Spring Creek Horse Rescue

Spring Creek Horse Rescue has changed my life! I've learned invaluable skills in caring for horses while volunteering at SCHR. I grew up with horses, but they were "easy". This rescue takes in the equines other rescues can't handle, either because of behavioral or medical issues. The transformation from their arrival (broken, scared, abused, malnourished, neglected) to "new" horses (confident, content, healthy as their issues allow, and even... touchable) within a few months is enough to make you cry. It's easy to see why this rescue has been around for over 46 years -- Diane, the Founder, has dedicated her life to -- and has a gift for -- rehabilitating equines. And I'm proud to volunteer at a REAL rescue, not one of those "rescues" that uses donor money to buy and flip horses for a profit. SCHR is a beautiful thing!

I have volunteered at the rescue and with their events. This is a glowing organization. Diane takes the utmost care of the horses...and donkey! They are her family and get the best care and attention. I'm impressed at the cleanliness of the facility and the before and after stories of each and every animal at the rescue. Every little bit helps and this non-profit is worthy of any help that can be given.
When I am able to volunteer, it is always the highlight of my week.

I love Spring Creek Horse Rescue!! Diane is so knowledgeable and will give you any advice you need. All of the animals are so well taken care of there. You can tell Diane cares about each one of the animals by the care and love she gives them. I highly recommend adopting from Spring Creek. I’m getting my beautiful mare, in the next day or so, from there. If you can’t adopt, please donate something to them.

I have volunteered at spring creek horse rescue a few times and every time I visit I am amazed at the level of care and dedication that everyone evolved incorporates into the everyday lives of each animal.

Our family found a wonderful horse to adopt at the Spring Creek Horse Rescue (SCHR) just last month and had a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Diane was honest and careful about matching the right horse with the right home/owners. She looks out for the horses with a tremendous knowledge, a deep heart of love for the horses, and an informed, protective eye for who is taking them to a new home. We appreciate the processes and procedures developed for the sake of the horses, which then helped us know more about the responsibility of adopting a SCHR horse. We also benefitted by meeting a skilled volunteer trainer, Laura, who continues to give us lessons. All around, full circle, this nonprofit organization goes above and beyond its mission and vision to rescue horses and find homes for the ones that can be adopted out.

I recently moved to Durango after retiring with 38 years of service in law enforcement. I have always had a tremendous love of horses and a passion for working with them and wanted to find a volunteer opportunity where I could give back and have a sense of purpose. While searching for a Horse Rescue or Equine Therapy opportunity in the area, I found Spring Creek Horse Rescue. From the minute I first spoke with the Director at SCHR, Diane McCracken, I knew that I had found a Rescue where the mission and motivation is 100% dedication to providing a second chance for all breeds of equines. Diane's unwavering love and commitment to every horse, pony, mule, or donkey that comes to the Rescue is second to none. She has dedicated much of her life to providing a safe, healthy and loving environment and strives to rehabilitate the "equine residents" so they can either be adopted into a loving home that is safe and free of abuse or neglect, or they will live out the rest of their life with her and the other permanent "residents" at the Rescue. The amount of work to maintain the facilities, care for the horses and spend the amount of time necessary to build trust and rehabilitate the horses is tremendous. Next to Diane, volunteers are the backbone that keeps the Rescue going. The facilities are well maintained and very clean. There are so many ways that anyone wanting to be part of the mission at Spring Creek Horse Rescue can contribute. Big or small, donations or volunteering at Spring Creek Horse Rescue is a worthy cause. Seeing the transformation in the body and spirit of the horses who have come the SCHR has been one of the greatest personal rewards I have ever known.

