At Mustang Valley Sanctuary, we believe in the power of second chances and the beauty of new life. The journey of Mikayla and her precious foal Baby Elena exemplifies both, and we’re thrilled to say both mother and baby are thriving in a safe and caring environment.
A mother’s love in the making
When Mikayla was rescued from a kill pen and brought to Mustang Valley Sanctuary, there was something unique about her—she was pregnant. As dedicated stewards of animals, we knew the risks and challenges that come with handling a pregnant and unhandled horse, and we wanted to ensure that Mikayla and her unborn foal received the best possible care and support.
Understanding the importance of expert guidance during this delicate time, we reached out to Dr. Rod Stewart, a Saratoga vet who specializes in reproductive matters. Thanks to Dr. Stewart’s advice and support, we prepared for Mikayla’s delivery with confidence, knowing that we had a professional by our side in case of any complications.
The arrival of Baby Elena: a miracle in solitude
As the days passed, we observed Mikayla closely, ensuring her comfort and safety. She was kept in a pen with her companions Moon Star and Kara, creating a serene environment for her to thrive. When the time came for her to give birth, we sensed she needed solitude. We separated her from the herd, providing her with the peace and quiet she needed to welcome her foal into the world.
Baby Elena was born without complication or even witnesses. Mustang Mary arrived to check on Mikayla the morning after moving her into her own stall and found Mikayla had delivered her baby during the night. Even though Mikayla was unhandled, her maternal instincts kicked in immediately. She communicated with her newborn foal in ways only a horse can, teaching her the language of horses from the very beginning.
Elena’s journey: a blend of domestic grace and wild spirit
From the moment she entered this world, Elena has proved to be an extraordinary young Mustang. Raised within the loving embrace of her herd, she’s learned valuable lessons from her equine family. Her keen intelligence and inquisitive nature make her a stand out, and her sweet and willing disposition endears her to everyone at the sanctuary.
As Elena has grown, her striking bay coat and black mane—a perfect blend of domestic elegance and Mustang wildness—capture the essence of her heritage. But we’re even more impressed by flawless conformation and graceful movements, which set her apart.
A trailblazer in the making
As Elena turns two-years old, we’re starting to introduce her to essential skills for her future. She readily embraces being brushed and allows us to pick up all four of her feet without hesitation. We’ve gradually introduced her to leading with a halter and embarked on liberty work, where she is eager to cooperate.
One day, we decided to explore an obstacle area to see how Elena would respond. To our delight, she quickly grasped the commands and stepped up on a tire, using her core strength to keep all four feet on the platform—a remarkable achievement for a first-time encounter.
Elena and Mr. Quinn’s special bond
Among the herd, Elena developed a unique connection with Mr. Quinn. Watching them interact is heartwarming; they nuzzle and look out for each other. Mr. Quinn has taken it upon himself to be Elena’s guardian, ensuring her safety and well-being at all times.
The sight of Mr. Quinn rolling in the pasture inspired Elena to try the same, but it was new to her, so she was afraid. In a delightful display of horse communication, she gently tugged at Mr. Quinn’s mane, signaling him to stay alert while she rolled, which he did.
Elena’s promising path
As we Baby Elena’s continues to grow and develop, we see a bright future for her. Her potential as a Mustang ambassador is unparalleled, and we look forward to seeing her thrive in the hands of someone who will cherish her spirit and embrace her as a true partner.
At Mustang Valley Sanctuary, we celebrate the magic of life, the strength of family bonds, and the resilience of Mustangs like Mikayla and Elena. Our commitment to the well-being and happiness of these majestic creatures remains unwavering, and we invite you to join us on this incredible journey.
For more updates and heartwarming stories like Elena’s, stay tuned to our blog and events at Mustang Valley Sanctuary. Together, let’s continue to make a difference in the lives of these extraordinary beings.
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Join us in supporting Baby Elena and her Sanctuary friends today!
At Mustang Valley Sanctuary, we believe in the power of second chances and the beauty of new life. The journey of Mikayla and her precious foal Baby Elena exemplifies both, and we’re thrilled to say both mother and baby are thriving in a safe and caring environment.
