I have been a wild horse nut for....forever. Since I was a kid and spent hours staring at the painting of the mustang of Marguerite Henry's Album of Horses, losing myself in the beauty of the art and the wild and freedom the rearing paint horse suggested. I have been heavily involved with horses (burros and a mule, too!) for decades of my life and now as a professional equine bodyworker, the mustangs still create that little "catch in my throat." I worked on a mustang mare this year, and when I touched her heart chakras in introduction, she yawned and yawned...and yawned some more. This once wild creature has been blessed with a home of kindness who accepts her as the individual she is. If I was to describe GEMS, I would say the organization is much like this mare. Grateful, accepting of the things they cannot change, and practical about the elements of the wild horse plight they CAN change. Located on a beautiful property and owned and managed by thoughtful and dedicated people, I am a 100% GEMS fan.
K'lyn Keller, The Two Sweet Ranch
GEMS has taught me so much about the plight of wild mustangs and burros in our country. They help these horses live full, rewarding lives instead of being slaughtered or languishing in a holding pen. I have been to the sanctuary a few times and have photographed the wild ones and interacted with the ambassadors mustangs and burros. I appreciate everything they do for the animals and how they educate the public about the story of wild equines.
This is a wonderful non-profit that helps mustangs in so many ways and helps to educate the public about their plight. The actual sanctuary land is magical and has wonderful eco cabins and an incredible herd. I enjoyed photographing the horses there and will be back to stay overnight. Their fundraisers and events are great as well!
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I had an excellent experience at Great Escape when I visited during an Open House and went on a tour and was able to take photos of the wild mustangs and learn all about the programs there. The owners of this non-profit care a lot and run a beautiful sanctuary. I will definitely be back and hope to host my own retreat there in the future.
GEMS is a sanctuary like no other. They have helped so many horses. When Snowman came to the sanctuary he just walked off the trailer and walked away. I burst into tears. I had never seen him like that. But I have visited the sanctuary. I have stayed in the cabins right in the middle of the wild horses land. It is amazing to watch them come in for water in the evening. You have to be very quiet and just take it in. I knew that if anyone could help Snowman they would do what ever it takes. The tour that Debbie gave me was informative. The staff is so friendly and their hearts are truly in the right place. They are celebrating 10 years of helping the wild mustangs. I can’t wait to celebrate with them on Nov 6. Go visit. You will be so surprised. Thank you Debbie and Michelle and all the rest who make it happen day in and day out.
GEMS has helped with our personal journey with mustangs and is an incredible resource to anyone looking to adopt, train, surrender, or just learn about these incredible horses. Michelle, GEMS founder, has dedicated her life to helping mustangs both on and off the range. Her passion and compassion are obvious when you meet her and when you witness her advocacy first hand. Photo is of Jameson, an amazing Devil's Garden mustang who GEMS will be helping to gentle for us after finding out that older mustangs can be tougher to train. GEMS is a national treasure for mustang lovers.
If your looking for a sanctuary with a heart and a soul look no further. If your looking for a friend who will listen to your fears and your passion and bring your dreams to reality look no further. If your looking for an escape to rejuvenate and relax, be one with nature and energize with horses and spend the night in the most tranquil relaxing atmosphere look no further. If your looking for a special spiritual place you have found one In GEMS with Michelle and Debbie. They are simply the best! Michelle has built with hard work and passion, her dream and brought it to life here at GEMS and now with the help of Debbie, together they are making dreams possible for so many. Thank you for helping give Snowman a home. Carole & Michael Huber & Snowman~
I spent one night in one of the cabins on the sanctuary, it was one of the most spiritual experiences I've ever had in my life. Stunning views of prairies and forests and rugged rock all around. That is without the presence of the mustangs, which is the reason why I chose to stay here. What a great place, run by great people who have no doubt in my mind saved some beautiful horses from the evils of the BLM and have given them their freedom back. Absolutely wonderful place and experience. I will be back!!!
In October 2019 I spent a week at GEMS as part of their Women's Veteran Program. It was life changing! The mustang I worked with was like a mirror, reflecting back to me my own struggles and success! I have since adopted two gentled mustangs and look forward to attending more GEMS sponsored events. The facility is so calming and the training and support are world class!
