Humane Wild horse management requires spurr-of-the-moment decisions, and today was such a day. After monitoring Little Pearl all week for a hip injury, the decision was made to rescue her.

Little Pearl is the 2019 daughter of Little Bob and Pearl, and she and her mom Pearl are part of Mick’s band, which is also Strider’s band. At first she had only a slight limp, but her condition became progressively worse with each passing day, until she went missing from her band.

After an all-day search, we finally found her alone. We hoped she would heal. But then Kino, one of the bachelor stallions, saw his opportunity and pursued her. In the process Little Pearl was injured even further.

The stallion wasn’t being cruel—he is simply following instincts and doesn’t know she was in terrible pain.

But Little Pearl was suffering immensely and was not able to get to water, so the decision had to be made to end her suffering, either by euthanasia or by rescue. We wanted to give her the chance she deserves.

We are always extremely reluctant to rescue a wild horse because we know that once they leave the wild, they can never return. We chose to leave Kino in the wild because he is fine, but he is refusing to leave her and is hanging outside her temporary pen. At least she can get rest now without him chasing her around and she still has his company.

She will need her veterinary assessment, but right now, more than anything else, Little Pearl is getting some rest, getting rehydrated and is eating some powdered bute which helps inflammation and pain. Somehow she looks happier already.

Every rescue brings significant veterinary and long-term care costs and lots of work for our care team. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter of SRWHMG or making a one-time donation. We simply couldn’t rescue any horses without your compassion and support!

Stay tuned for more updates and pray for her full recovery! Thank you!

Footage by Maile Alday, who helped tremendously. Editing Simone Netherlands.