By Matthew Avitabile
WEST FULTON — We all deserve a second chance. The work of Mary DeBonis and volunteers
at Mustang Valley Sanctuary in West Fulton is a major undertaking and one that has become
increasingly successful over the years.
Two weeks ago we reported on the successful ribbon cutting at the indoor riding arena that was held on June 16.
It is just one part of the mission of Mary and the Mustang Valley Sanctuary team to care for two dozen Mustangs. All but one of the herd is rescued, she said.
The plan has been to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome mustangs. The program teaches veterans how to establish relationships with the mustangs and train them in the hopes of finding them their forever homes. The sanctuary is open to the community and works with local organizations like Schoharie county Youth Bureau to teach about equine communication and the importance of the mustang bred.
“These horses really bring people together,” DeBonis said. “It’s beautiful to see.”
Each one of the horses “have their own story,” she said. If you have the heart to listen they will share.
Mary’s Love of horses is “innate” as part of her “spirit,” said DeBonis. She has been working with horses and riding since her youth. She was on the Hofstra
Equestrian Team and had horses while living in Long Island in her earlier life. She started to
rescue horses around 2002, and fell in love with Mustangs about 15 years ago.
Ultimately DeBonis drew a three-hour circle around New York City and decided to come to
West Fulton, which appears to be a perfect fit. She sought at least 100 acres, fields, and water that didn’t go dry. She’s owned the well-maintained property for ten years and lived on it for nine.
She thanked Middleburgh resident Steve Spretnjak for help with trying to decipher Mohawk
symbols on the property as well as designing some of the beautiful trails on the property.
The property had no running water and no fencing but is now a model, although still growing and improving.
“We’ve done a lot of work,” she said.
In the last year alone there are four extra runs, paddocks and our new arena.
This has also allowed DeBonis to create a full non-profit in 2020, complete with a governing
Board. This has allowed for the bright future of the sanctuary.
Mustang Valley has built a number of valuable partnerships over the years, including the
ASPCA, Right Horse, EAGALA, Homes for Horses, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, SPCA and more. These alliances are important in running successful sanctuary.. She also thanked Betsy Emery of Emery Designs for doing such an amazing job and donating the sanctuary’s website: https://mustangvalleysanctuary.com/.
DeBonis added that mustangs are often “really misunderstood.” They are different from other
horses much like the difference between dogs and wolves, she said. The process of domestication on a species changes it. Mustangs actually have a larger amygdala and are very smart.
Working with them requires forming a trusting relationship with the animal and understanding signs of stress,making sure that the Mustang “feels heard.”
A self-described “fiery advocate for the ecosystem,” her goal to save the mustangs prior to
entering the “slaughter pipeline.” or create a support to help keep mustangs and other at risk equines in their adoptive homes.
Some of the herd may stay at the rescue as sanctuary horses if they are not a good fit for domestication” she said. She cited the role of horses in therapy, including combat veterans struggling with PTSD or other issues associated with serving our country..
As the daughter of a veteran, she said that she knows firsthand the impact the program has had
on veterans and their families. After a social worker who was a caregiver after 911 told DeBonis about EAGALA, Mary dove in and became certified in the town her father lived in. One mustang is named Quinn, after her father, Sgt. Maj. John Quinn, former U.S. Army, Airborne.
Next month MVS will host another retreat for veterans, a training clinic, a Youth Bureau visit, and Hollister Hunt.
In November, 4-H members came to the sanctuary and were able to name a
horse and see a rescue come in from the SPCA.
“What is life valued by?” she asked, other than the ripple effects of such efforts.
“This has become a place of healing,” she said. “I feel like I’m supposed to be here.”
“Life is not easy,” DeBonis added” But it’s really good.”
The recent successes have also created new opportunities, including a need for further
expansion. DeBonis credits much of the success to community philanthropist and former Gilboa
resident Nick Juried. The Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation has aided the sanctuary in
multiple ways, including making the indoor riding arena possible. He also aided in purchasing
cottages, which aids the sanctuary’s intern program. Another cottage is being delivered this week. He also donated to purchase a Chute to be able to administer medical care to unhandled mustangs.
One of the horses is named Nicholas in Juried’s honor.
“He’s been so good to the sanctuary,” she said.
A wider therapy program could be done for just $25,000 per year, she said. The program will
grow into one that will create a team of trainers that will help bridge the gap. Many of the horses are surrendered because the human lacks the knowledge to overcome training issues. The horse is seen as “aggressive” or “Bad” But it is usually human error. We can create a support system to help keep mustangs and other at risk equines in their homes and prevent surrender, or selling to an auction house by providing low cost training remotely.
A new well is also needed, which could cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
Interns, volunteers, sponsors and donors are always welcome at Mustang Valley, which can be reached at 516-369-9307 or 518-827-7107. It’s worth your time.
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