Oliver

• Registered Name: G.B. Lucky Strike
• Barn Name: Oliver
• Breed: Clydesdale
• Registered: Yes
• Foaled: 4/25/2021
• Color: Bay/ Bay Roan
• Sire: Willow Way Houston
• Dam: G.B Kathy
• Lineage: Oliver’s lineage traces back to the renowned Willow Way lines—one of the most respected and prolific breeders in the Clydesdale world. His grandsire, Torrs Quicksilver, remains one of Willow Way’s most influential stallions, celebrated not only for his outstanding pedigree but also for his remarkable achievements in the Clydesdale show ring. Oliver also shares bloodlines with his brother, Tower View Theo, the most decorated ridden Clydesdale in North America. And that’s only scratching the surface. Quite an impressive heritage for our Oliver!

Oliver, known by his registered name G.B. Lucky Strike, is a proud Clydesdale Stallion, registered with the Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A. His commanding presence and majestic stature are unmistakable, capturing the awe of all who meet him. But there is more to Oliver than meets the eye. His story is one of heritage, strength, and a quiet nobility that speaks to the very heart of the Clydesdale breed.

When we first laid eyes on Oliver in December 2022 at a local auction, he was a shadow of the magnificent stallion he is today—thin, frail, and burdened by a spirit of defeat. Yet even in that moment of brokenness, Jr. saw something more. There was a spark—a quiet, undeniable whisper of potential that stirred something deeper within. Though our bid did not meet the auction’s reserve and we left without him that day, our hearts were heavy. Still, we trusted that God had a plan, even if we couldn’t yet see it.

Weeks passed, but Oliver never left our hearts or our prayers. His image—worn yet dignified—remained with us, a quiet reminder that some stories are not meant to end in silence. Hoping to bring awareness and perhaps a little closure, we shared a video of that day on our small YouTube channel, unsure if anyone would even watch.

What happened next was nothing short of a blessing.

The video resonated far beyond anything we could have imagined. Messages began to pour in—words of encouragement, offers of help, and prayers from people we had never met. Strangers quickly became allies, united by a shared sense of compassion for one broken horse named Oliver. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, God moves through the hearts of others to accomplish His work.

Encouraged by this unexpected and growing community, we began to search for Oliver in earnest. Our hearts carried a sense of urgency as we tracked him down—26 hours away in Texas. We learned he was at risk of being sent to yet another auction, or worse. Time was slipping away, and the reality of his condition weighed heavily on us. He was in a dire state—malnourished, neglected, and seemingly forgotten.

Still, we believed that God had not brought us this far only to abandon Oliver to his fate. So with faith leading the way, we stepped out in trust, not knowing what we would find, but relying on the One who had placed this mission on our hearts. Jr. and our daughter Mary embarked on a long journey to Texas. At the time, we had never owned a Clydesdale and knew very little about the breed. But the call to bring Oliver home was clear—and impossible to ignore.

The road was not easy, and nothing could have fully prepared them for what they would find. When they arrived, the reality was heartbreaking. Oliver was weak and fading. Still, in that instant, a glimmer of determination shone in his eyes—a silent, unyielding resolve to stay alive.

By God’s grace, Oliver made it safely home to Homestead Horsemanship. It was there that we received a difficult diagnosis: EPM—Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis—a serious and often devastating neurological disease. It was a heavy blow. The odds were not in his favor. Yet despite the pain, the weakness, and the uncertain road ahead, Oliver chose to fight. And we chose to fight with him.

We committed ourselves to educating and understanding everything about the Clydesdale breed, determined to provide Oliver with the care he so desperately needed. With each passing day, through dedicated treatment and unwavering attention, we witnessed the slow but steady transformation of a soul that had been deeply wounded.

Oliver’s healing was not just physical—it was spiritual and emotional as well. Supported by a community that lifted him up in love, encouragement, and prayer, he began to reclaim his strength. Inch by inch, day by day, his body grew stronger and more resilient. His eyes, once dulled by pain and neglect, began to sparkle with newfound hope. The spirit that had been buried beneath trauma and hardship began to rise, shining brighter with every moment.

This journey reminded us of the incredible power of patience, compassion, and faith. Oliver’s recovery became a testament not only to his own resilience but also to the profound difference that love and community can make in the face of adversity.

And as he stood again—proud and unwavering—the world watched alongside us, witnessing not just the recovery of a horse, but the redemption of a life that God clearly wasn’t finished with yet.

Today, Oliver is thriving—a living testament to hope, resilience, and the extraordinary power of community. His journey has inspired thousands, brought renewed purpose to our YouTube channel, and opened the door to so many meaningful connections with compassionate, faith-filled hearts.

Though he lives with us and has clearly chosen Jr as his person, we often say that Oliver isn’t just our horse. He’s everyone’s horse. Your horse. He belongs to each and every person who believed in him, prayed for him, and stood by him when he needed it most.

We are deeply honored to care for him. And we are forever grateful—for his life, his gentle spirit, and for the many hearts he continues to heal simply by being who God made him to be.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Thank you for loving Oliver.

Oliver and the Growing Family: Welcoming New Friends to the Herd

Since welcoming Oliver into our lives, we have been gradually growing our small but dedicated Clydesdale herd. We are excited to share that Oliver and Beauty are expecting their very first foal, anticipated to arrive in March 2026—a new chapter filled with hope and promise.

We often get asked why we choose to breed horses in addition to rescuing them. The answer lies in a deep commitment to preserving a remarkable and endangered breed. Clydesdale horses are listed as “Threatened” on the Conservation Priority List, with global populations estimated to be fewer than 5,000. Without active efforts to support responsible breeding and promote their continued existence, this iconic breed faces the very real risk of disappearing.

Oliver represents the best of his lineage—exemplifying excellent conformation, strong hooves, and, perhaps most importantly, a calm and intelligent temperament. These qualities make him an exceptional sire, and we feel a profound responsibility to ensure that his outstanding traits are passed onto the next generation.

By breeding thoughtfully and carefully, we are not only honoring Oliver’s legacy but also contributing to the preservation and future vitality of the Clydesdale breed. This work is about more than just horses; it’s about protecting a living piece of history and the incredible spirit these animals bring to all who know them.