The Wild Horse Sanctuary was established shortly after Dianne Nelson and her family rescued 80 wild horses that were destined to be killed in 1978. The Wild Horse Sanctuary was incorporated in 1979.

Nearly 300 wild horses and burros call the Wild Horse Sanctuary home.

We usually feed hay about nine to ten months out of the year depending on the weather and the availability of natural grasses to graze on. Approximately 40 tons of hay, the equivalent of 400 bales or one truck and trailer load, will feed the horses for about a month. Tubs of supplement and rice straw are placed throughout the Sanctuary, too.

Yes, we de-worm the wild horses with a block wormer once a year.

Many of the horses have been rescued from federal lands such as the Modoc National Forest, Sheldon-Hart Mt. Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, plus a herd from the Nevada's Shoshone Indian Nation and Virginia Range. On occasion we have also accepted individual horses from private parties.

Yes, in particular, a magnificent wild stallion, known as Phantom that used to roam the hills near Dayton, Nevada and took up residence at the Sanctuary in 2006. The white stallion bears a remarkable resemblance to the Phantom Stallion created by the series of books of the same name by Terri Farley. "All the time I've been writing about the Phantom, I believed he was a creation of my imagination, but it turns out I was wrong," stated Farley, after learning about the Phantom Stallion that roamed the hills not far from her home.

5,000 acres big.

Open by appointment only. Call (530) 474-5770 to visit or schedule a tour.

Absolutely. Donations of any amount are gladly accepted. Following are various donation levels that you might find helpful: $50 - Feed one horse for one month $50 - Become a Friend of the Wild Horse Sanctuary $150 - Care for a horse for three months $600 - Sponsor a horse for one year

The Wild Horse Sanctuary offers a number of volunteer opportunities for individuals with various skills. We also offer summer internships for college students. For details and an application form for both offerings, please visit our How You Can Help page.

The Wild Horse Sanctuary hosts several types of events throughout the year including two-hour trail rides, an annual Open House as well as customized visits such as field trips for schools, scouts, and other clubs and groups. Please call 530-474-5770 to discuss details and select a date for your visit!

In 2024 the trail ride season at the Wild Horse Sanctuary runs from June 1st - July 27th. The rides follow trails created by the wild horses and burros through a landscape of oaks and pines, lava rock strewn meadows, wildflowers, and meandering streams. For more information, visit our Trail Rides page.

The Wild Horse Sanctuary welcomes visitors to their annual Open House each fall. Open House festivities include a docent-led walk to view wild mustangs and burros up close. Other favorites include craft vendors, demonstrations on horseshoeing, horse grooming, and saddling scheduled throughout the day, a question-and-answer session with a veterinarian, food and drink for purchase and special activities for the kids. Check our Special Events page for more information.

P.O. Box 30 5796 Wilson Road Shingletown, CA 96088-0030 (530) 474-5770 info@WildHorseSanctuary.org