Murtagh is one of the blind stallions. He has a quiet, peaceful presence.
Most of the ear tip loss found among the stallions was caused by frostbite when they were living in the harsh winter conditions of South Dakota.
When you think of a sanctuary for wild Mustang stallions, you probably don’t picture it nestled in the heart of midwestern farmland. But that’s exactly where 20 old Mustangs from the biggest horse rescue mission in U.S. history found a refuge to live out the remainder of their days in peace.
THE BACKSTORY
Many of the horses who served in World Wars I and II were rounded up from what is now known as the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge on the northern border of Nevada. It became a breeding ground for these “war horses,” most of whom were shipped to Europe, where they were used to pull artillery or carry soldiers into war.