Koda’s Journey: A New Face at Mustang Valley Sanctuary
Mustang Valley Sanctuary is thrilled to welcome a new member to our herd:
Koda is a Clover HMA Mustang. Koda’s journey to our sanctuary has been long and winding, but her gentle spirit and inquisitive nature have made her a beloved addition to our herd.
Koda was captured from the wild in August 2019 and later purchased from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Her purchasers left her unhandled and dumped her in the kill pen after two years. She was brought to Mustang Valley Sanctuary in the summer of 2024.
Mary, our experienced horse handler, has been working closely with Koda since her arrival.
She has observed that Koda is a guarded horse, often presenting her left side for handling. This suggests that she may have had previous interactions with humans that were uncomfortable, possibly involving tranquilization or handling from the right side.
Despite her initial wariness, Koda has shown a sweet and empathetic nature.
She is intelligent and inquisitive, always eager to explore her surroundings. Mary has been working diligently to build trust with Koda and help her feel safe and comfortable in her new home.
Training a mustang horse can be challenging.
Mary has a wealth of experience working with these wild equines. She has encountered various behavioral and physical issues with the sanctuaries mustangs, but she remains dedicated to helping the horse reach her full potential. Mary’s goal is to eventually train Koda for riding and find her a loving forever home.
In addition to her work with Koda, Mary is also committed to helping other horse owners who have adopted mustangs. She offers training sessions via Zoom to assess their horses’ behaviors and provide guidance on how to build a positive relationship.
Koda’s arrival at Mustang Valley Sanctuary marks a new chapter in her life. With the love, care, and training she will receive here, we are confident that she will thrive and become a beloved member of our community.
