Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
Photo: Karla LaRive
11,000 acres of protected land in the Black Hills of South Dakota where wild mustangs forever run free
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Our Mission
Our mission is to protect America's wild horses while preserving the the vast, ecologically-diverse Sanctuary they call home. We aim to educate and inspire future generations to safeguard this land forever.
“I grew up with wild horses and hold them for a lot of joy in my life. I just had the feeling I was the guy who had to do something about it.”
—Dayton O. Hyde, Founder
Dayton O. Hyde: A Legacy of Wildness and Stewardship
Dayton O. Hyde was this century's Aldo Leopold—an environmental visionary who believed that humans should not hold dominion over wildlife but rather bear the responsibility to protect all creatures and the ecosystems in which they naturally thrive. His holistic view of the Western prairies and his unconventional yet ingenious conservation methods shaped the protection of countless species, including the wolf, rainbow trout, coyote, sandhill crane, great gray owl, and porcupine.
On his Oregon ranch, Hyde’s intuitive and practical expertise in preserving the delicate balance of nature led to the restoration of vital wetlands, creating a much-needed refuge for migratory birds. But his most ambitious and enduring achievement came later—when he set out to save America’s wild horses.
Beautiful land, magnificent horses
Our mustangs share the Sanctuary with coyotes, cougar, whitetail and mule deer, elk, wild turkeys, eagles, and falcons. Their sprawling, grassland home encompasses rocky canyons, windswept prairies, and dark pine forests—a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, forever protected.
“Imagine a place where as far as the eye can see, miles and miles to the horizon, you can view America as it was 300 years ago…”
Our Sanctuary exists thanks to the generosity of people like you.
Ongoing drought and rising costs of fuel have created unprecedented challenges for feeding our herds. A single day at the Sanctuary requires fifteen round bales of hay—at a staggering $85,000 per month. Together, with your support, we can continue to keep our horses fed and happy.
Get Involved
Here are some ways you can help.
Sponsor
Form a lasting bond with an individual horse while providing the essential care they need.
Donate
Gift hay, water, minerals, or medical care—directly funding essentials for our wild horses.
Care
Ensure wild horses continue to thrive in freedom through a one-time or recurring donation.