The wild mustang is an enduring symbol of the American West—representing beauty, raw spirit, and independence. However, due to habitat loss, drought, and government interventions, many of these iconic horses face uncertain futures in holding facilities.

The Wild Horse Refuge in Moffat County, Colorado, was created to give them their freedom back. Operated by the renowned Wild Animal Sanctuary, this incredible facility is dedicated to rescuing displaced Colorado mustangs and allowing them to live out their lives exactly as nature intended.

Restoring the Wild Spirit

In recent years, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has conducted large-scale roundups in areas like the nearby Sand Wash Basin, citing overpopulation and degraded range conditions. Hundreds of wild horses were captured and relocated to holding facilities to await public adoption.

Recognizing the urgent need to protect these animals, The Wild Animal Sanctuary—the largest sanctuary network in the world—stepped in. After initially housing rescued mustangs at their southern Colorado refuge, they purchased a massive historical ranch near Craig, Colorado in 2023. This created a dedicated, permanent home where these displaced horses could return to the same type of rugged terrain their ancestors roamed for centuries.

A True Sanctuary, Not a Paddock

What makes The Wild Horse Refuge entirely unique is its scale and philosophy.

There are no small paddocks, stock pens, or restrictive fenced pastures here. The refuge encompasses over 22,500 acres (more than 46 square miles) of contiguous, pristine open space. The landscape features natural rocks, trees, hills, buttes, and water sources. When a rescued mustang arrives, they are released to run until they choose to stop.

Because the horses have the space to move freely, they can naturally rebuild family bands, establish herd dynamics, and reclaim their wild, unbridled spirit while still having access to onsite veterinary care if absolutely necessary.

How to Experience and Support the Refuge

Because the refuge spans an area larger than the island of Manhattan, the mustangs can cover a lot of ground and hide in endless canyons. For this reason, the refuge is not open for casual drive-by viewing, but there are incredible ways to get involved:

• Take a Guided Tour: You can visit the refuge and see these majestic animals in person by booking a guided tour. Because the guides know the terrain and the horses’ daily habits, they give you the best chance of spotting the herds. Tours must be scheduled at least three days in advance.

• Become a “Founder”: You can directly support the refuge’s land payoff and operational costs by “purchasing” an acre or more to become a Founder. Founders receive a certificate and exclusive invitations to the annual Founder’s Day event at the refuge.

• Virtual Adoption: You can virtually adopt one of the rescued horses by pledging ongoing support for their care.

If you are heading to northwest Colorado, stopping in Craig to support and witness The Wild Horse Refuge is a profound way to connect with the living history of the American West.