The Wild Horse Refuge Give Mustangs a Home in Colorado
by Pat Craig
The year is 2020. The Sand Wash Basin near Craig, Colorado, teems with life. Hundreds of wild mustangs roam its vast expanse, their ancestors having called this land home for generations. However, concerns arise about overgrazing. As the population of free-roaming horses grew in Colorado’s Sand Wash Basin (SWB) to almost 1,000, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) intervened, rounding up 700 horses and transporting them to a holding facility in Canyon City, Colorado. This news sparked a firestorm of action within a nearby animal sanctuary. Their mission, for over four decades, had been to provide a haven for vulnerable animals, both large and small. Horses held a special place in their hearts, and the plight of the mustangs resonated deeply.
Soon after the roundup, the BLM hosted a series of auctions where the mustangs could be adopted by the public. In response to this news, several supporters of Colorado’s Wild Animal Sanctuary generously offered to donate toward ensuring the organization rehomed the mustangs. Dozens were rescued initially and brought to the ample space of the 10,000-acre Wild Animal Refuge in southern Colorado (one of the sanctuary’s four facilities).
With a 10,000-acre rescue facility already established, the sanctuary readily offered their expertise and resources. Dozens of mustangs were initially brought in, their wary eyes reflecting the trauma of capture. However, as the weeks turned into months, the sanctuary witnessed a transformation. The mustangs began to settle, finding solace in the care and spaciousness provided. Yet, a nagging question remained: could this truly be enough? The answer came serendipitously in 2023.
The Wild Horse Refuge is Born
Just 35 miles from the mustangs’ original home, a vast historical ranch encompassing over 23,000 acres became available. Lush pastures and wide-open spaces mirrored the mustangs’ ancestral lands, offering a chance to reconnect with their wild spirit. The sanctuary, seizing this remarkable opportunity, purchased the property and christened it The Wild Horse Refuge. Here, the mustangs could finally be mustangs again. No longer confined by fences, they roam freely, their powerful bodies a testament to their resilience. Dedicated staff ensures their well-being, with veterinarians and behavior specialists providing ongoing care. The sanctuary’s extensive experience with horses, coupled with the unwavering support of Governor Polis and First Gentleman Reis, who championed the mustangs’ cause, ensures a future filled with freedom and respect for these majestic creatures.
Help Support the Wild Horse Refuge
The Wild Horse Refuge extends a warm welcome to all who share a love for these symbols of the American West and Colorado’s rich history. Their website, Wild Horse Refuge website, provides a wealth of information, including opportunities to schedule tours and witness firsthand the magic of mustangs roaming free. By supporting The Wild Horse Refuge, you become a part of their incredible story, ensuring that the spirit of the American West continues to gallop through the heart of Colorado for generations to come.
With your support and the support of thousands of other concerned and caring people, these two refuges are turning the tide and will continue giving these truly amazing horses the opportunity to once again run free. For more information, please visit www.wildhorserefuge.org.
The Colorado Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in Colorado and surrounding area. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts in the region, covering the care, training, keeping and enjoyment of horses, with an eye to the specific concerns in our region.