Ana Raio was found tied at the back of a yard, living in extremely poor conditions. She was pregnant, weak, undernourished, and physically exhausted after years of repeated pregnancies and neglect.

Her owner could no longer care for her and no longer saw value in keeping her. After spending much of her life being used for breeding, Ana Raio had been left living in a fragile and vulnerable condition, with little protection, comfort, or proper care.

When Daniela found her, it was impossible to ignore her situation. Despite her exhaustion, Ana Raio was still carrying a foal and fighting to survive. Daniela made the decision to rescue her — not only to save Ana Raio, but also to give her unborn foal a chance at life.

That rescue became one of the moments that would later inspire the creation of the sanctuary itself.