Spirit Wind Horse Rescue

A nonprofit organization

$19,057 raised by 65 donors

64% complete

$30,000 Goal

We are a non-profit organization in Delta County that helps local, at-risk equines find safe new homes. The organization is committed to finding forever adoptive homes for our horses. If unadoptable, we provide lifelong sanctuary and care. We rely on donations to provide year-round feed and care, run 100% by volunteers.

Testimonials

Spirit Wind Horse Rescue partners with local horse trainer Michelle Skerl who owns and operates Freedom Equine in Crawford CO. Over the years she has trained 12 of our rescue horses and because of her renowned reputation as a trainer, each of the horses has found the perfect adoptive home.

When Spirit Wind Horse Rescue takes in a rescued equine, our veterinarian checks their physical condition, and we address physical ailments while also ensuring that each horse gets proper nutrition, hoof care, and socialization. 

Spirit Wind Horse Rescue equines are adopted into homes as horse companions or for training to become riding horses. All adopted horses can return to Spirit Wind Horse Rescue if for any reason, they can not be adequately cared for. 

We also take in older, neglected or unwanted horses that are not suitable for adoption because of physical or behavioral issues. We provide them a safe and secure home and they live out their lives with us as part of our herd of beloved sanctuary horses. In other cases, horses have been relinquished to us that have been so abused and neglected and are in such poor condition or health that the only choice is to give them a loving last few days and perform the last act of kindness, ensuring that these horses doesn't suffer any longer.

Mission

Spirit Wind Horse Rescue has rescued, rehabilitated, trained and re-homed at least 300 at-risk horses since our inception in 2006. In 2025, we currently have 12 mustang ad sanctuary horses. Our rescue horses come to us from local residents who are aging, have passed or have fallen on hard times and can no longer provide adequate care. We also rescue BLM mustangs and accept horses relinquished from local dude ranch riding programs. All of these horses would have otherwise gone to auction and in all likelihood entered the slaughter pipeline in Mexico.

Background Statement

Spirit Wind Horse Rescue was started in 2006 when two friends and founders of the rescue attended the Delta County Livestock Auction and bought three mares that would of otherwise been purchased by a buyer that ships horses to Mexico for slaughter and human consumption. They began rescuing horses and keeping them on the properties both own.

They filed for and became a 501(c)3 charity in 2009 and are registered with the Colorado Secretary of State and the IRS. Since 2006, they have rescued at least 300 horses (including donkeys and mules), most of which were at risk of being sold for slaughter.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Spirit Wind Horse Rescue

Year Established

2009

Tax id (EIN)

20-8457651

Category

Animal-Related

Organization Size

Small Organization

Address

PO Box 27
Hotchkiss, CO 81419

Service areas

Delta County, CO, US

Phone

307-631-4544

Social Media