The Corolla Wild Horse herd suffered another tragic loss recently.
This was posted on the Corolla Wild Horse Fund Facebook page on August 17:
We are devastated to announce the death of Joaquin, a young stallion who was well-known in the Swan Beach community. Joaquin was severely injured when he attempted to go through a barbed wire fence on USFWS * property earlier this week. A good Samaritan spotted him Thursday afternoon and immediately called us. Upon closer inspection of his injuries, it was determined by our vet that his leg was beyond repair and the most humane course of action would be euthanasia.
We have feared this scenario since the barbed wire was installed several years ago. USFWS has been very sympathetic and responsive since the accident occurred and we hope that we’re able to come up with a replacement for the barbed wire that serves their purposes without endangering the horses. Meetings are already being set for the coming weeks, and we are optimistic for a positive outcome.
We know Joaquin was well-loved and our hearts go out to everyone who will grieve his passing. He was just four years old; a lovely young Banker with a bright future as a harem stallion. His loss is a major blow to the herd and will have an impact for generations to come. And we will certainly miss seeing him regularly. Rest free, Joaquin.
(*USFWS: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
This was one of the photos CWHF shared with that post:
Corolla Wild Horse Fund photo
This is particular heartbreaking for me. You may recall this photo from 2015. The foal is Joaquin. I submitted this to the CWHF calendar contest, and it was chosen to be in the 2017 calendar.
A few months ago, I shared a blog post with photos I submitted for the CWHF 2020 calendar. (More about that in weeks to come.) This was one of the pictures:
Yesterday, while speaking with a CWHF volunteer/staff member at the beach, I learned that this, too, was Joaquin. I hadn’t realized…..
Run wild and free, sweet boy, where there are no barbed wire fences.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
What a handsome boy he was……just heartbreaking – something that was meant to protect, instead brought a sad parting. Barbed wire is literally “a two edged sword”…………
Pam
Such an incredibly sad story. It has been a tough year for the herd in a lot of ways. Thanks for all you do to share awareness.
Bless his magnificent heart. Joaquin was a amazing. It’s dreadful that he’s gone. 😦
Beautiful horse. How sad.
Oh how SAD! Joaquin was a beautiful horse. I especially remember the picture of him and his passenger. The picture made me smile again.
This is very sad news, indeed. My heart breaks.
So sad 😢
Awful, just awful. I hated barbed wire! It is heartening at least to see the USFWS has responded with compassion and plans to hopefully fix the problem to avoid another tragedy. God what a beautiful boy, young stallion, Joaquin was.
So heartrending and sad. Joaquin was just ever so handsome and I’m glad you have beautiful photos of him.
Such a beautiful animal to lose his life that way. RIP Josquin .
So very sad… I’m glad you had the opportunity to get such good pictures of him..