SOUTH FORK – There are an estimated 70,000 wild horses and Burros in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program that was established in 1971 through the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burros Act. And though the program was designed to ensure ecological stability and to mitigate fertility control for the benefit of the animals, many of them succumb to fates outside of the program’s control.

Thanks to the efforts of those dedicated to saving abused, abandoned and otherwise homeless equines, combined with the wild Mustangs that come from the BLM’s program, many of these horses and burros find a second chance at life with homes and people who love them.

South Fork has become a destination for rescues of all sorts and is now home to the Second Chance Ranch, a place where horses of all backgrounds can come to find a forever home and a second chance. Owner and Trainer Amanda Hurley and her husband have dedicated their lives to seeing that these animals have a fair chance and the opportunity to share their essence with new owners and the communities that support their program.

“My husband grew up in Alamosa and so after spending 10 years out west, we made our way back to his roots and decided to settle down here and open the Second Chance Ranch. I have a lifetime of experience with horses through interactive training and working for other rescues similar to this one,” said Hurley. “We started this is 2022 and are now working to get our 501c3 status.”

Hurley is one of many who hold a special place in her heart for lost and abandoned animals including the Mustangs that come from the BLM Horse and Burro Program. “The intentions are good but the funding for the program gets less and less every day. We currently have two Mustangs we are working with that came from the Canyon City holding facility that was  recently closed. We work with them and train them so that they can be adopted into a loving home.”

One of the main focuses at Second Chance ranch is to find people who fit their horses, making the adoption process one of the most important parts of the program. Hurley works with the animals and their new owners to ensure that those who are potential adopters have the right tools to make the adoption successful.

“At Second Chance Ranch, our mission is to rehabilitate abused and neglected horses, nurturing their physical and emotional well-being, while equipping them with the skills and training needed to find lifelong human companions. We are also dedicated to gentling and training wild mustangs, providing them with the opportunity to find their forever homes. Through patient and compassionate methods, we help these majestic creatures overcome their fears, develop trust, and learn the skills necessary for a successful transition into domestic life.”

Hurley sees beyond the basic needs of the horse and human interaction and into the magical therapeutic opportunities owning a horse can bring to people. “There is something so soul deep engrained in these animals that you can’t help but feel like they were created to soothe our souls and help brighten the world. Just being around these animals is healing all on its own and if there was one thing I could tell the community, it would be how simply amazing these animals are.”

As the ranch moves forward with non-profit status, they are always accepting donations to help with the expense of the program. Their most recent fundraiser was held on December 13, and the community came out in style. The organization raised $1,900 that went directly back into the not-for-profit program and helped bring some holiday cheer to the residents of the rescue.

“At Second Chance Ranch, we measure our success not only by the number of horses we save but also by the ripple effects created within the equine community. By rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses, we strive to set a precedent for responsible horse ownership, shedding light on the immense rewards that can be found in providing these remarkable animals with the second chance they so desperately deserve.

"Join us on this compassionate journey as we transform broken souls into beautiful spirits, mending the lives of horses one step at a time. Together, we can create a world where equine abuse and neglect find no place, and every horse is granted the opportunity to live a life filled with love, respect, and purpose. May we all become stronger in the process.” For more information or to make a donation please visit www.secondchanceranch.co or follow them on Facebook under Second Chance Ranch.