Woman Fights to Rescue Abandoned Wild Horse in Colorado
In a heartfelt mission, Carol Stires has dedicated the past two years to rescuing a wild horse named River, abandoned on public land in Fremont County, Colorado. Stires, 64, has grown close to River, who has made a home in Blue Heron Park, situated along the Arkansas River. Her determination to secure a better life for the horse has drawn attention to the challenges faced by abandoned animals.
Stires began her mornings calling out to River, who has become accustomed to her voice over time. On a late August morning, she gently coaxed him closer, noting his muddy coat from a recent roll in the dirt. After years of patience and care, River now responds to his name and feels secure in Stires’ presence.
Challenges of Abandonment
The park, spanning just over 100 acres, presents numerous dangers for River. Without fencing, the area borders a busy highway, exposing him to traffic and unleashed dogs. As hunting season approaches, the sounds of gunfire only add to his anxiety. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees the park, acknowledges that River’s living conditions are unsuitable.
According to Steven Hall, a spokesperson for the BLM, River’s situation stems from his prior adoption in 2020. The horse was initially rounded up in Wyoming and later adopted for rodeo purposes. After escaping, he has remained unclaimed, leaving Stires concerned that the BLM might resort to tranquilizing him to capture him. “He’s nervous, he’s afraid,” Stires expressed. “He’s a herd animal and he’s out here by himself. It just breaks my heart.”
Stires has made it her goal to capture River and transport him to a sanctuary where he can thrive. If she fails, the BLM may be forced to intervene with tranquilizers, a scenario she fears could endanger River’s life.
A Personal Commitment
Sparking her mission was an email from a local dog rescue group in October 2023, inquiring about the wild horse at Blue Heron Park. Stires, who has minimal experience with horses, felt compelled to act after witnessing River’s distress during hunting season. “He’s been traumatized since the day he was taken off the range,” she noted, reflecting on River’s difficult past.
Stires has committed her retirement funds to purchase alfalfa for River, often relying on the support of generous outsiders and grants from equine nonprofits like Fleet of Angels. Her daily visits have become a labor of love; she spends hours with River, using patience and gentle encouragement to help him become comfortable with the idea of entering a pen.
One recent morning, as River cautiously approached the pen, Stires felt a mix of hope and frustration. He had once entered the pen but fled just as she attempted to close the gate. “If things go wrong, at least I tried,” she said, acknowledging the emotional toll of her efforts.
Stires has formed a unique bond with River, often sharing her thoughts on life and current events during their quiet moments together. The companionship has provided Stires with a sense of purpose, especially after the loss of her husband in 2006 and her subsequent battle with health issues from COVID-19.
As she spends her mornings with River, Stires remains resolute in her mission, aiming to bring him to safety in a sanctuary near Craig. “I know that I’ve done something good in my life if he gets to the sanctuary,” she said, reflecting on her commitment to making a difference. “If I see a video of him running out on the sanctuary and die of a heart attack, I’ll die happy.”
In a world often overshadowed by violence and distress, Stires’ efforts reflect a deep compassion for animals and a desire to bring positivity into her life and the lives of others. With each visit, she remains hopeful that she can ensure River’s safety and well-being.
