PIPER

 

“The Honorary Mustang”

This petite bay pony mare, like many, was run through auction with a dubious past, in foal before she was even fully matured. The rescue that saved her that day didn't know the shy girl was carrying a baby, started her under saddle and sent her out to an adoptive home. Returned shortly thereafter, she surprised them early one February morning by giving birth in the snow. As they were not equipped to manage a new foal, the group reached out for help, and Rosemary Farm welcomed the pair when the baby was just four days old.

Piper and Leo became huge hits, both to Rosemary Farm supporters and to the older mares that were stabled near them in the barn. Dubbed 'ColtTV', everyone would gather near their private paddock and watch the carefree antics of the pinto colt, as he explored the new world. Leo grew sweet and strong under his watchful momma and his expanding herd, and after a year, the pair moved to a larger space with more horses, so Leo could continue to learn from them. Together they crossed the wide brook and ran the mountain, becoming healthy and athletic.

Like many mare mommas who are handled too much too soon, Piper has retained a healthy caution for humans that her son did not share. Leo was allowed to wean naturally and was adopted, along with his girlfriend Aimee, when he was five years old. Piper by this time had found love with our wildest Mustang, River, as well as some close mare friends who are often found together enjoying life. Now in her 20’s, Piper has relaxed enough for safe care, but has decided she wants to remain a wild thing, an honorary Mustang, and who is to say otherwise? How wonderful for a horse to get to determine its own future.

Sponsor Piper today!  She may be a self-proclaimed wild horse, but she will always appreciate the love of a sponsor.

Piper is:

• a bay pony mare
• welcomed to The Sanctuary in February 2013, a member of the 10 Year Club
• a member of The Mockingjays herd
• mother to Leo
• a permanent herd member, seeking Sponsorship
• fun fact; Piper’s wild beauty was featured in an Instagram photo series by National Geographic photographer Katie Orlinsky