The Miracle of Spring: Orphan Mustang
Mauled by a mountain lion, left to die alone on the range, Spring’s amazing story of survival is just beginning.
The Miracle of Spring: Orphan Mustang belongs to the following groups:
A Place To Call Home, American Southwest , Animal Kingdom, Baby Animals (No Kittens or Puppies, 3/day), High Quality Animal Images - 1 Submission a Week, Light In The Darkness, Live, Love, Dream: , Livestock in General, Mysteries of the Common, Old farts of redbubble, Outsiders, Rescued Pets, Simply Horses, Something To Say, Spiritual Art, The Healing Journey, The Patchwork , The Pony Club (no horseys over 14.2hh), THE SISTERHOOD, Top Shelf Wildlife & Nature Art, Western United States Artists and Photographers and Wild Nature Photography & WritingFeatured on The Pony Club
(2009.JUL.10)
2009.JUN.19—
Yesterday afternoon, my friend Glenys and I set out on a shoot to test my new lens (Sigma 70-300).
We were going to go south, to a certain place where we thought there might be deer or elk grazing. As we came up to the turn-off, I said, “What about going to the spring above Lage’s, instead?” (There are usually some wild horses around there.) She was all for it, so instead of turning right, we went straight, and then cut across the main highway and drove north along the parallel seldom-traveled old highway.
At the spring, we were disappointed to see no recent sign of horses, so we amused ourselves with wildflower macro, instead. I walked up around the oasis to try for afternoon backlight. My friend went the other direction, so the spring and all its vegetation was now between us.
Suddenly, I heard a horse nicker and snort. Then, I heard Glenys exclaiming and urging me to come quickly. I feared she was face-to-face with a mad stallion. As I made my way around the waterhole and through some high brush, I stepped out in the clearing to see her standing about 50 feet from a mustang colt. They were having a conversation, but the baby was not letting her get close to it …...

Spring: Day One (2009.JUN.18)
We soon realized that the foal was abandoned and starving. It had multiple injuries, which we soon recognized as being the results of a cougar attack. Miracle of marvels: The tiny foal – just a few days old – had somehow survived … but she was so severely injured, the herd had left her for Nature to finish the job. Such is the way of the wilderness.
There was little discussion on the matter; as the little one went off down the hillside, we got back into my pickup and headed straight for home, and to the one person we knew would do something to help this poor baby: our neighbor, Ray. A horse whisperer, of sorts, Ray already has one mustang orphan, and his success with her has been phenomenal. When I told him about the orphan, he replied without hesitation, “Let’s go get it!”
It took us a couple of hours to make all the preparations - hitching up a horse trailer, finding some tack, then getting all the way back over to the spring. I was afraid we would be too late. The sun was sinking. My shooting buddy, who is still recovering from recent surgery, had become exhausted by the day’s events, and reluctantly decided not to go back with us, so it would just be Ray and me, on this mission of mercy. She said to me quietly, “Tell Ray it’s name is Spring.”
Before we got to the location, he spotted the colt above us on the hillside. A herd of wild horses was approaching, but quickly did an about-face when they saw us. Little Bit continued munching on grass, not really paying much heed to the two of us, as we slowly approached her.
She didn’t run, but bolted and trotted a short distance, each time we got too close. Ray started trying to lasso her, cowboy style – but the rope was too soft, and would not make a loop wide enough to encircle the horse’s head.
Success finally came when I caught the colt’s attention by talking to it, while Ray reached out and grabbed her by her fuzzy little tail. He held her from behind, while I slipped the rope around her neck.
She didn’t like being restrained, but Ray is very wise in the ways of horses, and he allowed her to “lead us” – him on one side, I on the other, just behind her withers.
Soon, we were back to the truck, and ready to try and load her into the trailer. He had tossed in a flake of hay, and she was so hungry, she went most of the way in, then balked. He got her front half tethered inside, while I pushed from behind. Success!
Little girl was so hungry, she went for the hay, and drank a bit of water that I brought over from the spring. When she was calm, we drove back to Cherry Creek. I’m sure it was a frightening experience for the horse, but there was no other way.
The sun had set, and as we drove away from the watering hole, I heard the howling of many coyotes nearby. I know that had we not done what we did, when we did it, the little one would not have lived to see the sunrise. Those predators would have taken her down.
