The ‚Horse Detective‘ Reconnects Wild Mustangs with Their Herd

In the vast and picturesque landscapes of the Western US, wild mustangs roam freely, embodying the spirit of freedom and resilience. However, the Bureau of Land Management often intervenes to round up these majestic creatures in an effort to protect both the animals and the public rangelands. This process frequently results in the separation of these wild horses from their herds, leaving them vulnerable and displaced.

Claire Staples, the compassionate owner of Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary located near Bend, Oregon, has taken on the role of a „horse detective“ with a mission to reunite these wild mustangs with their families. With a sprawling 9-thousand-acre ranch and a deep love for horses, Staples dedicates her time and resources to rescuing and caring for 20-30 horses and burros each year. Her commitment extends to running two small ranches in Malibu, California, where she continues her noble work.

The debate surrounding the fate of wild mustangs has long been a contentious issue, with advocates like Staples advocating for the preservation of these herds on federal lands. Ranchers, on the other hand, argue that the horses disrupt grazing fields and pose a threat to the ecosystem. The Bureau of Land Management’s plan to capture 20,000 wild equines, leaving only a fraction of the once-thriving population in the wild, has sparked further controversy and concern for the well-being of these iconic animals.

Despite the protective measures put in place, illegal killings of wild horses still occur, adding to the challenges faced by these vulnerable creatures. Once rounded up, the horses are either adopted, sold at auctions, or confined to corrals, often separated from their families indefinitely. Staples laments the heartbreaking reality that many of these horses and burros end up in a slaughter pipeline, despite regulations prohibiting their sale for such purposes.

In response to this crisis, Staples and her husband, Christopher Polk Read, established a nonprofit organization in 2016 to purchase mustangs captured by the bureau and facilitate their reunification with their original herds. With a determination to become a „horse detective,“ Staples utilizes photographs provided by dedicated photographers and wild horse advocates to identify and match horses at auctions, striving to restore families and reunite these majestic animals.

One of Staples‘ most poignant success stories involved the reunion of a horse named Blue Zeus with nine of his family members, a heartwarming moment captured in a documentary set for release in the fall of 2024. At Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary, where 260 wild horses and donkeys currently reside, these animals are given the opportunity to run free, except when they require medical attention. The sanctuary relies on donations to support the feeding and care of these animals, embodying Staples‘ lifelong dedication to horses and her belief in happy endings.

For Staples, her work with wild mustangs is not just a passion but a purpose-driven mission that stems from a deep connection with these magnificent animals. As she reflects on her journey, Staples acknowledges the profound impact horses have had on her life and expresses her unwavering commitment to reciprocate that love and care. Through her tireless efforts as a horse detective, Staples continues to bring hope and healing to these wild mustangs, embodying the belief that every horse deserves a chance at a happy ending.