The foal who helped save an entire herd, now needed to be saved himself.

On July 31, 2015, the same day an impound notice was issued to remove every Salt River wild horse, a tiny 🐴colt was born.

His name was Diamond, the son of Sapphire and Shadowfax.

Within days, his curious personality stole the hearts of Arizona. He looked at television cameras, whinnied at reporters, and quickly became the face of the fight to save the Salt River wild horses. His story led newscasts across the state, and the public rallied behind the herd.

In many ways, Diamond helped save them all.

Now it was Diamond who needed saving. When SRWHMG volunteers noticed Diamond was missing from his band on July 7, 2016, they searched for hours before finding him just after dark.
He was down, but alive.

He had suffered a horrific injury after getting his hoof caught in a cattle guard, tearing away much of the hoof wall from the coronet band. Unable to bear weight on his right front leg.

The next morning, detailed photographs were sent to veterinarians and our farrier. The prognosis was heartbreaking. Without intervention, infection would almost certainly reach the bone, leading to a slow and painful death. That was not going to happen. For nearly three days, dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly to save the little colt who had once inspired an entire state to save his herd.

Our president, Simone Netherlands, secured authorization for a rescue, and 45 SRWHMG volunteers rushed to Butcher Jones. The veterinarian, darter, roper, and trailer were already, but Diamond disappeared again.

After another full day of searching, he was finally found late that afternoon in even worse condition. With darkness approaching, the rescue had to be postponed until morning.

Volunteers patiently guided him onto the beach using quiet, low-stress horsemanship techniques, then formed a human round pen around him. Throughout the 🌙night they took turns keeping watch, giving him water, allowing him to rest, and making sure he didn’t wander off before the rescue team arrived.
The next morning, exhausted volunteers gathered with ☕️coffee and determination. The dart was placed perfectly. Twenty minutes later, the sedative had taken effect. Diamond was gently brought to the ground, anesthetized, and his shattered hoof was cleaned and bandaged before volunteers carefully lifted him into the SRWHMG rescue trailer.

🎉Cheers, hugs, tears, and sighs of relief followed.

Diamond was transported to Prescott, where surgery was successfully completed. His leg was placed in a cast, and he was transferred to our rehabilitation facility for 24/7 care.

10 years later…… He has special glue- on soft shoes. He’s walking, playing, and thriving—thanks to many people who make one amazing team, SRWHMG!

And Diamond say’s 🎼“I wanna put on my, my, my, my, my boogie shoes, Just to boogie with you” 🎼