08/31/2026
So yesterday went a little different than expected. A video we posted and expected to stir a lot of emotions and get some mixed comments. Instead it went insanely viral with more than a million views. It has been edited and shared all over. While I hope most remained respectful to the fact that we "inherited" the situation, some were not. I just hope everyone can remember an owner who loved their horse very much watched her nearly kill someone... and a trainer that was working with a horse that was already trained and broke to ride to get her better to handle on the ground was attacked and is now dealing with long term injuries, surgeries, and PTSD in certain situations. Regardless of your feelings on who did what right or wrong these are two horse lovers left reeling over a terrible situation.
As to the many concerns we have seen posted, we are uniquely set up to handle feral horses, particularly stallions. We geld a lot of untouched horses yearly for our rescue and many other organizations who don't have the facility to do so. We are also comfortable with remaining safe around them. This is far from a feral horse but the safety restrictions are the same.
Next, no costs for vetting or euthanasia will fall on CHRN. This isn't a time where we waste much needed funds on a likely "lost cause". We are still gauging interest of the university in making her part of a study. Regardless she will be evaluated Tuesday by our team and our vet. That will also be handled with no opportunity for danger to anyone ESPECIALLY our vet. If things get anyone worried we walk away. This will include bloodwork and a physical/dental exam.
So the biggest question I keep hearing is WHY!?!
This mare is the most unusual case we've seen of an aggressive horse surrendered after an attack. It is the third most severe attack in horses surrendered to us. The other two horses were euthanized without full exams or necropsy. They were also late gelded stallions or stallions and had behavior issues their whole life. This mare is from a good home. Yes I believe she was spoiled, but there's spoiled horses everywhere that don't attack people like a dog out to kill. She is broke to ride. She does have a bite history over some time that very recently came to include the previous owner who raised her. That was the final straw after the attack. This mare is friendly and engaging. She is relaxed and appears happy. She is intelligent and learned to voluntarily side pass to the stall wall for us to tie her up to make it possible to tie her without entering the stall or putting anyone in danger. Then it's safe to enter the stall for feed, water, placing her muzzle on, etc. Now many folks may think, "doesn't that make her a potential rehab case?" Honestly it makes it worse. This horse gave very little warning most every time she charged. She has "charged" 3 people, and she had physically ran down the trainer once before the attack. That is EXTREMELY dangerous. There was no rhyme or reason. Very little or no warning. What can you do to stay safe with this horse long term? The answer is nothing. If there isn't a very clear major medical cause for these fits of aggression she will never, ever be safe. Even if there is she very likely will still be unsafe. What's a rescue to do? That's why we have 5 people making this decision. If a university welcomes the mare that will be the end of it. If they don't the panel will discuss if there's any significant possibility for any rehab. Even then, how could we adopt her out? Again the answer is, we really can't. We are between a rock and a hard place. It's difficult to navigate and will be impossible to ever feel we've done enough diagnostics. It will be an impossible decision. This horse is probably the most dangerous we've ever had because of the unpredictability of the acting out. We don't know the trigger, so how could we avoid it?
So why are we still going to look into the cause? Because this is an extremely unusual case and any answers we potentially find will help piece together why a filly that was described as confident, smart and dominant became a "killer" could not only settle the mind of the family that raised her but us as well. It may also have medical implications that could help with horses find in earlier stages of these issues. The behavioral enthusiast in me is so intrigued.
Just look how relaxed she is here. This is a strange place, her first time in this pen, first time in a muzzle. She's soft eyed, curious. Body language is also relaxed.
Wish us luck on our fact finding mission and wish us peace to deal with the likely inevitable conclusion.
**HORSE IS NOT RABID. Attack was well over a month ago and this horse is still healthy**