I was interested in adopting a mustang from GEMS so I contacted Stephanie, who was kind enough to allow me to spend several hours at a time in a corral with the wild horses and my camera, trying to decide who my future best friend would be. I visited GEMS two times, for three hours each time, and after consulting with Stephanie I finally decided to adopt Ruby. Ruby has been the most amazing, intelligent, sweet and sensitive horse, and I'm so happy to have been able to give her a good home and be a big part of her happily ever after!
We took two grandsons, ages 4 and 8, in the summer of 2019. They got to pet and give treats to the corralled mustangs, while our fantastic tour guide told us the story of each one. Our grandsons were enthralled.
We were then able to take a tour by Land Rover to see the mustangs who were running free and who came up to the vehicle to “say hi”.
Our grandson, now age 5, was remembering recently the horse who was blind in one eye.
We will definitely make another trip to this amazing place!!
What a fabulous experience! We had a private tour through the property and got to see up close and personal the wonderful horse personalities that are so well loved. This is a great outing for couples, families, team events, you name it, everyone will have a very good time.
I have been to the GEMS location a few times over the years. I rode one of their mustangs in a clinic and took a photography class featuring the mustangs and the beautiful scenery. They do so much for the mustangs and the people who love them and develop very creative ways to get people engaged in the Sanctuary. This year I was lucky enough to adopt one of their mustangs and have found a beautiful partner for my trail adventures! I will continue to support GEMS and the amazing work they do saving and training these horses.
GEMS...a lifesaver of mustangs. We need more sanctuaries like this. They save as many mustangs as they can From a life of misery living in small over crowded pens. I hope to visit one day. Keep up the great work.
I have a second home in Deer Trail, CO and know many of my neighbors have adopted horses from this Mustang Sanctuary. The horses are beautiful well behaved animals but still retain the wild spirit deep in their eyes. I hope one day myself to be able to adopt a mustang and perhaps a burro and that will definitely happen through my neighbors at the Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary...I also hope to volunteer my time there when I am living out there permanently.
GEMS is ONE OF A KIND. I have never seen such an top notch operation from education, training, sanctuary,supporters of BLM program for TIP, adoptions and sooo much more. I'll never forgetduring a TIP program several horses were not adopted and instead of the wild hores having to be retuned to the BLM holding lots...GEMS took them to be sure they would find a forever home. GEMS heart is amazing in purity of the love for the wild ones in priority in providing the most natural environment that us humans are privilege to experience.
Great programs for a levels to participate.
I have followed the Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary for about a year. In January we met some amazing women from GEMS at the BLM Delta Wild horse corrals. They were there to Adopt Onaqui Mustangs. We were so pleased with their selection - one of them was a mare with an eye injury ( she is the mother of the filly I adopted). Unfortunately this mare would most likely not be adopted by anyone else. They also adopted 2 of the well known stallions from the Onaqui HMA. They now live in the “wild” at GEMS. I hope to visit next summer. I totally endorse this nonprofit.
I have visited GEMS and follow their progress. I am so impressed with their high degree of knowledge, excellent equine management , community participation and communication. They play an integral role of mustang rescue and rehabilitation. I give them the highest rating for their service, integrity and success. Thank you GEMS for being there for these western cornerstone horses.
Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary is a great resource for educating the public on Mustangs. I have attended various events hosted by the GEM's team and always have a great time with my mustangs when we visit.
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I visited GEMS for a three night cabin stay in August of 2020 that exceeded my expectations, which were high as this was a bucket list item. My stay was magical from beginning to end. The herd stopped by daily for sunrise and sunsets. I was able to hike around the sanctuary with the beautiful vistas and the herd. Petra was wonderful, the sunset ride is a must if you stay. I hope to return often.
At GEMS, we work incredibly hard to make a difference for the Mustangs. There is no money that goes to pay board members or administrative salaries. 100% of donations goes directly to the horses and our programming.
I had a great experience at GEMS in June . Petra took me on a sunrise tour of the wild horse herd for photos of sunrise with the horses. She answered all my questions regarding their relationship with BLM adoptions and finished with a tour of the facility. GEMS is doing very good work out there on the plains!
My husband and I took a tour in March of 2020. We absolutely loved it and learned so much about the plight of wild horses. My favorite thing about GEMS is that they give consideration to each horse’s personality, and they don’t force training if a horse would be better served living as he/she did in the wild. I was inspired by my tour to visit Sand Wash Basin this summer which made me even more thankful that GEMS exists. It’s heartbreaking to think about all of the wild horses that have been ripped away from their family bands and thrown into crowded holding pens, but it is so great to see how many horses have been saved by this amazing organization.
