Registered name: Liberty Bell

Nicknames: Libby, Liberation

D.O.B: 1/01/2011

Captured: 10/29/2011

Arrival to War Horse Creek: 7/29/15

When we rescued Libby in 2015, War Horse Creek was her last chance. She’d made four stops since being rounded up as a yearling. Her prior owner was kind to her and worked to get her over her fear, but ultimately couldn’t keep her. Libby was at risk of being returned to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and likely considered a “three-strike” mustang, not eligible for re-adoption. These horses often languish in BLM long-term holding facilities or are sold to a livestock dealer.

Our Mustang Rescue was still in its planning stages, but we decided to take a chance on Libby anyway. Libby’s prior owner was kind to Libby, but before that she had evidently endured harsh treatment. She was very mistrustful, fearful, hyper-vigilant and reactive. Libby is a large horse, likely born of ancestors bred to pull caissons and artillery for the military. 

Libby’s massive size can be intimidating. But after getting to know her, it is clear that Libby is a sensitive soul. Despite her 1,400 lb. weight, she is athletic, powerful and quick as a cat. 

Calming Libby was the first priority. This required earning her trust. After a gradual, collaborative process under the guidance of our equine manager, Ray Barmore, Libby has gentled into an outstanding training companion for veterans with post-traumatic stress (PTS). She also seems to connect on a particularly deep level with female veterans who have worked with her.

Perhaps the connection comes from having endured traumatic experiences herself, and a kinship that is recognized. What we do know is that it works.

Connecting with a horse is a somatic experience which promotes awareness and releases the physical tension that remains in the aftermath of trauma. Veterans report that working with Libby has relieved them of a “weight” from an internal burden they didn’t even realize they’d been carrying. They feel more peaceful and relaxed after being in her presence. Many veterans report sleeping well after working with Libby. Insomnia is a common symptom of post-traumatic stress, and sleep is a key component to processing stress and trauma in a positive way. That alone has great benefits for veterans.

Working with veterans has helped Libby’s PTS symptoms too. She has become less hyper-vigilant, less reactive, and less fearful of strangers. She is curious and engaged on the days veterans are here. She remains shy, requiring that her trust is earned by each individual she encounters, but the investment of time, patience, and understanding is well worth it. 

Libby has bonded with our other horses and burros, and found her place in the herd. Her trust grows each day. Curiosity is gradually replacing her fear. It’s as if she understands that now she has a meaningful purpose that doesn’t require being under saddle, and is settling into her new role.

We took a chance on Libby and she has reciprocated in profound ways. We are blessed to have her at War Horse Creek, making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. 

“

For the first time in years, I felt a peaceful sense of just coexisting. It was the weirdest feeling. It felt like I had met up with an old friend. I ended up hanging out with Libby, brushing her, giving her so much love and feeling it back for a good hour.

Experiencing that level of reflection and depth of connection after being numb for so many years, blew my fucking mind. I didn’t have to say anything while I was with her, and I felt safe, not angry. It was disarming in such a deep and healing way.

— Izzy Barakat, U.S. Air Force Veteran