Ely is definitely one of the most zany characters at Nirvana!
Ely is a Bureau of Land Management Mustang who was sold for slaughter the week before the Bowie auction in February 2026. He was so scared there, but he had the most careful braids in his mane. We thought he was likely someone's training prospect... so the fact that he still ended up headed for slaughter is just heartbreaking.
We saved a bunch of paint moms & babies that month, and so it quickly became his role during their time in quarantine to be lead Gelding and protect the babies as his own. He takes this role incredibly seriously- to this day!!
I have so many action shots of him because he is always on the move- protecting his family from outsiders, gathering new mares, and being the most handsome fella around!
We are so glad his personality lights up the fields at Nirvana, instead of him being sent away forever. Just look at what a magnificent soul was spared!
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