Take a moment to pause and just be...with your breath, with your body, with this sound. 20 seconds of relaxation with Shasta 🐴 #asmrsounds #horsesanctuary #horsesofinstagram #backyardbend

The hills to the east were glowing the most brilliant orange tonight. The same color as our gorgeous mustang mare - Tetra. The vibrance of her fiery fur and the stunning landscape certainly felt like the shining stars of this hangout! All of the horses here at the sanctuary have been enjoying an unseasonably mild winter. Sunny with highs in 40s. They look like rollie-pollie teddy bears with their thick, insulataing coats. How cute are Bensen and Millie (the mini mules) all fuzzed up? Too cute! And while the herd seemed not to notice, boy-oh-boy did the temp drop quickly once the sun hit the horizon...it's definitely winter here on the high desert! These daily socializing sessions (horse-human hangouts) are an essential aspect of the sanctuary's horse care. Many of our horses are formerly wild and now, being in captivity, they are no longer considered 'wild horses ' but they are unhandled horses. Another set of the horses have handling and training in their backgrounds, but the path that brought them to the kill pen stripped away trust and curiosity. And then there's the handful of youngsters who were either born here or arrived as very young foals. These individuals have known more days of sanctuary life than not and are constantly offering bids for connection with us which has emerged as a catalyst in these hang sessions for the skeptical/fearful horses to step into curiosity. Being curious is the doorway to courage and engagement that will one day evolve into trust. And this relationship-first style, it takes TIME. It's a journey measured in moments of consistency and connection (moments like this video clip) not by hours or training goals. 🐴 These experiences of trust are only possible because of community support. If this kind of relationship-first care speaks to you, please like, comment, or share to help more people find the sanctuary—and consider donating via the link in our bio to keep these moments going. Every bit truly matters. *video edit* Jupiter was born off-site but arrived to the sanctuary as a gravely sick young foal, his "life" started here when he regained his health which is why we think of him being born into this herd.

🔊 SOUND ON! The soothing sound of hoofbeats and deep exhales as Beauty's herd settles into their new winter pasture. No rushing. No holding their breath. Just horses fully in the moment. Maybe that’s the lesson for the start of this week—slow down, exhale, and be where you are. 😉 If you believe horses deserve a life where they can move like this, breathe like this, and simply be, you can help make it possible. Support Black Beauty and her herd through a donation or sponsorship ⬆️ link in bio #horsesanctuary #horserescue #wildhorsesanctuary #wildhorses #backyardbend

Merry Christmas from the tiniest hooves at Broken Arrow...aka Benson! It was a quiet day here at the sanctuary—bellies full of hay, winter sunshine, and grateful hearts. Wishing you peace, comfort, and a gentle Holiday Season 🐴🌲❄️

Smooth pasture move for Thunder's herd....slow, silent, safe 🫶 Just how we like them!

"HAY humans!" . We think it's pretty cinematic when they come out of the trees from all sides at feedings.

Tonight, the world turned to gold—every tree, every hoof, every view wrapped in light. The calm was so deep it felt alive, moving through the herd as they munched quietly in the glowing light. Moments like this remind us what peace looks like when horses are safe, seen, and free to just be. Here at the sanctuary, every sunrise and sunset is a promise kept—that these horses will never know neglect or fear again. They’ll graze without worry, gallop with the wind, and rest knowing they are home. But that promise only exists because of people who care enough to help sustain it. Your support help with the horses hay, vet care, and open pastures under endless sky. It keeps the gates open, the troughs full, and the peace they’ve found alive. 💛 Be part of their story — support the horses of Broken Arrow Sanctuary today. →Link in Bio