The Two Orphans

Castille and Dante were orphaned before they were three months old. Foals that are raised by humans tend to develop “Orphan Foal Syndrome.” Without the companionship of other horses, they never really learn how to be horses and become very difficult for owners to raise and train. It was imperative that these colts be sent to Return to Freedom where mares already on the ranch could nurture them.

When they arrived, these two little guys clung to one another as if they were conjoined twins. They were both very ill. They had severe respiratory infections and were riddled with internal parasites.

Happily, after five weeks of intensive care, good food and a lot of love they were given a clean bill of health. Dante and Castille are still inseparable. They spend much of their time running and playing and have bonded with two other orphan foals, Alazan and Savanna. They’re the ones off to the right in the picture of “Castille and Dante now.”