Our Wind River Rescues ~ Where Are They Now?
A look back at the day they arrived at Dr. Lisa's to begin their quarantine -- and the journey to their new lives.
Happy Holidays!
In September 2023, we shared the heartbreaking story of the Wind River roundups (Wind River Rescue — The Cloud Foundation). Over 6,500 wild horses were removed from the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, leading to a tragic cascade of events. Foals flooded kill pens, while their mothers, "dry" mares (mares without foals), and stallions went to slaughter. Amid this devastation, The Cloud Foundation stepped in, rescuing six vulnerable foals—and one miraculous mare who was spared the journey to Mexico simply because she didn’t fit on the slaughter-bound truck. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into their incredible resilience over the past year.
"Kizis & Shoshone"
Wind River filly Kizis (front) and colt Shoshone enjoying a sunny day in their "forever" home pasture.
Shoshone was the tiniest of the foals. He was purchased by TCF Executive Director Kerry Ferguson from the kill pen when she went to rescue several foals on behalf of TCF. The plan was for Kerry and her husband to take 3 of the foals to quarantine at their ranch and Dr. Lisa would keep the other three and Grace with her. But after Dr. Lisa assessed the foals and Grace, she quickly decided to keep them all together on her ranch where they would all be monitored throughout their quarantine.
After 14 weeks and 2 days (and several visits along the way), Kerry, her husband Dana, and their good friend Steve arrived at Dr. Lisa's with their horse trailer, ready to take Shoshone home. They had also decided that another filly would join him. Her name would be Kizis, which means "Sun" in the Native American language.
The Ferguson Ranch is made up mostly of Appaloosas. Shoshone and Kizis would be the Ferguson's first formerly wild horses.
Kerry recalls,
"When the babies finally came home, I discovered I wasn't as patient as I had always thought! I just wanted to hug and pet them, give them scratches, brush them, and comb their manes and tails. It was hard to sit still and let them come to me! But the wait was worth it. And now these two are the sweetest, friendliest—and smartest—yearlings. Kizis is always first in line to get as many hugs and scratches as she can—she'd gladly stand for that all day. Shoshone loves attention, too, and waits patiently for his turn to be brushed and fussed over. Both have progressed quickly in their gentling/training and are willing and eager to learn. Now, I can't wait until they are grown-up and ready for their next steps in our partnership."
"Serena"
Serena went home with her new mom, Christi Goltl, who says that she is truly amazing.
"She arrived at my home with Allegro, one of the Dry Creek Quartet from the Cloud Foundation, and we recently added Murty, another mustang. Together, they form a little mustang band. Serena and Allegro have been best pals from the start, and now Serena seems quite smitten with Murty, as well."
Christi says that Serena navigates the dynamics between the two "bossy" older horses with ease and has a remarkable ability to be the peacemaker. She reflects on Serena's purpose and feels that it is to be in service to love.
Like most youngsters, Serena has a spirited side—she loves to run, buck, and play. She’s also the horse who naturally approaches visitors, especially those who might feel a little uneasy around horses, offering a sense of calm and connection.
Serena now lives in the foothills near Evergreen, CO.
"Juniper, Dove & Grace"
Amazing Grace (L); Juniper, Dove, Grace (upper right); Juniper (lower C) and Dove (lower R).
Fillies Dove and Juniper (along with Grace) remain at Dr. Lisa's ranch. Both youngsters are doing very well. Both girls are easily haltered, and have had their feet done. They have been dewormed and vaccinated and readily show up for human attention.
Dr. Lisa says,
"Dove and Juniper are both very different and equally amazing. They are both going to be good-sized.
I think that Juniper would be such an amazing liberty horse. I believe she will quickly form a strong bond with her forever person or family. She is so kind and gentle, I sometimes forget she's still a yearling.
Dove, on the other hand, is equally amazing but quite different. I suspect her mom was an alpha mare, as Dove is very bold and confident. She thrives when she understands why what the human wants is in her best interest. Her ideal human will be someone who has horse experience and knows how to be a good leader - then, I think Dove will really excel."
Grace's year has been eventful. She was the only mare sent to the Colorado kill pen to escape slaughter and TCF was happy to provide her a safe home. As the months passed, it became obvious that she was in foal. She served diligently as an auntie to the foals throughout their quarantine period and beyond. Sadly, when the time came, her own foal was stillborn.
Though she has become more used to her human friends, it is clear that Grace would much rather be wild. Grace is content at Dr. Lisa's and has befriended her mini horse, Charlie - so once Juniper and Dove find their forever families, she will stay with Dr. Lisa and live her life well taken care of, but not under any pressure or expectations.
Juniper and Dove are ready for their forever families! For questions and more information, please email TCF at info@thecloudfoundation.org.
