Meet Nevada: A 6-8-year-old Mustang mare whose story is just beginning—and whose ending we cannot yet predict.
Nevada came to Skagit Animals in Need in better physical condition than some arrivals (body condition score of 6/9), but covered in bot eggs and burrs that told the story of neglect. What we've discovered since her arrival is a horse carrying deep fear that may prove more challenging than any physical ailment.
The Reality of Fear
Nevada is profoundly afraid of people. While she has made small progress—cautiously sniffing hands and accepting treats—her fear response is intense. She will try to plow through fencing to escape even slight pressure. She's afraid of ropes, training equipment, and handling of any kind. These are not small hurdles—they represent significant behavioral challenges that may or may not be resolvable.
An Honest Assessment
There is a real possibility that Nevada's fear and behavioral responses may not improve despite our best efforts. While we believe that if we can reach her mind, she could be an amazing horse, we also must acknowledge that we may not be able to get there. We are committed to giving Nevada every reasonable chance, but we also must be realistic.
Where We Go From Here
Nevada is in the earliest stages of evaluation. She has demonstrated knowledge of groundwork in the roundpen, at liberty, so we believe she has had some training in her past. We're taking things slowly, watching for small signs of progress, and working to understand whether she can overcome her fear enough to be handled safely. This process will take time, and there are no guarantees.
