Healing Vibes: Wild Mustangs Aid Toledo Veterans

Hey Toledo! Big news in the local scene - a rare wild mustang from Colorado, named Kyra, and her adorable foal, Marley, are now calling a Swanton farm their home. 🐴

HOOVES, a non-profit in our area, has been on a mission for over a decade, using rescued horses to help veterans heal from PTSD and addiction. This place is becoming a beacon of hope, and Kyra and Marley are the latest stars in the equine therapy lineup.

Amanda Held, the visionary behind HOOVES, believes that mustangs bring something special to the therapeutic table. Wild horses, being prey animals, have lived life always on high alert, much like many combat veterans. This shared experience creates an instant, powerful connection between the vets and the horses. 🌟

Kyra and Marley have adapted well to their new surroundings, a far cry from their past in Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park. Kyra spent her early years roaming wild until her herd was rounded up amidst a crisis that has thousands of mustangs being captured each year.

Amanda felt an immediate need to rescue Kyra when she first learned about her on social media. Fast forward to last fall, Amanda and her husband made the 1,500-mile journey to bring Kyra home. Surprise - Kyra was pregnant! Marley was born at the HOOVES farm in June, adding more joy to the community.

What's truly unique about Kyra and Marley is their perlino coloring - a creamy shade with a hint of red and striking ice-blue eyes. Marley, the last perlino mustang from her herd, marks the end of an era in Mesa Verde.

These two beauties are quickly learning new tricks and are set to join the veterans' healing program soon. Amanda believes their stories of resilience will inspire veterans on a national level. 🐎

For those keen to follow Marley’s journey, she even has her own Facebook page! So, hit that follow button and stay tuned to see these incredible animals make a difference in the lives of our heroic veterans.