10/12/2026
Today was one for the books. And quite frankly, one I hope we never have to repeat.
This afternoon, a fire broke out directly on the hill behind our barn. With nearly 50 animals in our care, including 18 horses, dozens of chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits, and our beloved barn cats, there wasn’t a second to waste.
The second we saw those flames, everyone jumped into action. And I honestly don’t have the words to describe how it feels to have people in your life who show up like that. No questions, no hesitation, just people coming together to do whatever needed to be done to get our animals to safety.
We were incredibly fortunate to have been fairly well prepared, especially since roads in and out of our area were eventually closed. But all the preparation in the world doesn’t mean much without people willing to show up and help. And today, they did. In a BIG way.
All of our animals are safe. Every single one. ❤️
And I have to take a moment to say just how incredibly proud I am of our horses. Every single one of them loaded into trailers willingly, even our newest addition who hasn’t even officially had a trailer-loading lesson yet. In the middle of all that chaos, they trusted us and did what we asked of them.
I think that says so much about the way we work with our horses and why we do things the way we do. We spend so much time building trust, creating relationships, and helping these animals feel safe with us. Sometimes that work looks slow, and sometimes it might not seem like we’re accomplishing much to someone looking in from the outside. But today was a perfect example of why that foundation matters so much. When it really counted, they trusted us. And that trust helped us get them out safely. There is something pretty incredible about that, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
To our volunteers, our friends, the ranches that opened their gates, the people who brought trailers, and everyone who called, texted, or offered help, I am so incredibly grateful. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to respond to everyone. It’s been a long, emotional day, and I’m still trying to catch my breath.
We still have horses spread out at three different ranches nearby, and while we’re so thankful they have safe places to stay, we could really use some help with hay and feed while they’re away from home. If you’re able to make a donation, no matter how small, it would mean so much right now.
I spend so much of my life worrying about these animals and making sure they’re safe and cared for. Today was a reminder that I’m not carrying that responsibility entirely alone. There are people who love these animals, who care about what we’re doing, and who will drop everything when we need them.
And I don’t take that for granted for a single second.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. From the very bottom of my heart. ❤️
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Donations: Mustangs MEND is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue and sanctuary (EIN: 82-1787849). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. All contributions toward our fire evacuation expenses will help provide hay, feed, and continued care for our displaced animals. Every dollar makes a difference, and we are so grateful for your support.
Venmo: mustangsmend
Zelle: [email protected]
Coverage of the https://youtu.be/vwnHupCU2J4