We attended a workshop at Gems and were so impressed before we even got to the facility. My husband is in a wheelchair so I called and asked if he could be accommodated. EXec Director said of course ,come on out. True to her word,staff was incredible! It was a fabulous workshop and the care and attention given to the horses was exceptional. My husband and I have attended many equine workshops, been to other sanctuaries and can honestly say GEMS is exceptional!
I wanted to acknowledge and praise an organization and several individuals who made our dream of owning this guy a reality.
On March 1st, 2019 I attended The Rocky Mountain Horse Expo. I was looking for The Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary, https://greatescapesanctuary.org/ there I met Head trainer Stephanie Linsley, Volunteer and Photographer Petra Kadrnozkova, and Founder of GEMS Michelle Sander. I was armed with a picture of our beautiful Gray Mustang and a gallon of Pepsi, these people were in trouble!! I also met Mustang trainer extraordinaire Jessica Dabrowski of Pony Peak Stangmanship (I love her style), I watched every class she put on that day and several others. For the next month or so I stalked (in a non-creepy way) poor Stephanie. She answered each and every question we had plus more. Stephanie was our original TIPS trainer but unfortunately an injury waylaid her ankle. Since Stephanie had only really just started him it was important they continue with his training as he was at a critical point. They chose Carson Sander-Ferracane as his trainer, since Darin and I were out of the state and could not be reached. After we met Carson we knew our guy was in very good hands. Ford was with Carson for just under 2 months and talk about an amazing change!! This is such a nice little horse, his ground work is outstanding and he rides out like he's been doing it forever. He's so soft and Carson has a stop on him that would make some reiners envious!! I can’t say enough about Carson Sander-Ferracane, if you know me at all you know I’m VERY high energy and in all honesty I have a hard time focusing. Carson has such a way about him that I found myself slowing down, calming down and really learning. Not one single moment did I feel like he was losing his patience or attention with me. If I wasn’t understanding something he was teaching me, he would come at it from a different angle, he was able to shift gears quickly…I can’t wait to see where this young man’s careers takes him. This is one talented Trainer, Leather worker and Farrier, one stop shopping!! Check out his website www.csfhorsemanship.com
Thank you to Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary, Stephanie, Petra, Michelle and MOST ESPECIALLY Carson!! He has life long "students" in us!!
When your looking for a wonderful organization that really makes a difference to support, please think about GEMS. Their helping to ensure a legacy for generations to come...
We are so in love with our guy and each day we learn more. It’s not great everyday of course, one thing that Ford is teaching me is patience…
THANK YOU!!!!
GEMS doesn't just talk about the challenges of sound on range management of wild horses & burros, or turn a disconnected back on the frightening prospects our Mustangs face, both free on the range and sadly, the Mustangs that have lost their freedom in BLM holding facilities. GEMS has worked very hard to nurture trusting, respectful and cooperative relationships with the BLM to facilitate the training of captured Mustangs. This individualized training substantially improves the Mustangs chance of being adopted to a safe, forever home. For the Mustangs that still remain wild and free with their family Bands, GEMS has engaged trained volunteers to work alongside BLM to dart wild horse mares with the safe, proven PZP fertility control vaccine. The most effective and humane way to keep the Mustangs free on the range, is to prevent mares from getting pregnant and having a foal every year. On and off the range GEMS is successfully championing the desire of the majority of Americans, to achieve healthy wild horses, wildlife and wild lands through only truly humane and sustainable management methods!!!! Mustangs......may they roam protected, wild & free FOREVER!!!!
I have not personally visited The Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary, but from hearing and reading about them, they are wonderful people doing an amazing work by saving our wild horses and burros. I am very grateful for all that they do.
I work for the same cause they do and am thankful for the vigor in which they work. It takes a lot of time and effort to have a horse sanctuary and training center.
I visited this amazing place when I took a photography class through Mike's Camera. I had no idea such a wonderful facility existed. Michelle was an amazing host, taking us through the facility and driving us out to photograph the herd. Stephanie, the trainer, was wonderful with the horses and patiently provided us with amazing photo ops all day. I learned a lot about the great work GEMS does day in and day out. By helping these beautiful animals, GEMS is preserving an important part of Colorado's history and providing a safe haven for animals in need. They are truly an asset to our community.
