Saving Wild Mustangs

I have a horse—well, no, he’s not really mine, but I sponsor him at a remarkable sanctuary called Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary, a forever home for mustangs and burros. This incredible place rescues mustangs and burros that have been rounded up from the wild, many of whom are at risk of ending up in the horrifying "slaughter pipeline." Skydog Ranch operates across three locations—two in California and one in Oregon—covering over 9,000 acres of land where these beautiful animals can heal from the trauma of being forcibly removed from their natural habitats and their families.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the Department of the Interior, manages our nation’s public lands, but you can imagine that maintaining large areas for wild horses and burros isn’t a priority when there’s profit to be made through activities like drilling and ranching. This means that the future of these magnificent creatures, whose ancesters helped build this country, is often overlooked and discounted as being of minimal importance. Afterall, what the general public doesn't know, won't be an issue—until we make it one.

Years ago, the BLM launched an Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) to encourage adoptions of mustangs and burros. They offered $500 upon adoption and another $500 after a year to encourage responsible ownership. However, this program turned into a disaster. Many saw it as a quick profit scheme—adopt a horse, invest little in its care, and then sell it for a profit after one year. Too often, this led to those horses ending up in the slaughter pipeline, headed to Mexico, where horse slaughter is still legal.

Horses and burros that aren't adopted often end up in long-term holding, primarily managed by private contractors. These contractors receive government funding but have little incentive to provide adequate care for these animals, and concerned citizens are not permitted to inspect the condition of the horses. How convenient! As of 2026, over 60,000 horses and burros are languishing in these facilities, with thousands more slated for round-up this summer. In light of this, the BLM has "modified" policies, allowing mustangs, including pregnant mares and foals, to be sold for as little as $25. This is a shocking development, leaving these innocent animals entirely vulnerable to exploitation and suffering.

The horse I sponsor, an older animal rounded up in Wyoming in 2021, was saved by Skydog for just $25. That price is nothing compared to what he would have been sold for, by the pound, to a kill buyer, which is a chilling thought. I have a photo of him in holding, and the fear in his eyes is haunting. Today, he looks relaxed and beautiful, thriving in the care of Skydog Ranch. Seeing him living in the vast Oregon landscape fills me with joy, knowing he is safe. But it comes with a heavy heart, knowing he lost everything—his home and his family—after 21 years. Horses are known to form strong family bonds, often lasting a lifetime, yet this important aspect of their lives is often overlooked by those who only see them as tools for riding or work. If you follow Skydog, you'll see rescued mustangs being reunited at the ranch with members of their wild herd. There is no question that they recognize their former family members—none.

The sanctuary is run by an extraordinary woman, Clare Staples, who ensures every horse and burro receives the best care tailored to their individual needs. Without a doubt, the animals at Skydog Ranch are among the luckiest mustangs on Earth. But my heart aches for the countless others whose fates hang in the balance. A simple policy change could drastically alter their lives for the worse—even more than it already has.

This issue is deeply personal to me; the plight of these innocent horses and burros keeps me awake at night. It's just what happens when you know the full story. It's painful to confront the harsh realities of government policies and profit-driven interests that care little for these animals' well-being. But, of course, we must be a voice for the voiceless.

Next time, I’ll discuss the urgent need to support the SAFE Act, which would ban the transport of horses and burros out of the country for slaughter. It’s essential for our congressional representatives to know that many of us care deeply about preserving America’s wild mustangs on our public lands. We need to make it clear that a significant number of voters consider this issue critical when making their choices. After all, who could support rounding up family units of wild mustangs, knowing their inevitable fate? It certainly isn’t someone I would vote for.

Until next time, take a moment to appreciate "my horse!" Isn't he absolutely gorgeous?