This Musically Inclined Rescue Horse Learned to Play the Guitar and Harp. Now He’s Featured on an Album (Exclusive)

**Rescue Horse Becomes Unexpected Musical Sensation for Owner Mikayla Khramov**

Mikayla Khramov, a horse owner and musician based in Southern California, has discovered an extraordinary talent in her rescue horse, Yupia. This charming American Bashkir has developed a unique affinity for music, exhibiting an enthusiasm for various instruments that has left his owner both amazed and inspired. Their relationship has flourished in unexpected ways, as Yupia has not only engaged with music but is also finding prominence in Khramov’s debut album.

Khramov’s adventure began when she volunteered at a horse rescue organisation called Because We Can – Because We Care in Moorpark. Eager to capture heartwarming moments, she brought along her guitar one day, hoping to create a cute video of her interactions with the horses. Instead, she formed a musical partnership with Yupia. “After playing for him, I went into his stall, and he came up to me and started playing with me,” she recalled. This serendipitous moment turned into a blossoming bond between the musician and her four-legged companion.

The following day, intrigued by her initial success, she introduced her harp to Yupia. To her delight, the horse was captivated by the new instrument, strumming its strings with his nose and, eventually, even finding his own technique. “Now whatever instrument I bring, even the accordion, he’ll come up, and he’ll start playing that,” said Khramov. This spontaneous creativity has transformed Yupia into a veritable musical collaborator.

While Yupia initially explored music by strumming with his nose, Khramov noted that he has developed further skills over time. “He’ll play with his teeth now, and I’ve had to kind of remind him to be a little gentler,” she explained. Observing Yupia’s progress has been a source of both joy and amusement, as she allows him the freedom to experiment while ensuring he doesn’t break any instruments.

Having waited several years to adopt Yupia, Khramov’s commitment to her horse has been unwavering. “I volunteered there for three years just to see him, and he wasn’t available for adoption until last year,” she explained. The moment she met him, she realised he had a special place in her life, and she couldn’t bear the thought of being apart from him.

Despite the many joys that come with owning a horse, other challenges arise. Khramov is juggling multiple jobs while also pursuing her passion for music. “Having a horse is not easy. It’s a lot of money,” she acknowledged, highlighting the financial strains of her dual commitments as both a horse owner and a musician. Currently, she supports Yupia while managing two apartments, balancing both costs effectively has been no small feat.

Yupia’s musical contributions are now a significant part of Khramov’s upcoming debut album, titled *New World*. In the latest project, Yupia takes centre stage on several tracks. “There are two songs where he’s featured a lot, and we kind of loop his playing,” she shared. The horse’s sound adds an authentic and personal touch, with Khramov even sampling his music throughout the record. “If he’s not on it, it’s about him,” she added, emphasising how intrinsic Yupia has become to her creative expression.

In addition to her pursuits in music, Khramov is exploring her passion for filmmaking. She is currently directing her first documentary titled *We Are the Autumn People*, which focuses on Ray Bradbury’s novel and film, *Something Wicked This Way Comes*. “I’m working on my first documentary right now,” she said, describing the experience as “really intense.” This commitment reflects Khramov’s ambition and drive to explore various creative avenues.

For now, she remains devoted to supporting Yupia, nurturing his talent while also forging her own path in the music industry. “He’s got a lot to learn still just for being a horse,” she explained, acknowledging the unique circumstances of their partnership. Yet, for the time being, she is happy to let Yupia bask in the spotlight. “I’m letting him be more of a rockstar than a horse right now,” she concluded, embodying the spirit of their extraordinary journey together.