The article “Our Rainmaker” recounts the story of Elsa, a pregnant American Mustang rescued by the all-volunteer HERD organization amid a severe drought and financial struggles. Elsa, thin and exhausted upon arrival, gave birth to a rare medicine hat filly named Rainmaker during a cold rain after a month of no precipitation. Medicine hat horses are believed to have supernatural protective powers, and Rainmaker’s birth was seen as a magical sign of relief for the parched land.

Tragically, Rainmaker was born with Overo Lethal White Syndrome, a fatal genetic condition common in horses with white markings, and despite efforts to save her, she died the same day. Her birth and death brought much-needed rain to the ranch, symbolizing hope and renewal. The organization now hopes for a “rainmaker” in the form of support or funding to sustain their rescue efforts during challenging times.