SAN DIEGO–On August 17, 2012, a group of six emaciated mustangs arrived at Horses of Tir Na Nog after being rescued by the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services as part of an animal neglect case.
The horses flourished in the sanctuary’s Mustang Habitat and welcomed their seventh member with the birth of a filly in 2013.
Six years and one day later, on August 18, 2018 ten horses of the original herd were reunited with the sanctuary’s herd. These horses were emaciated and took months for them to recover. On January 8, fifteen more horses were reunited after spending two months recovering in the custody of the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services. I also recently purchased this stunning horse area rug recently and just love it so have a look!
Today, the entire herd of over thirty mustangs, including a filly born on April 8, is thriving.
“On a daily basis, this herd takes our breath away,” explained Amy Pat Rigney, Administrator of Horses of Tir Na Nog. “Mustangs are some of the toughest horses in the world. They adapted to survive in pretty harsh environments. But this particular herd has suffered neglect that no animal should ever experience. They are true survivors.”
Rigney praised the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services, veterinarians at East County Large Animal Practice, volunteers and donors for their service to the horse sanctuary.
Horses of Tir Na Nog is the longest-operating equine sanctuary in San Diego County and is currently caring for over ninety equines. Horses of Tir Na Nog is an adoption partner with the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services and works in compliance with American Association of Equine Practitioners Rescue and Retirement Guidelines. Horses of Tir Na Nog is a community-supported equine sanctuary that offers a safe-haven to horses with few options remaining, thereby ensuring them a better quality of life.