Mission + Vision
To protect the land while saving America's wild horses.
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Our Mission
The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary’s mission is to protect America's wild horses by providing refuge for mustangs who have been rounded up from public lands, passed through auctions, have come from challenging circumstances, and faced the threat of cross-border slaughter. We give these magnificent creatures a second chance, allowing them to roam freely for the rest of their days.
Through stewardship of 11,000 acres in South Dakota's Black Hills, we protect native plants, wildlife, and the diverse ecosystems of our grasslands, canyons, and forests from development, ensuring this land remains a haven of biodiversity.
The Sanctuary also provides real time opportunities for creating herd management practices. Through conservation, education, and advocacy, we work to safeguard both the horses and the untamed lands they inhabit for future generations.
Our Values
At the heart of what we do:
Freedom
Give wild horses back their inherent birthright: the freedom to run, roam, and live naturally in vast, wide open spaces.
Sanctuary
Provide a permanent forever home where unwanted wild horses facing slaughter find safety and a second chance at life.
Conservation
Protect 11,000 acres of untamed Black Hills wilderness, including the plants, native wildlife, and ancient landscape within.
Education
Inform and inspire all to learn about the horses, the land, and to become stewards through action.
Photo: Karla LaRive
Challenges
Drought and rising costs—critical challenges threaten our Sanctuary
Long-term Concerns
Increasingly unpredictable weather patterns threaten our water sources
Rising costs of supplies and services strain our operational budget
Aging infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades
Growing number of horses in need of rescue as public land roundups continue
Critical Needs
Our most pressing need is to secure consistent funding for hay and essential care. While we work to develop sustainable solutions for water conservation and natural grazing, we depend on our supporters to help bridge the gap. Every donation helps ensure we can continue to provide adequate food, water, and care to our residents.
By the Numbers
What we’ve accomplished, together.
Preserved
11K
Acres of Land
More than
200
Species Safeguarded
Over time
1,000
Resident Horses
Our vision for the future
We envision a future where private landowners, ranchers, and government officials collaborate to promote biodiversity—safeguarding water sources, preserving open spaces, and ensuring that all wildlife, including free roaming horses, native plants, and trees can thrive, free from the threats of overdevelopment and industry. Through continued conservation of our sanctuary lands, herd management research, and our unwavering dedication to rescue, we plan to remain a leading force in wild horse protection—inviting younger generations to join our mission.
The path forward is paved by the generosity of people like you
Ensuring the Sanctuary’s continued existence requires both immediate action and long-term planning. We remain committed to our mission and call upon our community to help us support it for years to come.
Here are some ways you can help:
Sponsor an individual horse through monthly giving
Gift supplies, like hay and water, directly to the horses
Make a donation—every dollar makes a difference
Support policies that protect horses
Photo: Karla LaRive