Rescue Group Helps Save Horses and Preserve History

A rescue group south of Green Valley is playing a crucial role in saving some special Mustangs, potentially preserving history in the process. The Monero Mustangs, direct descendants of America’s most historic Mustangs, are at risk of extinction. Thanks to collaborative efforts, these living legends are being rescued and relocated to safe havens.

Monero Mustangs: A Historical Legacy

In July, seven mares and their seven foals arrived at Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary. These horses, known as Monero Mustangs, are part of a herd of about 130 that recently lost their protected rangeland home in New Mexico and were in danger of going to slaughter.

The Monero Mustangs are direct descendants of America’s most historic Mustangs, including Spanish horses, Indian ponies, and early Cavalry mounts that once roamed the West in great numbers. These Mustangs have impacted virtually every race and culture in the United States and played key roles in building the nation.

Rescue Efforts and Preservation

Among the displaced herd were around three dozen rare Spanish horses identified as El Rito Spanish Mustangs, descendants of the majestic Spanish horses brought to the Americas by Juan de Onate around 1598. With the Moneros at risk of slaughter, the bloodline was also in danger of extinction.

Thanks to the Wild for Life Foundation, a California organization that evacuates equines from life-threatening situations, these rare Mustangs are being saved as part of a collaborative grassroots rescue mission. WLFL launched the Monero Mustang Rescue Mission, a large-scale emergency rescue and conservation operation to save the horses and the genetic pool by placing small groups of them in temporary homes such as Equine Voices while permanent facilities are being completed in Temecula, Calif.

“Thanks to Equine Voices, seven at-risk mares and their young foals have been building strength over the last couple months in preparation for their final journey to WFLF’s Wild Horse Sanctuary program in California,” said Katia Louise, founder and president of WFLF.

How You Can Help

Donations are needed to help save and care for the horses by providing hay, veterinary care, special supplements, and transport. Equine Voices is seeking short-term sponsors to help support the horses.

“Wild horses have always been near and dear to my heart,” said Karen Pomroy, president and founder of Equine Voices. “We are a voice for all equines that need us, whether for temporary shelter or a permanent place to live. With over 100 Monero Mustangs in dire need of being relocated, I felt we could do our small part in helping them by giving the 14 a temporary safe haven until their new permanent home is ready.”

The Future for Monero Mustangs

Later this month, the Monero Mustangs will be on their way to a fully-equipped equestrian ranch. The ranch is a transitional facility for Mustangs under the Wild for Life Foundation’s Wild Horse Sanctuary expansion program and has a multi-acre open space natural habitat, a large wild horse nursery, and full rehabilitation facilities. In a few months, the Monero herd will be reunited in the ranch’s natural habitat where they can roam free.

Jeannie Applegate is a freelance writer in Sahuarita. Contact her at [email protected].

Originally Posted By Sahuarita Sun