Indy

Indy is a beautiful, tiny, fiery, 18-year-old Appaloosa. She’s most definitely one of the wildest mares we have ever taken. She broke the record for the fastest unloading in Skydog history. Even with limited vision, and lameness issues caused by terrible hooves, she shot out of the trailer like a spitfire. We stayed absolutely still as she blew right past us, all fire and brimstone, snorting like a dragon.

Indy comes from the McGavin Peak Wild Horse Territory (WHT) in California. This area falls under the authority of the US Forest Service. While we don't see eye to eye with the federal land management agencies, when it comes to working with them to help some wild horses land softly, we will always say yes. We are grateful to the Double Devils corrals in Alturas for reaching out on their behalf about two wild horses they wanted to go to Skydog, where “they know they'll both be in capable hands and safe."  We are the right place for wild-as-the-wind mustangs, who need sanctuary and extra help to lead good lives.

Indy has the appearance of an old-school Appaloosa with her Mohawk mane and spotted markings. Indy’s exactly the kind of horse I imagine being ridden by Indigenous horse cultures into battle or to hunt buffalo. They created this breed and echoes of their past resound today. These horses have a rich and fascinating history. Eye catchers with mottled skin, white sclera, and vertically striped hooves, they are also valued for their hardiness and agility along with an exceptionally faithful nature and gentle demeanor.

Indy is a fierce, wild warrior, who moves like a strong boss mare. Upon arrival, she was fire and fury, but beneath all that, I sense an old soul with an innate desire to survive. Once she understands that we mean her no harm, I think she will be a very smart mare.

The extent of Indy’s vision issues has yet to be determined by our wonderful veterinarians. USFS informed us she has some scarring within one eye, but we’ll know more about that soon. Janelle has started corrective trims on Indy’s horrible hooves – and she has her work cut out for her. Indy’s had a little bit of lameness, which is to be expected with the trims. We’ll have to wait and see how far her feet will take her, but we’re aiming for the stars with this girl. We will do our very best to get her comfortable and happy. Our hope is that she will be able to live wild and free again on our 9000-acre ranch.  

In the meanwhile, for trims, Indy is in a smaller pen near the barn, where we paired her up with Dani California. That first friend at Skydog is crucial to helping a new horse settle in, so we put a lot of thought into it. Dani, like Indy, has a protective nature and vision issues. Dani also had the experience of living in Storm’s care-giving herd. He took it upon himself to guide mares who were (partially) blind, helping them live their best lives. The two California girls were gentle when they met. They seemed to understand each other. Indy watches out for Dani and Dani helps Indy calm down.

A circle of friends grew with the addition of Anselm and Clyde. It was no surprise that the latter, a mini-mule, decided Indy’s food was his and tried to kick her away from the bin. A bold move for one so small with one to fiery and fierce, but Indy took it with the patience and wisdom of a family matriarch.

With so many mustangs and burros in need of help right now, donations are the only way we can keep helping more. Thank you to everyone who donated for wild Indy. She is definitely in the right place for her. Whatever she needs, we will be able to give it to her, thanks to you.

Indy arrived with another mustang from the corrals, a stunning blue roan gelding named Ford. We hadn’t thought about it at the time, but this reminded a lot of people of Indiana “Indy” Jones and Harrison Ford.

Mustangs and Burros Need Your Help

In addition to supporting our work by donating, becoming a patron on Patreon, or sponsoring a Skydog, there are several important pieces of legislation to protect American equines currently moving through Congress. It only takes a few minutes to contact your Rep and Senators and urge them to support these bills:

Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act of 2023 (H.R. 3475 in the House / S.2307 in the Senate). This bill will shut down the slaughter pipeline that sends some 20,000 American horses and donkeys to savagely monstrous deaths in foreign slaughterhouses every year.

The Wild Horse & Burro Protection Act of 2023 (H. R. 3656) This bill will prohibit the use of helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft in the management of wild mustangs and burros on public lands, and require a report on humane alternatives to current management practices.

Ejiao Act of 2023 (H.R. 6021). To ​​ban the sale or transportation of ejiao, a gelatin made from boiling donkey skins, or products containing ejiao in interstate or foreign commerce, which brutally kills millions of donkeys primarily for beauty products and Chinese medicine.

You can Contact Members of Congress by calling the Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121‬, submitting contact forms on their individual websites, or sending one email to all three simultaneously at www.democracy.io

See our How to Help menu for other actions to ban zebra hunting at US canned hunt ranches, stop production of Premarin & other PMU drugs, and defund the Adoption Incentive Program.