The Mustang Center

The Mustang Center promotes awareness, appreciation and adoption of mustangs. Descendants of horses the Conquistadors brought to North America centuries ago, these living legends excel in equine disciplines ranging from dressage and trail riding to ranch work. Long esteemed by tribal Americans, mustangs are resourceful and perceptive, smart and loyal.Every year, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management removes 4,000 wild mustangs from public properties throughout the West. Many languish in halfway houses because potential adopters don’t have easy access to them or aren’t aware of their availability and their gifts.In Colorado, for example, the BLM offers viewings of adoptable mustangs twice monthly at a prison in Canon City. For security reasons, only a few people are cleared to visit during each session. Because of this and because the facility is far from any population center, many potential adopters miss the opportunity to meet mustangs.The Mustang Center is an accessible education, outreach and adoption facility based along Colorado’s Front Range.Using natural horsemanship approaches, the Center fosters, gentles and trains mustangs removed from BLM properties. Subject to BLM requirements, the Center’s horses are available for adoption or purchase.At the Center, people of all ages can meet mustangs, learn about their history and legacy, and discover ways to help preserve this unique emblem of the American West. We offer educational programs and counseling for those who are considering or have adopted a mustang.Center founder Diane Kennedy is nationally known as the pioneer of an award-winning program in which “at risk” teens found meaning and purpose in life by caring for and gentling—not breaking—orphaned foals.Diane guides the Center’s strategy as well as program design and delivery.Legal constraints on nonprofit organizations would make it difficult for the Center’s founder to provide overall direction and also be compensated for creating and delivering the Center’s services. We’re therefore organized as a Colorado limited liability company. Diane Kennedy is the firm’s majority owner.Let there be no doubt, however, about the Center’s mission and vision. Our first principle is, “We’re about mustangs, not money.” A modest profit allows us to continue pursuing that goal—to select, foster and train mustangs and place them in appropriate homes.We welcome contributions but are not a tax-exempt organization.The Center is exploring partnerships that would allow supporters to make tax-deductible contributions for scholarships, sponsorships and other assistance to promote awareness, appreciation and adoption of mustangs.