Wild Horse Sanctuary

Wild horses have roamed the hills of Northern California since the Spanish started to settle the area in the 16th and 17th Century. There are indications, however, that the wild horses have gotten so numerous that they are damaging native flora and threatening native fauna — particularly the greater sage grouse.

BLM has been rounding up wild horses for decades. In the past, they sent them to slaughter or even sent overseas to help fight World War I. More recently, BLM tries to adopt out the horses, but with mixed results. That is where the Wild Horse Sanctuary comes in. Founded in 1979, WHS stepped in to save 80 horses scheduled to be euthanized. Since that time, they have rescued and adopted out hundreds of wild horses and donkeys. Operating from donations and volunteer time, WHS is a non-profit 501(c)(3).

We have been up at the Ranch for nine months and had driven past it dozens of times. Five thousand acres set on the northern part of Manton climbing Wilson Hill up to Shingletown; it was only five minutes away. Finally, Carrie called and set up a time for a tour.

We arrived on a Friday morning. Wow! Nearly two hundred horses and donkeys roaming free. Lots of land to roam and plenty of water and pasture. Joanie drove us around in a side-by-side. Many of the horses and donkeys didn’t give us much of a glance, but a few trailed after us. Most were pretty shy. A year old named June sniffed skittishly at my hand. Her uncle Tio stayed close. A pregnant mare moved slowly towards us. Red liked his head scratched.

One day we may adopt a donkey, but for now it was just nice to visit. — KLM