24/10/2025
Yuma joined us in 2009, and by 2012 became our original “helper horse.” He accompanied countless horses on their first trail rides or first trips off property. He also put in many miles ponying other horses both in the arenas and across the hillsides that surround the farm. Yuma was always kind and honest, but held onto that sensitivity characteristic of the mustang breed, making him a great teacher.
As amazing as Yuma was, he had trouble getting along with other horses in turnout, and therefore his list of friends was quite short. In 2019 when we made the decision to retire Yuma due to ring bone in his front feet he was turned out with our mustang mare, Star. Star and Yuma lived happily together until the fall of 2022 when old age caught up and we had to lay Star to rest.
After attempting to find Yuma a new companion with no success, we sadly accepted the fact that he would likely spend the remainder of his days without a pasture mate…
In February of 2023 Clue arrived here at the farm. At 21 years of age, he had spent almost his entire life in the same pasture with his dam and very little handling or training. NEER North rescued Clue and began the difficult process of rehabilitating him in 2021. Clue was never taught any boundaries and was also improperly socialized, having spent his entire life by his dam’s side. NEER put some basic training into him and then he joined our program in hopes that he could continue that training.
It became apparent immediately that Clue suffered from severe separation anxiety and could be extremely dangerous due to his lack of education. Aside from the behavioral challenges, Clue also suffered from chronic lameness due to the neglect his feet suffered for over 20 years. We decided pretty quickly that a future as a riding horse would likely be out of reach and unfair at this point in Clue’s life. He was too unpredictable and strong to be handled by anyone other than a professional and he couldn’t hold up to a career under saddle, which left very few options for Clue’s future.
Fate intervened one night when Clue and Yuma knocked the gate down in between their paddocks. We found them together the next morning and they were happily grooming one another as if they had been friends forever. In that moment we decided that maybe Clue should remain here with us and be Yuma’s friend until their time with us was over.
Yuma and Clue have spent the last couple of years living happily together. They have spent their days grooming one another, playing face tag, napping in the sun, and getting loved by their humans. They thoroughly enjoyed all retirement had to offer.
Last winter, when the cold set in it became clear that both Clue and Yuma were beginning to struggle. They both suffered from significant arthritis and their daily pain was being managed with multiple medications. It became clear in late summer the medication was no longer enough. They had more sore days than not, and rarely laid down anymore as it had become harder for them to get up.
We are firm believers that it is better to say goodbye a week too early than a minute too late. Both of these boys deserved to be laid to rest together on a warm sunny day rather than wait for them to be too weak or sore to stand. It is with heavy hearts that we said goodbye to our two “old men” of the farm. Our final gift to them was a belly full of grass, the warm sun on their faces, and a peaceful farewell surrounded by all of us who loved them. Until we meet again…You will forever leave hoof prints on our hearts.
Thank you again to Alex Dionne for capturing these images of our special boys before we said goodbye❤️
