Dust Devil Ranch Sanctuary for Horses (DDR) is a horse rescue organization located in Southern Utah. Our purpose is to take in abused, neglected and abandoned horses from around the state.
Because we believe in the humane treatment of horses, as well as all other animals, we provide food, shelter, medical care, rehabilitation, adoption services, a permanent home when necessary, and lots of love and attention so that they may enjoy the dignified life they deserve.
Where the horses come from
Many of our rescue horses come from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as well as various other agencies in Iron County and the State of Utah.
When it becomes necessary to seize a horse due to neglect and abuse, or when an owner surrenders their animal because they can no longer care for it, these agencies turn to us for shelter and care for them.
Once a horse arrives at the sanctuary, it is given the care and comfort it needs, including veterinary care, foot care, rehabilitation and training. The objective is to make the horse whole again, and when the time is right, find a safe, loving home where it can once again serve a useful purpose, be loved and its needs provided for the remainder of its life.
Horse adoption
Finding a good home for every adoptable horse at the rescue is part of our mission. Typically we look for people within the community who are interested in horse ownership, willing to take on the responsibility and make a lifetime commitment to its care.
We also look to organizations that use horses in the performance of their services such as local law enforcement agencies, search and rescue teams, and equine therapy centers for placement.
Potential adopters are evaluated, and an effort is made to match them with a compatible horse. Before and following adoption, on-site checks are performed, as well as follow up visits, for the remainder of the adopted horse’s life.
Get our Horse Adoption Application Here →
Our permanent residents
While our goal is to rehabilitate and find good homes for our horses, some are not good candidates for adoption because of their advanced age and/or special needs. In these cases, they become permanent residents that live out their days at our sanctuary in peace, and with the loving care they deserve.
For these horses, we welcome monthly sponsorships. Your life-changing gift helps us feed and care for these lifetime residents.
Learn About the Benefits of Sponsorship →
How we are supported
The work of Dust Devil Ranch Sanctuary for Horses comes primarily from the generous support of individuals and corporations. Their hearts and hands make certain the horses that come under our care will never again suffer.
On any given day, Dust Devil Ranch cares for a population of 30 to 40 horses that have come to us through animal control and other humane agencies from situations of abuse and neglect.
It’s common for them to require 3 to 6 months of critical care from the time they arrive, and some may also have special requirements. Besides ordinary expenses like feed, medical supplies, shoeing and foot care, and trainers, our vet bills commonly average about $2,000 per month.
A concerted effort between our horse rescue, its volunteers and the generous help from our veterinarians, trainers and farriers, we help these horses recover their health, regain their spirit and become useful again in life.
Typically, within a few months after their arrival, most of the horses are ready to go to approved adoption homes. Those that are “unadoptable” remain on the ranch or go foster homes.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Let’s talk!
Fighting abuse through education and awareness
Most neglect and abuse cases stem from lack of knowledge, experience and skills. In some cases, especially in a bad economy, people can no longer care for their horses, but don’t know how to reach out for help.
In order to help prevent animal neglect and cruelty, we reach out to educate the community about general horse care and raise awareness of horses that may be in an abusive or neglectful situation.
1 Comment
Evelyn Bradley
Heads up! There is a man posting 3 Tons of Free Hay for horses on Craigslist under”Free” section. He is moving from SLC to ID and cant take hay with him. Good Luck I hope you get it!!