Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: Skydog Sanctuary

This Oregon-based mustang sanctuary has been going viral recently for its work to reunite a mare and now-gelding who were separated when their herd was gathered. Learn more about Skydog Sanctuary here!

Every Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Today, we’re recognizing Skydog Sanctuary of Oregon.

Skydog Sanctuary consists of a 9,000-acre ranch near Bend, Oregon as well as a smaller satellite outreach facility in Malibu, California. With a focus on the mustangs who slipped through the cracks after adoption through the Bureau of Land Management’s various programs, Skydog Sanctuary shelters for life mustangs from various walks of life: some are well-trained and rideable and serve as ambassadors, while others are more aloof and spend their time roaming thousands of acres in Oregon.

Skydog’s mustangs have come from kill pen auctions, neglect or abuse cases, and on rare occasion owner surrender. Whenever possible, the staff at Skydog, led by founder Clare Staples, work to reunite family bands or keep bonded groups together.

One of the most high-profile reunions of a bonded pair took place earlier this month, with the now-gelded senior Goliath getting released on the Oregon ranch to meet his mare Red Lady, who is pregnant with Goliath’s last foal. The story has gone viral, which has done great work for spotlighting the plight of America’s wild horses.

Goliath and Red Lady are currently getting acclimated, roaming about 100 acres with access over fencelines to other bands on the sanctuary.

Horses in sanctuary receive farrier care as needed as well as veterinary attention. Some of the sanctuary’s horses wear their hooves naturally while they roam the thousands of acres of Oregon hills, and most of the horses are happier to be left alone. Other horses seek human contact, and are treated with love and compassion.

The Malibu location is a more recent addition to Skydog Sanctuary, helping to increase the organization’s outreach to volunteers and potential donors.

To learn more about Skydog Sanctuary, please visit the organization’s website. You can also follow on Facebook for more updates.

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.