2020 -
Born in the Wild
Ridge was born in 2022 on the open range of the South Steens Herd Management Area in Oregon. His freedom was short-lived, and as a yearling, he was captured during a BLM roundup in September of 2022.
2022 to 2026 -
A Promising Start
As an unhandled youngster, Ridge was pulled from BLM holding by a private owner and gentled through a highly respected training program. Sadly, emergency vet bills forced his owner to sell him. Ridge was subsequently sold again to a buyer who ultimately dumped him at a kill pen in Stroud, Oklahoma—a stark reminder that even a good start out of holding does not secure a mustang's fate.
Spring 2026 -
Rescue & Recovery
We spotted the four-year-old appaloosa mustang in the chaotic Stroud kill pen on March 31, 2026. Though terrified, we could see in the video that he actively tried to trust humans. We bailed him immediately, but his journey was delayed when he contracted strangles, a highly infectious disease that required extensive quarantine, rest, and time to safely heal.
Present Day -
The Safety Net & Next Steps
Today, Ridge is fully healed, safely living at the Refuge, and spending the summer just getting to be a horse. He is young at heart and naive to herd dynamics, but he is happily figuring it out in real time with our main herd. Ridge is very curious and self-possessed, he has all the qualities to make a great horse for someone. This incredible gelding will begin under-saddle training later this year or early next, and will be available for adoption in the late spring or summer of 2027. We actively encourage interested adopters to reach out early to get to know him and be a part of his journey!
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SUPPORT A MUSTANG TODAY
2022 -
Born in the Wild
Ridge was born in 2022 on the open range of the South Steens Herd Management Area in Oregon. His freedom was short-lived, and as a yearling, he was captured during a BLM roundup in September of 2022.
Spring 2026 -
Rescue and Recovery
We spotted the four-year-old appaloosa mustang in the chaotic Stroud kill pen on March 31, 2026. Though terrified, we could see in the video that he actively tried to trust humans. We bailed him immediately, but his journey was delayed when he contracted strangles, a highly infectious disease that required extensive quarantine, rest, and time to safely heal.
2022 to 2026 -
A Promising Start
As an unhandled youngster, Ridge was pulled from BLM holding by a private owner and gentled through a highly respected training program. Sadly, emergency vet bills forced his owner to sell him. Ridge was subsequently sold again to a buyer who ultimately dumped him at a kill pen in Stroud, Oklahoma—a stark reminder that even a good start out of holding does not secure a mustang's fate.
Present Day -
The Safety Net & Next Steps
Today, Ridge is fully healed, safely living at the Refuge, and spending the summer just getting to be a horse. He is young at heart and naive to herd dynamics, but he is happily figuring it out in real time with our main herd. Ridge is very curious and self-possessed, he has all the qualities to make a great horse for someone. This incredible gelding will begin under-saddle training later this year or early next, and will be available for adoption in the late spring or summer of 2027. We actively encourage interested adopters to reach out early to get to know him and be a part of his journey!
