When you first enter Freedom Farms, you'll see a pasture on your left where two gentle souls formed a bond 25 years ago that inspires everyone who visits. One is a quiet, reflective donkey named Eeyora. The other, a stubborn but silly horse named Odie. Together, they’re not just pasture-mates — they’re family!

Eeyora: The Observer

Eeyora came to Freedom Farms underweight and wary. Of the 26 cows, five peacocks, ducks, deer, and others who call Freedom Farms home, Eeyora the donkey is a calming presence who always seems to be watching the world with quiet wisdom.

Sometimes timid, Eeyora can quickly warm up to visitors as she soaks in the California sun. She enjoys sunbathing near the fence line, getting her hair combed and back rubbed, receiving pets and hugs from visitors, eating apples, and, more than anything, being close to Odie.

Odie: The Gentle Giant

Odie is all heart and hooves. A former race horse with a story marked by overwork and neglect, Odie came to Freedom Farms with a need for rest and healing. Odie is a gentle giant who likes to outsmart staff by occasionally opening the gates of his pasture with his nose. While he can be stubborn and cautious with people, his old racing ability comes out when he sees a fresh bale of hay coming his way. The way to this man’s heart is through his stomach – and he’ll gladly let you give him some love once he’s done eating.

Initially, no one expected Odie to bond so tightly with the little gray donkey, but from the moment they were placed in the same grazing field, something clicked. Odie would whine when Eeyora was out of sight, and Eeyora — typically so calm — would pace restlessly when Odie was away. Their connection was instant and deep.

The Magic of Freedom Farms

As we ramp up events at Freedom Farms (including supporter dinners and farm tours), you’ll likely find Odie and Eeyora grazing side by side. When it rains, they share the same shelter in the red barn that's become a symbol of Freedom Farms. When it's sunny, they nap together under the same oak trees. Odie watches over Eeyora like an older brother, and Eeyora calms Odie when thunder rumbles in the distance.

Learn more about the animals and the efforts we're making at our Creston-based sanctuary. 

Please consider donating to support educational tours, a cow shelter, and other special projects to grow the animal rights movement on California’s Central Coast.