We are sad to report tonight the death of 12-year-old wild mare Caroline.
Around 5 p.m. this evening witnesses observed a stallion aggressively chasing her and trying to breed her, and then saw her fall to the ground and die nearly instantaneously.
Our veterinarian performed a field necropsy and found that Caroline’s neck had been broken. No abnormalities or injuries were found internally. Blood was taken and will be processed but we do not anticipate finding any abnormalities there either. Her injury was in line with the behavior reported and while it is a devastating loss, it was the result of natural wild horse behavior.
Caroline’s death should serve as yet another reminder of just how truly wild and dangerous these horses are – especially when hormones are involved.
If you’ve posted or shared photos of Caroline’s body, we ask that you take them down and share this post instead. We’d like to get the correct information out, and Caroline, our staff, and the people who so generously helped us tonight deserve the respect. Thank you.
