A Thoroughbred mare and former polo pony in her 20s was shot repeatedly and left for dead in the desert of New Mexico, but the mare didn’t die. Instead she wandered to civilization and loving hands who are now trying to find a way to pay for her a retirement home.

The story on lcsun-news has photos of the mare and more on her story (written by Ashley Meeks) and the fundraiser.

Brian Drake, 36, was arrested on suspicion of shooting the mare, and he faces one count of extreme cruelty to animals, a fourth-degree felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison, according to the article.

Involved in the rescue of the mare were the foster family (who wants to remain anonymous), Doña Ana County Animal Control supervisor Curtis Childress, and veterinarian Wendy Ray of Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery