Yesterday, someone reported a horse lying still on the riverbank thinking she was already deceased. We responded immediately—it was Aquarius. She was alive, but clearly not well.

Her best friend Violet and lead stallion, Jake, weren’t with her, so our team stayed close, carefully monitoring her. We chased off a few stallions that were bothering her and helped reunite her with her small but close family. She got a good drink, and as the sun set, the three of them disappeared together into the brush, …for the last time.

This morning before the Sun rose, we returned to check on her—and sadly found that she had passed during the early morning hours, with Jake and Violet by her side.

If you’ve ever seen a bright glowing white duo along the Salt River, you’ve likely seen Aquarius and Violet. As you can see in the picture taken by Christine B, the light seemed to emanate from them, making the world a little brighter.

Aquarius was born in 2001, wild and free, and she died as she lived. She has 8 known offspring of which Libra is her last filly from 2019. She was an amazing mom, but we are very glad that she could spend her older days without having to give birth to babies every year, part of humane wild horse management.

We are heartbroken—but also deeply grateful. Grateful for the long, wild life, without anyone trying to remove her from it. Grateful for the joyous times watching her fling River- eelgrass. Grateful to have been there for her in her final hours. And grateful to share her story with you.
These are the moments that define our mission. Would anyone else have cared, to make her last day easier, would anyone know where to find her or who her family was to be reunited with? Would anyone be able to inform AZDA of exactly what happened? At SRWHMG, we’re in the field every day—knowing these horses, their families, their habits, and every inch of the beautiful home they live in.
Aquarius wasn’t a nuisance. She didn’t cost taxpayers a dime.

She lived in harmony with the land, her herd, and the wild.

And she gave nothing but beauty and wonder to millions in return.

Run forever free with our herd up above, Beautiful Aquarius. 🌈

Thank you for your support and Please don’t forget to sign the petition to keep them wild and free!