HORSE

Viggo

Viggo is a mustang from Nevada and was rescued by our animal director Lindsey in 2022 after going through several homes that were unable to meet his needs in a way that would allow him to thrive in a domesticated environment.

The term mustang refers to the herds of wild horses that are currently roaming ten different states in the western US. The BLM and Forest Service manage the populations by rounding them up periodically by helicopter and then auctioning off a percentage of the horses, splitting up families and often causing injuries and significant emotional trauma in the stressful environment of the roundup. These horses can make wonderful partners but require much more time, patience, and knowledge than a domesticated horse.

Lindsey has spent years gaining Viggo’s trust and has created a two way relationship in which choice and consent allow Viggo to feel safe. They are now working on expanding that to other people to make routine care possible and stress free. Viggo came to live at BRRB in 2024 and has enjoyed the quieter environment than at his previous home where he was in a herd of 50, often picked on and chased off the hay. Here at the sanctuary, he has developed deep bonds with his herd mates and is often seen grazing with Arya, playing with Bayou, or engaging in mutual grooming with Oak.