Carol Stires, a 64-year-old resident of Cañon City, Colorado, has dedicated the past two years to caring for an abandoned wild horse named River. Located near the Arkansas River, between Florence and Penrose, River has become a part of Stires’ life, but the situation remains precarious for both her and the horse. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees the land, has acknowledged that River’s current environment is unsuitable.
Every morning, just as the sun begins to rise, Stires calls out for River, her voice echoing in the stillness of Blue Heron Park. River, a black mustang, now responds to her, having developed a bond over their time together. Stires often remarks, “He’s been rolling in the mud,” noticing his playful demeanor. Yet, despite their closeness, the park poses significant dangers for River, including busy roadways and unleashed dogs.
River’s backstory is tragic. According to BLM records, he was rounded up in Wyoming in 2020 and initially adopted for rodeo purposes. After escaping, he found refuge in the park but has faced numerous threats since. Stires has made it her mission to capture River and secure a place for him at a sanctuary, fearing that the BLM may resort to tranquilizing him if he remains uncontained. “He’s nervous, he’s afraid,” she explained. “It just breaks my heart.”
Stires began her journey to help River after learning about him from a local dog rescue group in October 2023. Despite having no prior experience with horses, she felt compelled to act after witnessing River’s distress during hunting season. “He hasn’t had any peace in five years. He ran from one hell to another,” she lamented.
Each day, Stires travels to the park, often using her limited retirement budget to buy alfalfa for River. She has received assistance from community members and even a grant from the nonprofit organization Fleet of Angels. Her goal is to coax River into a pen, which would allow for a safe capture. A nearby sanctuary has agreed to take him, but time is of the essence. The BLM has indicated that if River is not captured, they may have no choice but to tranquilize him, a last-resort measure that Stires fears could endanger the horse’s life.
Stires has developed a routine, spending hours in the park, where she talks to River about her life and current events. “I never expected to make friends with a wild horse,” she said, noting that this companionship has brought her solace after the loss of her husband in 2006. The bond has grown to the point where River often lies down to sleep while she is nearby, finding comfort in her presence.
As she attempts to lure River into the pen, Stires reflects on the challenges they face. Despite moments of frustration and anxiety regarding River’s safety and the actions of the BLM, she remains committed to her cause. “If things go wrong, at least I tried,” she stated.
Stires’ dedication is fueled by a desire to bring positivity into a world that often feels harsh. She spends hours at the park, undeterred by the weather or her physical limitations. “I know that I’ve done something good in my life, if he gets to the sanctuary,” she affirmed, her voice trembling with emotion.
As the sun rises higher, River settles down near the cottonwoods, signaling that it is time for Stires to leave. She gathers the remaining alfalfa and prepares to return home, where she will continue to plan for their next meeting. Each day brings hope and uncertainty, but for Stires, the bond with River provides a sense of purpose that transcends the challenges they face.
Stires continues to visit River regularly, embodying the spirit of compassion and determination, hoping to ensure that he finally finds a safe and loving home.
