whole family.
Please feel free to visit us on line at our Facebook page New Freedom Farm or on our web site www.newfreedomfarm.net 
For a printable New Freedom Farm brochure, click on the photo above.
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Veterans and Mustangs (VAM)
Veteran / Youth and Mustang Competition - September 24, 2016, Rock Springs, WY
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The Veteran Incentive Program (aka Veterans and Mustangs) brings together a Veteran and an untouched Mustang. Working with a wild mustang is challenging and we want to connect a Veteran and a Mustang that are in need of helping each other heal. The Veteran will have 100 days to gentle/train an adoptable equine companion. This will also aid in finding homes for the 40,000+ Mustangs that are in short term holding facilities like the one here in Rock Springs, WY.
On September 24, 2016 there will be a Veteran and Mustang and Youth and Mustang competition. Both veterans and youth, will have had 100 days to gentle and train their wild mustangs and will be competing against each other for prizes and awards. Click on the logo at left for a printable flyer for this competition being held at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, WY. Competition starts at 2:00P with an auction of all trained horses immediately afterwards.
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DEDICATIONS ARE WELCOME HERE
at any time
RESOURCES for VETERANS
New Freedom Farm - Buchanan, VA "Healing Humans through Horses" is what New Freedom Farm (NFF) is all about. Not only is the farm a place for healing humans, but it is also a place dedicated to providing safe haven for its equine residents. NFF is a safe place for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse and Secondary Trauma..