Ray dressed her wounds, and we put a couple of horse blankets on the floor of the trailer for Spring to lie on. That was all we could do for the day. She would spend the night there, safe and snug. In the morning, he would go to town for milk supplements and pennicilin, and then make a stop at the local BLM office to start the paperwork on Spring’s adoption. There will be no complications with the bureaucracy; he is already on their list for mustang orphan adoption …...
I don’t believe in “random luck”. I find nothing “accidental” in the impulsive decision that lead my friend and me to turn north, instead of south, at the precise time that we did.
Spring had survived a vicious mountain lion attack, and would undoubtedly have perished by the violence of coyotes, or starvation, had we not come to the place we did, at exactly the time that we did.
Somebody has big plans for little Spring. I am blessed to have had a part in her rescue!
I regret there are no photographs of the rescue process. I kind of had my hands full with horse-wrangling. ;D

Spring: Day Twenty (2009.JUL.08)
Spring’s RedBubble Album: The Miracle Of Spring
Mustang Milestone: The Freeze Brand
(2009.AUG.17)






KarenKSmith
Very well written heartwarming story Arla. Nice photos. What a beautiful place. Keep us updated on Spring’s progress.
Arla M. Ruggles replied
I surely will, Karen! Thanks so much!
Bob Wall
Outstanding story.
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, Bob!
arvyart
Very nice sensitive story, thanks to the Heavenly Father, with the happy end. Don’t worry you have no pictures of the rescue process. That is just a detail. The main task is done and that is the most important thing. I look forward to hear more on Spring’s progress. Smiles. :)
Arla M. Ruggles replied
As you surely shall, Arvy … this is only Page One, Chapter One.
:D))
Lynn Bawden
Wow! What a well written recap of your rescue of Spring. You and Ray are to be commended for your heroic and thoughtful actions by saving Spring’s life…Lynn
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, Lynn … no commendations needed – we are all walking on air, today … I don’t even know how to express the feelings—but they are good ones!
May Lattanzio
Had I been there, I would have helped. Always good to have a set of extra hands. You will remember this day and this foal forever.
Great story, beautiful picture, and I wish I’d been there, too.
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you May … We sure could have used a photographer … :D)))
Katagram
what a wonderful story to be able to carry on to future generations. thank you to all three of your for your part in this wonderfully heartfelt story. I am thrilled and will tell many of my friends and family of your love and affection, and determination. the coyotes will have to forage for something else now ! !
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thanks a lot, Katagram! It is impossible to express the feelings we all shared, in this experience … mostly gratitude, I think, for being allowed – or chosen – to be helpful to a little helpless one in need.
Yep…. there are lots of rabbits around, so let those dogs work for their supper. ;p
wayne51
Arla, that is a great adventure, well written. Spring will now have a secure future and I believe you did take a couple of images with the new sigma. 55-200 is going to get a bit of a rest. Great job. Wayne
Lynn Bawden
I have the same warm feeling you have knowing there are caring people in the world like you, Arla…Lynn
Arla M. Ruggles replied
:)
CailliauArt
Thank you Arla. What awonderful and well written story. Please keep us posted on Springs progress…
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thanks, Joan – Yesterday – Day Two: I called on Spring 3 times. She was awake, alert, and HUNGRY! She scarcely looked up from her hay and oats when I petted her neck. (She is not interested in milk at all.)
Last night, we cleaned and dressed the worst of her injuries. She was very cooperative with all of that. Things are looking good for Spring!
dawndavies
you sure were guided to spring, keep us updated, shes beautiful and the scars will soon heal, what a little beauty, dawnx
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thanks, Dawn!
Spring’s spirit is strong, and she has the long legs of a runner. I will look forward to seeing her run .... soon! :)
CheyAnne Sexton
awesome, incredible and soooo glad you followed your instincts
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, CheyAnne …. I am, too!
dawndavies
oh I cant wait, shes so pretty and dinky,dawnxx
Terri Chandler
This is a beautifully written and wonderful story Arla. That precious baby is well on the way to being someone’s precious ” rescued pet” and considering the alternative, when freedom would have come at a terrible cost, this little one was so lucky. I appreciate you submitting it to the Rescued Pets Group and it will certainly be accepted. ~Terri
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thanks very much, Terri!
Karen Zimmerman
Arla! What a wonderful story. It made me misty. There is nothing more rewarding than helping to save a young creature survive a traumatic and seemingly hopeless situation. You will always be bonded with her. I really look forward to more images of her and updates as she heals and grows!
