Non-Profit Horse Sanctuary in South Dakota Continues to Preserve Legacy
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, a non-profit organization located in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota, has been providing a safe haven for horses for the past 35 years. Founded by Dayton O. Hyde, the sanctuary was established to ensure that horses could live freely without the fear of harm or mistreatment.
Hyde, the visionary behind the sanctuary, dreamed of creating a place where horses could roam freely without any worries. “I have to admit it was just a dream then because nobody knew whether it was going to work or not, but it’s worked beautifully, and we’re still here after 30 years,” said Hyde in June 2017. His dedication to the cause was unwavering.
Tragically, in 2018, Hyde passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of his work at the Wild Horse Sanctuary. However, his mission to save horses, protect the land, and preserve the cultural heritage of the area lives on.
President and Executive Director of the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Susan Watt, emphasized that Hyde’s vision remains unchanged. “He passed away in December of 2018, right before COVID started at the end of 2019. The mission is still the same: he wanted to save the horses, save the land, and preserve the culture of the area,” explained Watt.
Despite Hyde’s absence, the sanctuary continues to thrive under the care of its seven dedicated full-time employees. These individuals work tirelessly to ensure that the horses can roam freely, just as they did when Hyde was alive.
“The same as any animal dogs and cats in shelters, they need homes, and this luckily gets to be their homes,” said Londin Harwood, a ranch hand at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides a safe and natural environment for the horses to live their lives to the fullest.
However, the challenges faced by the sanctuary are not insignificant. As human development encroaches on their habitat, it becomes increasingly challenging for the horses to find suitable areas to roam freely. Chris Williams, another ranch hand at the sanctuary, explained, “The closer we’re getting, the more we’re shrinking up their habitat, making it harder for them to find places to roam. They need to have water, food, and a protective area.”
The sanctuary’s mission extends beyond the well-being of the horses. It also focuses on the preservation of the surrounding fauna. “Because not only are we saving the horses, we’re saving all the indigenous plants, animals, and wildlife that live here in South Dakota,” Watt explained.
Dayton O. Hyde’s vision was not limited to the horses alone. He believed in the importance of caring for all aspects of the Earth. “He didn’t feel that mankind had dominion over the earth but rather as caretakers over fellow travelers; in other words, we’re supposed to take care of everything on this earth—the land, the animals, the people,” said Watt.
To support the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary and contribute to their noble cause, donations can be made through their website. By doing so, individuals can play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of Dayton O. Hyde and ensuring the well-being of these magnificent creatures.
© Copyright 2023 KEVN. All rights reserved.
Original Story at www.blackhillsfox.com – 2023-10-12 05:04:00
