A Tale of Hope: Rare Mustangs Helping Toledo's Veterans Heal

TOLEDO, Ohio – In the rolling fields of Swanton, Ohio, an extraordinary story of hope and healing is unfolding. It's centered on a rare wild mustang from Colorado named Kyra and her foal, Marley, who are set to make a transformative impact on the lives of local veterans through the non-profit organization, Healing Of Our Veterans Equine Services (HOOVES). This unique program has dedicated over a decade to rescuing horses and harnessing their power to heal veterans struggling with PTSD and addiction.

Kyra, a stunning Perlino mustang with icy blue eyes, and her foal Marley, also a Perlino, have adapted remarkably well to their new home. Both mare and foal were rescued from a crisis affecting wild horses, tens of thousands of whom are being rounded up. When Amanda Held, the founder and director of HOOVES, saw a social media post about Kyra, she knew instantly that this horse needed a new lease on life.

Held and her husband journeyed over 1,500 miles to Colorado to bring Kyra to Ohio. During the trip, they discovered Kyra was pregnant. Marley was born at the HOOVES farm in June, marking a significant milestone as she is the last Perlino mustang to be born from Kyra’s herd at Mesa Verde National Park.

The bond between veterans and these rescued mustangs is profound. Kyra's past as a wild mustang, constantly in survival mode, resonates deeply with combat veterans, creating an instant and powerful connection. This shared experience of hyper-vigilance and resilience is a valuable tool in the veterans' healing process.

Kyra and Marley are not just beautiful additions to the HOOVES farm; they are becoming integral parts of the therapeutic services offered. Their unique story of survival and resilience serves as an inspiration to the veterans they interact with. When veterans hear what these mustangs have overcome, they start to believe that they, too, can overcome their challenges.

Next week, both Kyra and Marley will embark on their first healing intensive program with veterans. These therapy sessions promise to be enriching and transformative, offering the veterans an opportunity to see their reflections in the unwavering spirit of these majestic animals.

If you're eager to follow Marley's training journey or learn more about the pivotal role Kyra and Marley are playing at HOOVES, keep an eye out for their updates on social media. Their story is not just a testament to the healing power of animals, but also to the unwavering spirit of the veterans they aim to heal.