If you are looking for a place to invest in that is finding solutions for wild Mustangs there is no better non-profit than GEMS. They are finding collaborative ways to truly help hundreds of horses. Their training program, clinics, and events are excellent. Viewing the Mustangs by staying in one of their absolutely adorable cabins on the 900 acre sanctuary is a once in a lifetime experience. (Photo taken during a weekend stay at GEMS) Book a tour and see the amazing work they are doing!
The Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary (GEMS) is an invaluable resource for our wild mustangs. The facilities are fabulous with nearly a 1,000 beautiful acres to romp and roam. My husband trims the hooves of the resident BLM burros there, and I sometimes accompany him just so I can be - for a while - in such a beautiful sanctuary run by people with huge hearts, fierce dedication, and abundant energy. The many programs and fundraisers GEMS offers are varied and abundant, from veterans programs, horse training programs, fancy dinners, overnight retreats and 4-H involvement with mustang yearlings. GEMS is the real deal. A diamond, even!
The plight of wild horses and burros in America is shocking. Repeated round ups of these PROTECTED animals has created a glut of horses held in large numbers or worse sold to Kill Buyers to be shipped out of country to slaughter houses. This wonderful place has given homes to many horses and provides a place to educate people about the influence of horses in our countries history. I only wish I could add a star...5 isn't enough!
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This hard working place provides so much more then a sanctuary for wild horses. They educate and keep the public aware of the value these American Icons have. It is a beautiful place that offers opportunities to be around the horses ...photography...art ...learning hands on horse skills...The chance to make a difference for future generations to see the Mustangs running free on public lands. They and other sanctuaries are the voice for these beautiful animals. As our government officials decide the fate of horses and burros on land set aside for them and those in holding facilities ...I want to encourage people to support those helping the wild ones!
I have been here several times and have volunteered for them as well. They are an amazing organization doing right by mustang's. Highly recommend and encourage everyone to support this nonprofit.
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I started my journey with GEMS when I applied for a job at the Ranch. I was able to speak with Michelle on the phone multiple times, and it was an instant connection. I was also able to go to the ranch for a work weekend, meet the family, the horses, and see what the organization was about. I was hooked and ready to give my blood, sweat and tears for this organization.
I was fortunate to be able to work as a Ranch Manager for a summer for GEMS. I helped with tours, outreach programs, adoptions, taking care of the horses, and learning a lot about what is going on with the American Mustang.
I was also very fortunate, at the time, to be able to work with BLM Burros as well. It opened my eyes up to an entirely new side of 4 legged creatures.
GEMS has and is leading a solution based, proactive approach to an issue which takes complete dedication to educating the public about these historical creatures that are caught up in a changing world.
Even though I no longer work on the ranch I am a supporter and an advocate to what they are continually doing. They are great for education, adoption, sanctuary, and an overall, duplicated approach that could be used around the world!
Working as a wild horse advocate, I can only say that I wish we could clone Michelle and GEMS. Their model is fantastic, they serve on so many levels. Winners all. Michelle's presentation at the recent Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board meting was stellar. Thank you Michelle!
Amazing place doing some amazing things for our mustangs!! A really 'must see' place too if your in the area!! Can't say enough good things about them!!! ❤️
The Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary does amazing work for the mustangs. Through countless hours of training, education and hard work, they are able to change the public perception of mustangs and successfully place mustangs in adoptive homes. They inspired me to help the mustangs and be more involved with animal welfare.
Great Escape is a wonderful organization! I have had the chance to vist the facility several times and am always in awe of it. It is a beautiful place with knowledgeable staff and has such a great mission. I have had the please of bringing home two mustangs from Great Escape Mustnag Sanctuary and will do it again!
Absolutely loved the property. Gorgeous views secluded outside of Deer Trail, CO. Stephanie was an amazing host and has a way with horses that is quite remarkable to watch. Being able to watch the wild mustangs run free through the entire property was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.
Excellent place run by excellent people.
This place is simply amazing! I am truly thankful for the resources they provide to help address the wild mustang population, which are positive, responsible and literally life saving. They also offer wonderful programs to help educate the public on this issue, as well as many other facets of horsemanship. I look forward to attending many more of these workshops!
Everyone at Great Escape works tirelessly to ensure a better life for the Mustang horse. The staff and management exude teamwork. It is a welcoming place and a wonderful place for Mustangs headed for new life.
