Today we had the unique opportunity to attend the Moffat County Tourism Association Monthly Board Meeting. At the meeting, Pat Craig of the Wild Horse Refuge, was invited to speak. Pat patiently answered questions and gave a more depth explanation regarding the refuge’s business model. Eventually, the goal is for the public as to be able to see the horses by appointment. There will be no fee, but a donation is appreciated.
He put to rest concerns that the horses might be fed to the predators at the other facility run by the WildAnimal Sanctuary. Pat said the carnivores are fed via donated meat from retail stores such as Walmart. They receive 100,000 lbs of meat weekly. The Refuge horses and property cost approximately 14 million dollars, so why would he spend that sort of money to provide snacks for carnivores?
The Animal Sanctuary is very well equipped and funded. At the Wild Horse Refuge they have:
-Snow cats & D6’s for snow, they are aware of the snowfall in Colorado and are prepared
-Three vets on staff & farrier
-Range specialist surveying the land to ensure the appropriate number of horses. 3,500 of their acreage is BLM land. They are paying a lease for the land.
-Eventually 100-200 horses total
-They pay taxes even as a not-for profit; this help the community
-They buy all supplies from local merchants
-They own fire trucks, fire equipment and have helped communities with this equipment in emergencies
-They have hay, abundant water sources, and generous supplies of fencing and other repair equipment (graders, backhoes, big hoes etc)
We returned to the Basin for the evening and found some old friends at a waterhole. We got some stunning photos with spectacular lighting.
Goodnight friends, from the Basin
