Rare Mustang Helps Toledo Veterans Heal

Toledo, Ohio is now home to a rare wild mustang from Colorado and her foal, who will soon be playing a critical role in the healing journeys of local veterans. Kyra and Marley, as they are named, have found a new home on a Swanton farm that specializes in equine therapy, specifically aiding veterans suffering from PTSD and addiction.

For more than a decade, the non-profit organization HOOVES has been utilizing the therapeutic power of horses to support veterans. Founded by Amanda Held, the program has rescued numerous horses, including its newest residents, Kyra and Marley. Amanda discovered Kyra through social media and knew she had to rescue the wild mustang.

Kyra and Marley have gracefully adapted to their new environment. This adjustment is significant considering Kyra lived the first couple of years of her life wild in Mesa Verde National Park. Last year, Kyra and thousands of other wild mustangs were rounded up due to an overpopulation crisis.

Kyra's story and unique resilience resonate deeply with combat veterans. Like many veterans, wild horses are often in a state of hyper-vigilance, always on the alert for potential threats. This deep connection helps veterans to relate to and draw strength from the stories of these resilient animals.

Kyra's coloration is particularly rare, known as Perlino – a cream color with a reddish tint and ice blue eyes. Marley, born at the HOOVES farm in June, shares this unique coloration. What makes Marley even more special is that she is the last Perlino mustang to be born from that herd at Mesa Verde National Park.

Amanda is optimistic about the impact Kyra and Marley will have, not just locally but potentially on a national level. She believes that their stories and resilience will be a vital part of the therapeutic process for many veterans, inspiring them to overcome their own struggles.

Starting next week, Kyra and Marley will be integrated into an intensive healing program with veterans. The bond formed between the veterans and horses during these sessions can be incredibly transformative, fostering a sense of understanding and emotional connection that words alone can't achieve.

The concept behind this therapy is straightforward but powerful: when veterans hear about the adversities that these horses have overcome, they find a mirror for their own experiences. This connection enables them to see that if these horses can overcome their challenges, they can too.

This initiative is part of a larger mission to combat PTSD and reduce veteran suicides, a grave issue facing the community. Programs like HOOVES provide essential support, bringing hope and healing to those who have served. The arrival of Kyra and Marley adds a unique and impactful dimension to this ongoing mission.