Hope’s early life

Hope, a sensitive horse with a beautiful chestnut coat and striking  eyes, was born free in the wild. For a brief time, she had the run of the vast plains of the American West with her herd. Unfortunately, her freedom was short-lived, as she was captured at the age of three by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency responsible for managing the country’s wild horses.

Life at the Sanctuary

Hope’s journey to the Sanctuary was a long and difficult one. Like many of Mustang Valley Sanctuary’s herd, Hope was rescued from a kill pen, and she’s fearful of new people and experiences, which suggests that she may have been mistreated in the past.

When she arrived, her back was swollen and raw. She had likely been a pack horse or a trail horse because she was missing skin and fur on her face where there would’ve been a halter and a bridal on her at the same time.

Fortunately, at the Sanctuary she’s been able to heal and even to recapture the freedom and space she so desperately craved. Despite the trauma of her early capture, Hope has adapted well to life at the sanctuary, becoming a beloved member of the herd.

Personality

Hope is a resilient horse, with a spirited personality and a playful streak. She’s known for her love of running and jumping, and her mischievous nature often gets her into trouble with her fellow horses. However, she is also fiercely loyal to her friends and has formed a close bond with her pasture mate Coco Chanel.

When Hope was mildly injured during a barnyard skirmish, Coco insisted on staying by her side and even offered Hope her own food. Given the difficulties of her early life, you can imagine how much happier she is to be surrounded by other horses and human caregivers who love her so much.

Challenges

When Hope was mildly injured during a barnyard skirmish, Coco insisted on staying by her side and even offered Hope her own food. Given the difficulties of her early life, you can imagine how much happier she is to be surrounded by other horses and human caregivers who love her so much.

Triumphs

Despite these challenges, Hope has made great strides since coming to the sanctuary. With the help of the dedicated caregivers and friends like Coco Chanel, she has learned to trust again, becoming an affectionate sweetheart. Her injured hoof has been treated, and she does have much more mobility and much less pain now.