Clare Staples’ Mission to Save Wild Mustangs

Clare Staples, a former entertainment producer in Los Angeles, has dedicated herself to the welfare of wild mustangs. After learning about the decades-long dispute over the management of wild horses in the Western United States, Staples firmly supported the idea that these majestic animals should roam free on federal lands. This belief led her to establish the nonprofit Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary in 2016, with the mission of rescuing and reuniting wild mustangs with their original herds.

The Controversy and Staples’ Stand

The controversy centers on whether wild horses should be allowed to roam free. Advocates argue for their freedom on federal lands, while ranchers claim that the horses damage grazing fields shared with cattle. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rounds up these horses to comply with land-use plans, often selling them at auctions or keeping them in corrals. Staples’ sanctuary, located in Bend, Oregon, and additional ranches in Malibu, California, aim to rescue these animals and reunite them with their families.

Becoming a “Horse Detective”

Staples has embraced the role of a “horse detective,” purchasing mustangs at BLM auctions and reuniting them with members of their original herds. With the help of photographers and wild horse advocates, she tracks down horses using identifying markings. One notable reunion involved a horse named Blue Zeus and nine of his family members, separated during a roundup. Staples documented their emotional reunion, showcasing the strong bonds these animals form in the wild.

The Legacy of Wild Mustangs

The issue of wild mustangs dates back to the 1950s when Velma Bronn Johnston raised public awareness about the inhumane treatment of these horses. Today, the BLM plans to capture 20,000 equines annually, leaving an estimated 67,000 mustangs, including new foals, roaming free. Despite the protections of the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971, illegal killings and the risks associated with BLM roundups continue to threaten these animals.

Skydog Ranch: A Safe Haven

Skydog Ranch, home to about 260 wild horses and 60 burros, provides a sanctuary where these animals can graze, run free, and receive medical care. Staples relies on donations to support the sanctuary’s efforts, rescuing approximately 25 equines each year. Her work has garnered attention and support, highlighting the need for compassionate solutions to the wild mustang crisis.

A Lifelong Passion

Staples’ love for horses began in her childhood in Cobham, England, where she found solace in horse pastures. Now, at 59, she feels a profound sense of purpose in rescuing and reuniting wild mustangs. “Many of my happiest times were because horses had come into my life and saved me,” she said. “I decided it was time for me to save them right back.”