Be a Light - or Luminaria* - for Shadow

SHADOW'S STORY

In the spring of 2021, a thin, scared colt stood next to his dam in a kill pen. The pair was marked for transport over the border, destined for slaughter. Sky Mountain Wild staff were able to adopt this mare and foal to give them life and freedom. Shadow was an undernourished 7-month-old dark horse with a tiny white spot on his forehead. After he was set free on the Sanctuary, he showed that he was terrified of humans. He often ran towards visitors then darted quickly away in a dance of fear.

Shadow roamed freely on the Sanctuary with his dam, Midnight, playing with the other mustangs. Staff watched in awe, as over time, he lost his fear of humans in the peace of the Sanctuary. Shadow seemed to learn that he was safe. His behavior began to resemble less of a rescued, on-guard horse, and more of a big dog.

Today if you visit the Sanctuary, this handsome black mustang will be one of the first to approach you. Shadow enjoys human contact and will stretch his muzzle out to you, often nodding his head towards humans. He has now lived most of his young life in the peace of Sky Mountain Wild, and is a living example of the transformative power of sanctuary.

You can help Shadow . . . by choosing him.

*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.