Horse Breeding and Spending Spiral Out of Control at West River Sanctuary
Horse Breeding and Spending Spiral Out of Control at West River Sanctuary
In 2001, Karen Sussman appeared deeply committed to her wild horses and her role as their savior. Her enthusiasm influenced the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, who agreed to take in a herd rescued from the Virginia Range in Nevada. Plans were made to attract tourists, integrate horses into therapy programs, and gift foals to Native American children.
However, these plans did not materialize. The tribal programming failed, and tourists did not visit the remote reservation. The tribe's herd grew from 80 to 300 by 2007, prompting leaders to return the land to cattle grazing and send the horses back to Sussman.
Sussman, unable to find adoptive homes, brought the horses to her ranch, already home to over 200 rescued horses. By summer, the number of horses reached 810, far exceeding sustainable grazing ratios. Despite using the fertility control drug PZP, Sussman allowed the horses to reproduce, believing that wild conditions would naturally control the population.
Financial issues compounded the situation. In 2009, ISPMB's feed costs exceeded revenue. Sussman sold her ranch to cover debts, but lawsuits from unpaid hay suppliers continued. Despite raising over $4 million from 2002 to 2014, the organization struggled with debts exceeding $1 million by 2014.
The deteriorating conditions at the ranch were exposed by a tipster and a disgruntled employee, highlighting the challenges faced by the sanctuary.