An Unexpected Rescue
Kachina in the wild with coyote dun mare Juneau, both removed in 2012
At The Cloud Foundation we're extremely dedicated to our mission of protecting America's wild horses and burros on the range. We're not a horse rescue. But every once in a while, direct intervention is the only option. And when we got the call that a Pryor mustang was in a life-threatening situation, we knew it was one of those times.
The call came in early October. A Pryor mustang mare named Kachina was in trouble; she was suffering from neglect with an owner that couldn’t afford to feed her. She needed a rescue, and fast. The catch? (There’s always a catch, right?) She had a friend…a beautiful little pinto filly…could we take them both?
Kachina is a classic dun mare, the daughter of Baja and Washakie, Pryor Mountain “royalty.” These two were a recognizable couple for many years in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range.
L to R: Washakie, Baja, Kachina (2011)
Kachina is also the full sister of Flax, another Pryor filly TCF rescued who now lives with our board member, Jamie Baldanza, in New Jersey.
Kachina and Grijala, before her removal
As a two year-old, Kachina left her mother and father to join the giant, first-time band stallion, Grijala. But her wild life was cut short when they were bait trapped in 2012 and Kachina was selected for removal. The filly was adopted by an older lady, a Montana resident who wanted her for her grandson.
We know that Kachina foaled the spring after her removal. She and her little son were left in a small dirt pen, neglected, her feet in bad condition. When the older lady passed away, the family wanted to keep the foal but not his mother.
Kachina in training in Montana
Separated from her baby, Kachina was placed with one trainer after another. And although she didn’t actively resist, she also didn’t seem interested in training. We believe Kachina was purchased and sold, then purchased and sold again. She eventually landed in Wisconsin, with a woman who is presently banned from adopting BLM Mustangs in at least one state that we know of.
This is the sad state of affairs with our captured wild horses. After they're titled, they can end up in any number of bad situations, including in kill pens and shipped to slaughter in foreign countries, or with irresponsible, unprepared owners.
Thankfully, through the generosity of wild horse lovers around the world, when TCF was called upon, we were in a position to help.
Kachina’s friend, a little pinto filly from the Cedar Mountain HMA in Utah
We were contacted by a woman who had temporarily acquired Kachina and her friend, a little 3 year-old pinto filly from the Cedar Mountain HMA in Utah. She couldn’t afford to keep them long, but agreed to keep them until we could arrange for transport.
It was a scramble to put all the arrangements in place but we managed to secure the two fillies. We’re happy to report they’re here in Colorado under the expert care of Dr. Lisa, TCF’s superb equine veterinarian. Ginger dropped by to visit with them on her way home from the Pryors last month. She says they’re happy and healthy and could not be in better hands.
When the time is right, Kachina and her friend will be placed into solid, safe new homes. Our adoption process is rigorous; we aim to make sure they will never be in such a precarious position again.
We couldn’t do any of the work that we do without all of you who love and care for our wild horses and burros - on and off the range. You make this kind of life-saving operation possible, and we love you for it. Thank you for being a part of Kachina’s story and so many like hers over the years. Please consider making a donation via the link below to help us continue our work of protecting these beautiful animals.
Bonus! You can check out the two short videos below to meet Kachina and her friend:
As an added bonus, when Ginger dropped by to visit our two young rescues, she also stopped by to visit with longtime TCF friend and policy advisor, Charlotte Roe. If you’ve been following us long enough to recall the harrowing Dry Creek Quartet rescue operation, you might recognize the gorgeous face below…its Piccolo! She was the youngest of the 4 foals we rescued after their parents were removed from their Herd Area and sent off to slaughter. Piccolo is happily living life with adoptive mom, Charlotte and her other four-legged friends. Another happy ending!
Piccolo with mom, Charlotte