Ranch/Sanctuary

it's why we're here

A sanctuary- peaceful, safe and nurturing. In 2012, we found the perfect location for the Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary in Deer Trail, Colorado, securing approximately 900 acres of beautiful rolling open meadows, stands of pine trees, arroyos and ponds. We offer animals and people a place to connect with themselves and connect with the land, while showcasing the diverse topography unique to the Palmer Divide and the Black Forest….and even though we’re east of Denver, we sit at approximately 7,000 feet. A magnificent place for the wild ones.

We provide training, adoption and education about Mustangs and Burros, while offering a sanctuary for those in need. We foster a connection with children and adults through community outreach, tours, field trips, overnight retreat programs, therapeutic programs and clinics in order to increase awareness and education.

see more of the ranch/sanctuary

Training and Adoptions

We have a comprehensive training and adoption program offering Mustangs from halter trained to under saddle. We also provide training services post-adoption and provide ongoing support to our Adopters, ensuring a successful match.

Adopt

Sanctuary

For those of our mustangs and burros that are not responding well to training or have other issues that would prevent them from becoming great adoption candidates, we have an 800 acre sanctuary pasture for the horses to roam and live out their days.

Sponsor

Happenings

From horsemanship clinics, to artist and yoga retreats, school field trips and day tours, adoption events and open houses, our events and programs are designed to bring you closer with these magnificent animals and are sure to offer a unique experience to last a lifetime.

Visit

veterinarian/farrier5%

cost of ranch maintenance15%

feed15%

cost of running programs20%

training45%

your donations that go directly back to the horses100%

Cost of Operations

Our ranch operations are over $150k/year, we need your help!

Our budget includes:

veterinarian and farrier care (including chiropractic and dental)
ranch maintenance (including fencing and facility maintenance)
feed (hay, grain, supplements)
cost of running ranch operations and programs (including staff and utilities)
cost of training (including supplies, tack and staff)

The only paid staff within our total operations are for ranch and programs support, everyone else on our team is 100% volunteer, including our Executive Director. Your donations go directly back to the horses, thank you for your support!

These are our GEMS Ambassadors, the ones that will live out their lives here with us. Comprised of our ranch horses and those that we designated as members of our sanctuary herd, an educational herd of Spanish Mustangs as well as some of our American Mustangs that weren’t good candidates for our training program. Please consider sponsoring one, your donation and support will help us to give them necessary care and feed. Just last year, Rio Rojo Joe required emergency eye removal surgery after it had ruptured from an injury that wasn’t responding to antibiotics. We need your support in so many ways.