Tracy Scott and other dedicated wild horse advocates in Colorado are working tirelessly to care for and manage wild horse populations that have been removed from public lands due to overpopulation concerns. Scott runs Steadfast Steeds sanctuary, caring for dozens of mustangs rescued from government holding pens, while also participating in a state-established Colorado Wild Horse Working Group. This group, formed in 2023, brings together stakeholders including the BLM, nonprofits, tribal nations, and ranchers to develop recommendations focused on managing horses once removed from the range, with an emphasis on fertility control and improving adoption efforts. Despite some progress, the group’s limited scope and the state’s tight budget constrain broader solutions, and the program faces challenges such as aging advocates and uncertain funding.

Efforts to sustain wild horse populations and advocate for their welfare include state-funded projects to improve water access and hire paid fertility control darters, as well as youth training programs teaching mustang handling and adoption skills. However, many advocates worry about the lack of younger people stepping into leadership roles, threatening the continuity of conservation work. Programs like the Meeker Mustang Makeover and school-based training aim to engage youth, but broader challenges remain due to limited resources and declining budgets. Advocates remain hopeful that continued collaboration and education will lead to meaningful progress in wild horse management in Colorado.