Wild Horse Sanctuary

The Wild Horse Sanctuary in Shingletown, California is set below Mount Lassen on the western slope of the Sierra's. The 5,000 acre sanctuary provides a natural setting for roughly 300 wild horses and 15 burros. These animals are fortunate. They will live natural lives among the oaks, pines and lava strewn creeks and hillsides. The sanctuary is a natural setting, offering as many of the elements they would be afforded in the wild as possible. At the sanctuary the horses are free to form their own bands. There are families with the stallions always alert and ready to maintain his band. Young bachelors tend to bunch together, sometimes grazing quietly side by side. At other times you will catch them flexing their muscles amongst themselves. The mares are either tending their foals or babysitting for others. Being a natural sanctuary the horses and burros are not the only residents. The sanctuary is shared with many species of birds, reptiles, squirrels, gophers, jack rabbits, deer, bears, coyotes and cougars.
None of this wild equine wonderland would be possible if not for the efforts of Dianne Nelson. In 1978, 80 horses had been deemed unadoptable by the BLM and were destined to be slaughtered. Most of the original rescues were beautiful young mares, just 2-3 years old. The local area had already absorbed gathered horses for two years. There was just no place for them. Without hesitation the decision was made to save them. Dianne and her family sprang in to action.
None of this wild equine wonderland would be possible if not for the efforts of Dianne Nelson. In 1978, 80 horses had been deemed unadoptable by the BLM and were destined to be slaughtered. Most of the original rescues were beautiful young mares, just 2-3 years old. The local area had already absorbed gathered horses for two years. There was just no place for them. Without hesitation the decision was made to save them. Dianne and her family sprang in to action.