The immeasurable Mango

Resilience could have been her name, but we chose something a little sweeter to match her temperament – Mango.

Mango arrived at our Harmony Equine Center last summer after law enforcement and our animal protection team compassionately removed her from her previous home due to suspected neglect. From the beginning, despite the long trek to Harmony, the pain she was experiencing, and her new surroundings, Mango’s gentle nature impressed us.

When animals like Mango arrive at one of our facilities after suspected neglect, we conduct a thorough intake exam to understand their needs and determine a treatment plan. Our animal protection team uses this information to provide veterinary expertise and evidence to support law enforcement, help prosecute cases, and to reduce repeat offenses of animal cruelty.

There are laws in place in Colorado designed to place basic financial responsibility for the care of these animals onto the owner; however, more often than not, animal welfare organizations subsidize these costs with the help of donors.

This was the case with Mango and her extensive veterinary needs.

During Mango’s intake exam, we learned she was experiencing chronic lameness and was long overdue for farrier and dental care.

We also learned this 13-year-old, flaxen-maned Sorrel has a heart of gold.

Mango is a social horse. She forms connections quickly, thrives in a herd, and is affectionate with the people she meets. Our equine care team, trainers, and experienced volunteers fondly recall her adoration, especially during grooming sessions and light riding time.

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

“Mango is the perfect example of the saying,” Sira, an equine trainer at Harmony commented during her dental exam with our friends at Littleton Equine Medical Center. “Just look at her – she’s beautiful. She greets everyone who comes into the barn. She’s affectionate. A horse can look healthy, be built nicely, and exhibit limited signs of pain, but have the worst teeth.”

In addition to chronic lameness, Mango also had significant dental concerns – four overgrown, hooked teeth and scarred tissue on the interior of her cheek. Unlike us, a horse’s teeth grow about an eighth of an inch every year. The circular motion of chewing helps grind some of the tooth growth down, but without regular dental care, a horse’s overgrown teeth can become sharp and puncture other areas of the mouth, causing abscesses. Abscesses may lead to pain, and subsequently, behavior problems.

Mango only hinted at how much pain she was in when she resisted the bridle and bit during her training and behavioral evaluation, but she maintained her endearing personality.

Mango will need dental floats every 6 months for the next two years to correct her hooked teeth.

Paws for good

After a little over a year in our care, Mango was ready to meet potential adopters. Despite her gentleness, we were concerned that her immediate medical needs would create a barrier for her adoption. We quickly learned we worried too much because her adopter would be someone who’d watched her flourish.

Melinda heard about out animal protection work and Harmony Equine Center volunteer opportunities in late 2025 after we welcomed over 70 horses in dire need to Harmony. She decided to turn empathy into action and joined our volunteer program, where she fell head over hooves for Mango.

Melinda spent her whole life around horses, from summers riding through the cornfields and pastures with her cousins on their Oklahoma ranch as a kid to adopting a young, rescued thoroughbred.

“It was wonderful to be around horses again.” Melinda shares about her volunteer experience.

“I had no intention of getting another horse when I started volunteering [at Harmony],” Melinda tells us, “It just sort of happened – all because one sweet Sorrel mare who seemed to love attention.”

After learning more about the adoption process, Melinda spent time with Sira, Mango’s trainer. After several training sessions on groundwork, they moved to riding in Harmony’s indoor arena, which cemented Melinda’s confidence in her adoption. Then it was onto understanding Mango’s ongoing medical needs.

“Before adopting, my vet did a complete PPE, including X-rays, and was able to assure me that Mango’s issues could be managed and possibly even resolved with ongoing care.”

The last thing Melinda needed to do – find the perfect place to board Mango.

Walking on Sunshine

“Mango transitioned to her new home and three new barn mates extremely well,” Melinda shared. “The property has a huge outdoor arena and pastures for grazing. I live about 10 minutes away and am able to ride Mango at least 5 days a week, taking her on the surrounding trails.”

Melinda took Mango on their first trail ride through the mountains a few weeks back – an adventure Mango seemed to love – and are planning even more trips.

Your support helps horses like Mango and other equines thrive at our Harmony Equine Center.

Help us create a more humane Colorado.