What others see on the outside isn’t necessarily what we see on the inside.

Indio spent his entire life alone in a paddock and, when he arrived, he didn’t quite know how to be a horse. The only handling that he had from humans was quite rough. He came to us very, very, very scared. He didn’t know how to work with humans and was very nervous of being in a paddock with other horses. Unlike many of our rescues, he was physically in good shape. So while he needed no physical rehabilitation, this has been one of our toughest cases of mental rehabilitation.

So we started things off very slowly, right back to basics to get him used to being handled and with other horses. We’ve had some incredible volunteers working with him every single day, using positive reinforcement and lots of patience. And since his arrival, we have seen an incredible change in Indio. From a terrified pony that couldn’t be touched and was too scared to leave the paddock, to know living in a huge paddock with lots of other horses where he can run and play. He’s learned to enjoy his freedom, make friend with other horses – especially his best friend Elvis. He now enjoys his walks and is even starting to approach new volunteers on his own and allow them to pet him!

Indio’s transformation brings tears to our eyes and we can’t wait to see the progress he’ll continue to make as he blossoms into the pony he was always meant to be.

Help us to support Indio’s healing journey and receive regular updates on his progress by sponsoring him today!