Background
Yakama Nation’s reservation in south-central Washington.

Hi! My name is Melody. I have a story to tell.

I was born in 2012 in south-central Washington on the Yakima Reservation. It was a good life, and I was part of a large herd.  Our land was overgrazed, and some of us were dying from starvation. Due to this, cultural history, and external pressures from cattle ranchers, Yakima Tribal leaders authorized our roundup in 2019, claiming it was to manage the horse population. Many of us were sold to kill buyers and transported across borders for slaughter and meat processing.

It was a scary time, I was 11 months pregnant. By a miracle, I was rescued by Pregnant Mare Rescue. I gave birth to my foal as I was descending from the rescue truck.

For the next five years, I healed on sacred land in Aptos, CA, provided by a “fairy godmother.” I was very sick, and the kind people there cared for me from afar. Ruby was allowed to play and grow alongside me, which was so important to me. I am deeply grateful for that time; I was given space and time to adjust, and nobody touched or bothered me. I felt safe that way.

Although I remained free and “wild” in a domestic setting for four years, it eventually became necessary for me to accept human care following an eye injury that required surgery.  Six years have passed since the roundup, and I still hold on to my wild spirit. It has been a struggle to balance my new life with my former life, and I am thankful to all the people who have been patient and supportive on this journey.

If you visit me, I will know you’re there and will be watching. I’m taking it all in; every bit of it.  Take time getting to know me. I’m not terribly comfortable with hugs or being over-touched, but I do love connection and would enjoy sitting with you to share heart space once I know you’re a safe person and I can trust you.

Personality:  Melody is Melody is naturally shy, timid, mild mannered and gentle. She has wisdom to share.  She is deeply in touch with her natural instincts which makes her a kind, gentle and wise teacher.  She loves carrots but is a bit picky when it comes to apples; she will eat red apples if they’re the “good kind”. 

View available support tiers below