Be a Light - or Luminaria* - for Midnight

MIDNIGHT'S STORY

In the spring of 2021, two mustangs stood in a kill pen, just about to be sent to slaughter. Midnight and her foal, Shadow, were rescued from that pen on the New Mexico border and transported to the Sanctuary. Midnight was terrified of humans. In the early months of her freedom when she saw visitors approach, she ran straight at them, stopping abruptly right before impact. “It was like she suddenly realized what I was, a human,” recalls one staff member. The mare would then spin on her back legs and bolt. “I was always surprised that she managed to halt before she ran into me.”

After several months of being free in the peace of the Sanctuary and visited by only safe humans, Midnight’s behavior changed dramatically. Now, when a group of visitors approaches, Midnight edges up to them, stops and stands quietly. If you visit the Sanctuary, wait calmly for the first mustangs to approach you. Most likely they will be Midnight and her offspring, Shadow. Put out your hand and if they invite you, give them a soft muzzle scratch. They most often will accept the friendly gesture before turning to roam across their Sanctuary. Know you have been truly welcomed.

You can help Midnight . . . by choosing her.

*Luminaria is Spanish for a special light or lantern which guides by illuminating the way. Be a light for forever freedom for a mustang of Sky Mountain Wild Horse Sanctuary ~ where mustangs belong only to the sky, the mountains, the wild, and each other. Thank you for being a Luminaria for mustangs.