Our Philosophy

The philosophy of Skydog Sanctuary is rooted in the belief that wildness matters, family matters, and there is a better way to manage American mustangs and burros. Founded by Clare Staples, the sanctuary operates on the principle that these animals are "living symbols of the American West" and deserve to live free, unbothered, and in their natural family units. 

The core tenets include:

• Preservation of Freedom: We provide over 9,000 acres in Oregon where mustangs can roam freely with minimal human interference, restoring the "land, space, and freedom" they lost during government roundups.

• Family Reunification: We places a high priority on reuniting bonded horse families that were separated during Bureau of Land Management (BLM) round ups. We know horses are sentient beings, who grieve and form deep emotional bonds.

• Focus on the "Unadoptable": Our mission prioritizes horses with the least chance of finding a home elsewhere. This ncludes seniors, those with special medical needs, and "wild" horses that refuse to be gentled or trained for riding.

• Total Transparency: We emphasize ethical operations through “platinum" rating on GuideStar and accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

• Advocacy and Education: Half of our mission is dedicated to raising awareness about the "slaughter pipeline" and advocating for legislative changes like the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act to end the shipping of American horses to slaughter in foreign countries.

The name "Skydog" - derived from a Native American term for horses that views them as a sacred gift from the Creator - reflects this philosophy.