The Carson 23: A Story of Rescue and Hope
In October 2013, a group of wild horses, including Red and Mr. Senior, were captured from Nevada's Virginia Range by the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, these horses were rescued from a potential slaughter auction and relocated to a sanctuary in California.
Red's Journey
Red, along with his family and other mustangs, was taken to the Carson City Prison. If not for the intervention of American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) supporters, these horses would have faced a grim fate. Instead, they were transported to the DreamCatcher Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary in northern California, where they can live freely on 2,000 acres.
In May 2014, Red's band, which had grown with new foals, was set to be released onto a 100-acre grassy range, providing them with a safe and expansive home.
The Story of Mr. Senior
Mr. Senior, a noble stallion, was also captured by the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Despite his advanced age, he was subjected to anesthesia for gelding, which he barely survived. Estimated to be around 30 years old, Mr. Senior had lived a life of resilience on the harsh Nevada range.
Thanks to the cooperative agreement between Return to Freedom and the state of Nevada, Mr. Senior was saved from slaughter. He now resides at DreamCatcher Sanctuary, where he is cared for in his twilight years.
In May 2014, a supporter recognized Mr. Senior as 'Grandpa,' a stallion she had seen frequently on the range. This connection highlights the deep bond between these wild horses and those who care for them.
Continuing the Fight
While the rescue of the Carson City 23 is a victory, the work is far from over. American Wild Horse Conservation continues to advocate for resources to care for these horses and to implement range management measures to prevent further captures.
Without continued support, more mustangs could be captured and face a cruel fate. We urge you to consider making a donation to help protect these iconic animals.