I have known Diane since the beginning of this non-profit. She always puts herself last in taking care of the horses, donkey and the property. There have been many struggles over the years and difficult locations. At last the current location is well located. I am not sure how she does it but she always pushes forward past many obstacles. I am still in business so I don't have volunteer hours but do give financial support whenever I can. My son & his company, Carll Construction put in a road last year to access part of the property that had been unusable before. I make sure that new people moving to the area hear about Spring Creek and the wonderful atmosphere for the horses. When I retire I will become a volunteer and until then pray that others step up with help and funding. God Bless Diane and her critters

Since I started volunteering with Diane and the horses (and donkey!), I have loved every bit of it. Diane has an endless passion for her work. The rescue is clean and organized and is a welcoming home for horses of all ages. Horses that have been rehabilitated look like they have new found life in them, and they do!

I am not a writer by any means but I need to try to get my heart and admiration out for Spring Creek Horse Rescue. The amazing tough and endless work Diana and her crew do is beyond me. The saving of horses from slaughter (yes it still goes on, they are just trucked further without water), taking in abandoned, neglected and left behind (because the owner dies, they can't afford the ongoing expense of these sweet animals etc.)horses to heal and rehabilitate them. Finding new homes, giving riding lessons or allowing these guys to be in a safe loving place for their golden years. So much good stuff here. They deserve all the support they can get. Thank you for reading this

I've been volunteering at the rescue for well over a year. Being there is a mixture
of give and take for me. Diane is incredibly dedicated to caring for her horses.
She does everything in her power to make their lives safe and comfortable.
The 24hr care of 20+ horses, 2 active dogs and a couple of stray cats
is an impossible load for one person and a few volunteers. Diane is fastidious
about keeping the horses pens as clean as possible and giving the horses time
in the pasture each day. She welcomes anyone who wants to help and makes
sure that we know how to treat each and every horse.
I know there are many deserving non-profits out there, but I hope and pray
that this rescue shines through as a very special cause that desperately
needs support. Diane does everything in her power to care for these animals
who have suffered abuse and neglect, but she desperately needs more support.
To me there is no more satisfying cause than helping innocent animals who
can't defend themselves. These horses know Diane loves them and that she
cares about them. I see this for myself every time I'm there. Spring Creek
Horse Rescue is truly a great non-profit.

When I began volunteering at Spring Creek Horse Rescue I had little to no experience with horses. I've only been volunteering for a few months but much of what I've learned and experienced has been invaluable to me. Volunteering at Spring Creek has been one of the most rewarding and gratifying adventures of my life. Diane is a great teacher and she really cares for all of the horses. The amount of work and effort she puts in on a daily basis is truly mind blowing. I'm just grateful I can help out and share some of the load.
A lot of the horses at Spring Creek have had rough pasts, but spend one day at the rescue and it's apparent that they're all happy as can be. Spring Creek is a wonderful and worthwhile operation, I couldn't speak higher of it!

My oldest daughter Kyleigh had an interest in horses. I wanted to encourage her to follow that passion but we couldn't afford formal lessons. I contacted Spring Creek Horse Rescue to see if she could volunteer, Diane was excited to have her. Kyleigh has now been with the rescue for over a year and has learned more than I ever imagined she would. The horses at the rescue are extremely well cared for and I know Kyleigh is learning valuable lessons about horsemanship.

After retiring as a teacher nine years ago, I began to volunteer at Spring Creek Horse Rescue. Many horses that arrive at the Rescue are in poor health from neglect or abuse. I have seen time and time again how these sad, but courageous animals gain their health and trust slowly through unbelievable efforts, special diets, daily exercise and loving hands. These horses have served people as competitive show horses, ranch horses, training and lesson horses and brood mares. They receive the care they deserve with honor and love. A very tender day for the staff at the Rescue is when a horse is adopted to a new, caring owner. Then Spring Creek has done it's job, a job well done. Becca

Being a volunteer at Spring Creek Horse Rescue has been an awesome experience. The horses are incredibly well cared for and loved and Diane is about as hard a worker as I know! I am so impressed with this organization.

I'm a volunteer at Spring Creek Horse Rescue. I can't say enough wonderful things
about this non-profit. The horses are very well cared for, the ranch is kept clean
and comfortable for the horses and most important of all Diane McCracken has
dedicated her life to care for these special animals. She works day and night to
give them a good life. Her knowledge and obvious love for each and every horse
is truly amazing. It is a very special place and I feel proud and fortunate to be a
part of it.

