FEATURE — A ranch in rural Cedar City is working to provide a safe haven for horses ranging from abused to neglected, even abandoned. The Dust Devil Ranch Sanctuary for Horses was founded and is currently operated by Ginger Grimes, after she saw the need arise for a dependable horse rescue facility in Southern Utah.
A couple lovely horses featured this week are Rita, the gaited Missouri foxtrotter, and Kiddo, the new thoroughbred on the block straight from a California racetrack.
Oohs and aahs ready?
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above to find your future best friend
The sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and depends solely on donations and volunteers to provide care for its 20-plus horses.
“Sometimes I’m down to my most desperate,” Grimes said, “and then I have an angel appear, like an anonymous check comes in the mail … then it renews my drive again.”
Elsa, the horse found frozen to the ground in 2014, was brought to Dust Devil Ranch Sanctuary where dozens of volunteers fought tirelessly to save her life. While Elsa lost her battle, her emaciated mother, Anna, was fully rehabilitated thanks to their efforts.
Adoptable horses typically range from $200 to $2,000, depending on skill level and rideability. Grimes is always willing to work with potential adopters to get horses into good homes.
“I’ll work with somebody if it’s a great fit,” Grimes said. “And if we can do it, we’ll do it.”
For those who are unable to adopt but still want to provide much needed support, the facility offers a horse sponsorship program, which connects each sponsor with a horse to provide health and dental care, medicine, food and basic necessities that will help rehabilitate the sponsor’s horse on its journey to finding a forever home.
To assist in fundraising, the sanctuary’s second annual online auction will be taking place between Oct. 19 and Nov. 13. Anyone can participate by purchasing or donating artwork; artists may retain a portion of the reserve and shipping costs on sales. Those willing to donate artwork must submit their application before Sept. 21. See the online auction guidelines Web page linked here for details and conditions.
The facility is currently in need of volunteers with equine knowledge and always accepts donations in any denomination. Dust Devil Ranch is open to the public but asks for visits by appointment only.
Resources
- Dust Devil Ranch Sanctuary for Horses | Facebook | 410-596-5444 | Email
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