I have not been lucky enough to actually be at the ranch but I follow what they are doing and boy they do some great weekend events. Plus the love and care that the workers show for the mustangs and the non-profit! This is a very small run non profit and they do a wonderful job! You can tell they dearly love the mustangs and want to help them find great homes :)
Thank you all for what you are doing for these animals by giving them a chance to live!
GEMS is a phenomenal facility and their staff and founder always go above and beyond to help not only the mustangs but the public. Without the help of Michelle and Stephanie, I wouldn't have my dream horse standing in my barn!! They are always open to answering any questions you have and hosting educational seminars. Plus the work GEMS and their counterpart SWAT do on the range is essential to keeping the Sand Wash Basin mustangs on the range.
Wonderful environment with a welcoming staff. The sanctuary is absolutely beautiful and it is clear this selfless organization is all about the horses!
Fantastic organization that helps America’s wild horses in several ways: trains mustangs for adoption, provides public education on all aspects of wild horse issue, range management of wild horses, and is an eco sanctuary for mustangs. Also hosts public events with world class horse trainers who are as devoted to helping mustangs as they are.
The knowledge base and Care here is amazing. I came for a clinic and left with a new respect for these horses/burros and those who work so hard to advocate and protect. I can’t wait for other events and opportunities to learn and volunteer.
I visited GEMS this summer for a couple weeks and it was one of the best experiences in my life! It's so awesome how hard Michelle and Stephanie are working to help the mustangs! GEMS is the most peaceful place i have ever been! their passion for helping the mustangs, all Programms and possibilities to support mustangs should be spread out to the world- visiting GEMS is changing your life!
A year ago I adopted a little 3 year old mustang from GEMS. He had been TIP trained and beyond! The atmosphere was very kind and helpful. They were open to questions, demonstration and participation in the adoption. When communicating they were very responsive and quick. They made adopting my mustang easy and fun, and I am now left with an amazing partner and representation of this sanctuary! I highly recommend them for learning, volunteering, and adopting!
What a wonderful experience to see these magnificent horses thrive. Whether you want to adopt a mustang or just tour the sanctuary - a great experience and a very compassionate staff.
The work that the Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary does is amazing! They support the wild mustangs, train them and get them adopted so they are not in BLM holding! It is a beautiful place and I would go there everyday if I could!
A wonderful "herd" of knowledgeable, kind, passionate people who bend over backwards working tirelessly to make our world a better place for horses and people by educating, protecting, rehabilitating and conserving!!
GEMS goes far beyond being just a sanctuary for mustangs. The organization is a beacon of hope for so many through the verity of programs that they offer throughout the year. The support they offer to those that gentle and train Mustangs is second to none. A textbook and college course could be written and offered on how to do it right in a large animal sanctuary and GEMS should be the model. I wish they weren't three mountain passes and the better part of a day's drive to get there, or I'd be much more involved in all they have to offer.
An excellent non profit with exceptional care given to the horses. They are truly dedicated to unique, sustainable solutions for the wild horses.
At first, I thought the Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary (GEMS) was a wonderful rescue for mustangs taken off the range. But as I learn more about the many things GEMS does, I realize that it is so much more than that. It is a wonderful place for mustangs, and a couple of burros, removed from their home range. But it is also an educational and life altering experience for us humans. Through its "yoga on the range" and other fulfilling programs it offers renewal to people wanting a mind expanding experience. AND, GEMS does great things for the wild mustangs still on the range through its on-range arm, the Sand Wash Basin Advocate Team.
I love the Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary! It's people are outstanding and dedicated to GEMS' vision Every horse lover and burro should visit GEMS! Actually,any animal lover should visit GEMS! It is a special place of beauty and spirit and has cabin accommodations for overnight stays. Go for the visual impact of the horses and burros, and soothe your soul.
What a truly wonderful organization. They not only provide sanctuary for wild horses being squeezed off the public lands, but they have a terrific training program that inspire more SUCCESSFUL wild horse adoptions. I donate annually and recommend supporting this terrific model. They offer tons of events and it's a great place to visit.
My children participated in the Spirits of the West 4-H program with the yearling mustangs. It was by far one of the best experiences for my kids to date. Young horses and children learning together, building trust and confidence. I can't say enough about Michelle and the crew at GEMS providing guidance and training for the horses and kids. The culmination of the program was the Mustang showcase demonstration at the Boulder County Fair, which served as an opportunity for the kids and horses to show off their skills including leading the horses through a obstacles, trailer loading and walking over bridges.