In August of 2012 County of San Diego Department of Animal Services seized eight mustangs from a private owner. They were emaciated as the result of long-term neglect. As semi-feral mustangs, they faced euthanasia. Through a series of events we became aware of their presence at the shelter. Knowing they were there led to a series of discussion with our veterinarian, Dr. Chandler from East County Large Animal Practice, our landlady and the staff at Animal Services.

During these discussions, a foal in the group was humanely euthanized because he was too weak to stand. A mare, covered in tumors was also humanely euthanized. The remaining group consisted of three mares. The mare that came to be knows as Yeah TaNuk had two daughters with her, UuMunm and Kayma who was only a few months old. WaaKaa had her young filly, WeSaii with her. Eyaeh was obviously pregnant. It was clear that all of the mares were sacrificing their own nutrients for their foals. As we reached an agreement to move the herd, we faced the reality that it was unlikely that they would all survive. There was a lot of doubt that Eyaeh would be able to carry her foal to term given the terrible nutritional deficits. So, we moved forward fully prepared for heartache.

Amazingly, once at the ranch the group thrived. By November of 2012 they had all gained enough weight to move them to the newly leased “Mustang Habitat” adjacent to our original leasehold. We rejoiced that everyone was still with us and Eyaeh was still pregnant.

On March 27 at 10:45 p.m. Eyaeh gave birth to a beautiful filly, Andrea and DJ were there to watch her being born and take her first few steps. We of course thought she was perfect in every way. When Dr. Oman came out the next morning to check mom and baby, he noted that her legs were terribly crooked, presumably the result of poor nutrition invitro.

In spite of her crooked legs, she never had a problem keeping up with mom or the rest of the herd. Eyaeh was very clearly the leader of the herd, a position she held even with the arrival of the other herd members in 2018 and 2019. It was obvious early on that Sinya was heir apparent for the position of herd matriarch. No one ever challenged her authority.

In 2022 Sinya was diagnosed with laminitis and Cushing Disease. This led to confinement with her mom and on-going medical care and farrier care. Sinya had never been halter trained, but she took everything in stride and was very calm and level headed. She recovered completely from the laminitis and returned to living with the larger herd. A few months ago, Eyaeh proved the power of genetics by developing laminitis and testing positive for Cushing’s disease, so the pair was returned to confinement.

Sinya – Farewell January 23, 2023

On Monday, January 23, 2023, we lost Sinya to tetanus, just two months shy of her tenth birthday. Her passing was devastating.

It was here that she contracted tetanus. Since we were unable to find a “wound” on her it was likely a small scrape or puncture that stole our princess from us.

We really do not have words to describe the depth of our sorrows at her premature passing. She was a symbol of the survivability of this herd. Mom and the other mares defied the odds by surviving. She defied the odds by being born and growing into a beautiful mare. Of course, she was more than just a symbol of survival. She was the princess of the herd, always to first to participate in enrichments and investigate photo props. She enjoyed interreacting with our volunteers.

Her passing has left a huge hole in our hearts and in the herd, but there is no doubt that out heartache compared to Eyaeh’s heartache. We are keeping a close eye on Eyaeh. We suspect she is not in her mid-twenties. She has survived more than most horses have and now she has lost her daughter. As a pair they were inseparable. One was never far from the others.

Your prayers and healing thoughts have carried us through this terrible week. Please direct that same love and support to Eyaeh as she mourns the loss of her beautiful daughter.