Save Indio: A Neglected Horse in Need

Help Us Save Indio – A Sweet, Neglected Horse in Desperate Need

Indio is the sweetest, most affectionate boy we’ve ever met, but he’s suffering terribly.

He lives in a small pen filled with garbage and manure. He’s alone, never exercised, never groomed, and often without water or hay, especially dangerous now, with record-breaking heat here in Northern New Mexico.

We visit him from our neighboring property as often as we can. We bring him fresh blue grama grass, treats, water, and love. When we arrive, Indio ambles over to us, nuzzles our pockets for apples and carrots, and rests his head against us. He’s hungry for food, but also for affection.

His condition is heartbreaking:

His ribs and hip bones jut out more and more each week.

He hasn’t been dewormed this season.

Flies bite him constantly.

Out of boredom and possibly a fiber deficiency, he eats his own manure. (This alone can cause parasites).

We’ve tried everything:

We offered to buy him.

We offered to let him graze on our land.

Finally, we reported the neglect to the New Mexico Livestock Board.

Unfortunately, horses are classified as livestock here in New Mexico, and the laws offer almost no protection. The Livestock Board inspector confirmed the owner has run out of food for his horse—but still, Indio is not considered “emaciated enough” to seize. Indio's owner refuses to improve his care, his environment, or to let him go. In fact, the owner threatened to move Indio to another property which would make it impossible to monitor his well-being.

We are now at our final resort: We need to raise A LOT of money to persuade the owners to allow us to buy Indio’s freedom.

If we succeed, we will place him at The Horse Shelter in Cerrillos, NM, where he’ll get medical care, nutrition, space to roam, and plenty of love. If they are unable to take him, we will find a reputable shelter that will.

We’ve already poured our hearts into this fight. Now we’re asking for your help. Every dollar brings us closer to saving him. If, for any reason, Indio is moved by the owners or passes away before we can act, we will donate all funds to The Horse Shelter to help other horses in need.

Please help us save Indio. Even the smallest contribution will help. Please share this campaign with anyone you know who cares about animals.

THANK YOU for caring.