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Spring was saved by Divine Intervention. Glenys, Ray, and I were but instruments in the Plan. It is we who are blessed; and the bond between the three of us who found Spring is also strengthened by this shared experience. :)
Nancy Stafford
that store was great and done well..
spring was one lucky little girl. to have you come to her rescue..
thank you very much for sharing the story…
BarbL
Amazing story of a beautiful animal rescue. Warms my heart to know there are so many others out there who cherish life, no mater the species. That little baby is very lucky to have you come along and I’m with you, it was no accident! God bless you!
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, Barbi!
Spring has bestowed many blessings; she has already touched so many hearts!
Vanessa Anderberg
Great story…..so glad for her…:)
Mike Slaughter
Arla,
I enjoyed your story. Your ability to write with passion, excitement, and clarity equal that of your fine photography. I encourage you to keep dong both, because you will bless more people than you know. Like me.
I lived in McGill for about 5 years in the late 60’s and early 70’s – what some call the golden years of the town. I attended elementary and Jr. High School in McGill, then my first year and a half of High School in Ely. I miss many things about that area, especially the wide open spaces to roam, explore, and discover God’s handy work. These are things we don’t have much of in Dallas, Texas. There are few places left in the States that compare with the untamed wildness of Nevada.
I accidentally ran across Red Bubble one day and, out of curiosity, did a search on McGill. I was thrilled to land on your site. Now I can enjoy the wild beauty of North Eastern Nevada through your pictures and stories. You’re a gifted artist and I can almost smell the sage brush when I look at your photos. It’s great to see places I’ve not visited for a while, especially those off the highway.
As a writer and producer for nearly 30 years, I encourage you to continue using your gifts and talents to bless others. You have no idea how many people you have touched. Keep up the good work, which I will be following faithfully.
Mike Slaughter
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Our paths have crossed, Mike … I went to school in McGill 1965-69; WPHS class of ‘73 …. also spent many years in Texas, off and on. You’re right! It has changed so much since my first view of it (1977) .... I had never seen so much grass growing wild, and when it rained, on my first night in Houston, I went out to marvel at it. They all thought I was crazy. :D)))
Not to worry, I could no more stop shooting than stop breathing … I was a writer before I found the lens.
Thank you, so very very much for your encouraging words!
Go Bobcats!
Trudi's Images
Fabulous story and thank goodness you went the way you did !
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, Trudi.
Yes! Thank Goodness!!
Judy Grant
This story so touched me ! Thank u for sharing and for caring ! xoxo
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, Judy!
Ginny York
Arla…I am so touched by your story of the beautiful foal called Spring. I am so glad you saw her and were able to get you friend and save this little ones life. There need to be more people like you in the world. Beautiful.
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thanks, Ginny!
Spring is a wonder horse … she has touched so many, already. ;)
artist4peace
wonderful,thank you for” listening “to the marching orders,bless you your friends and ….spring! xoxoxox
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, artist4peace!
Dawnsky2
Oh wow!!
Arla M. Ruggles replied
:)
skyhorse
God bless you for saving this little miracle foal, keep the updates coing :)
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, skyhorse!
........ and I will. :)
annibels
Touched! Thank you for being there, and making a difference to this precious life!
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you, Annibels!
Diana-Lee Saville
You wonderful person…fate led you to find her…what a lucky filly to have such caring people to look to. Great story :))
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Aw, thank you, Diana-Lee – I’m sure we did what most other human beings would have done, in the same situation.
Diana-Lee Saville
Diana-Lee Saville
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you very much, Diana-Lee!!
Here’s hoping Spring’s story will bring attention to the plight of her “tribe”, as the BLM proposes removing ALL wild horses from their centuries=old domain in eastern Nevada!
StarKatz
Reading this simply broke my heart, I’m so glad you were there to rescue the baby.. so sad how nature treats their own, your love and nurturing is surely going to see her through the tough times, thank God for people like you who have a heart :0)
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thanks, StarKatz!
Three weeks later, Spring is doing very well! :D
Leeandmadison
The strongest survive, natures way, you became her “strenth “when you found her, God bless you and all the (blm) Mustangs in the plight for survival.
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Thank you Leeandmadison—Spring has a guardian angel, now doubt – let’s hope the rest of her herd do, too.
Jan Landers
this touches so deep…..little spring has been blessed by your caring heart and you are blessed by her love as well…we are all connected….feeling the love….and it is a beautiful thing….thank you for you and for sharing this, arla….
Arla M. Ruggles replied
Spring is a blessing to everyone who sees her. :)))