I am currently training one of the rescues and from my experience with Diane, I can confidently say she knows what she's doing and does it well! The horses that come in that are emaciated and have been neglected look like new animals after a short time with Diane rehabilitating them. There is such a high need for what she is doing in La Plata County, let's keep it going!!!

My daughter has been volunteering at Spring Creek Horse Rescue since we moved to the area in June. She found a wonderful group of people who have dedicated themselves to caring for horses who might, without Spring Creek Horse Rescue, not have a home where they can be cared for unti lthey are adopted. My daughter has had the opportunity to learn about caring for horses with a variety of problems from physical ailments to fear of humans. As the animals are cared for, she has been able to watch them learn to trust people and heal.
Spring Creek Horse Rescue provides many horses with the care they previously have not had. It is a place where the animals are put first. Without Spring Creek Horse Rescue many of the horses that go on to be adopted may not have otherwise survived. Now many thrive with the dedicated care that Spring Creek Horse Rescue provides.

Spring Creek Horse Rescue has provided care for countless animals since 1976, almost 40 years. All horses are treated as individuals with specific care and feeding for each. Her wealth of knowledge has brought seemingly incurable animals back from the brink. Diane provides everything she can for the horses, going without many things for herself. She does not take a salary although she is allowed one, believing instead that the horses come first. I have seen amazing changes in many of the horses firsthand, and I learn something every time I am there. I have volunteered for over a year and in that time have seen many instances of horses learning to trust for the first time. Diane truly loves every horse there and wants the best for all of them.

I learned about Spring Creek Horse Rescue when I first moved to the Durango, Colorado area in 2009. I was having a problem with some 30 horses running free around the ranch I live on with no apparent owners. So I called Spring Creek Horse Rescue straight from the phone book. They were in the next town so what could be better? I chatted a bit with the owner/operator of SPHR and after learning what a "Brand Inspector" was, not the kind of "Brands" I was used to living in New York City, the extremely knowledgable and helpful woman I had been speaking with; Diane McCracken offered to come out to the ranch to help me with my problem. As it turned out it was neighbors with horses who found a hole in our fence and evidently liked what we were growing on our ranch a little better than at their place.

I learned so much working with Diane about the problems of horses being dumped on peoples ranches when their rightful owners couldn't afford vet bills or to feed them any longer. The issues of The BLM wild mustangs; how people will buy groups of horses at local auctions only to turn around and ship them, pregnant mares and little colts included to be slaughtered in Mexico or Canada or in illegal slaughterhouses here in the United States.

We need more organizations like Spring Creek Horse Rescue with people like Diane running them. These animals are such natural healers themselves, that Horse Therapy is now being recognized by the medical community. Doctors, psychologists have been getting great results from prescribing for their patients therapy time with horses. Spring Creek needs to continue to do the good work they do 24/7 year after year. Helping horses to help people.

Thank you for the opportunity to let me write this review.

Sharon A. Brady

I met Diane over 3 years ago, the work she does for the horses is amazing.... She is concerned about their welfare for LIFE..... Her dedication is like no other!

Diane IS Spring Creek Horse Rescue. She is 100% dedicated to the animals in her care. She will go without so they can have food and the medicine they need. The animals under Spring Creeks care are LUCKY!!!
If you drop by anytime, Diane and maybe a volunteer, will be out working. The place is always clean, water is always full. This is not your take em in and collect the donations operation. This is a true and solid rescue. She is Horse rescue but has taken in a dog or two when it was needed!
Spring Creek Horse rescue is the real deal and should be noticed as a GREAT NonProfit!!!!

I met Diane, 2 yrs ago I have a love for longears (donkeys), Diane has helped me out in finding homes for donkeys I have came across, that are in need of good homes. She has a huge heart an will do what ever she can to help a horse in need! She works hard an keeps the rescue clean of manure, an animals are well fed a groomed at all times. We both anti manure build up, we laugh about it, you won't find any manure in a pen at Spring Creek! She is passionate an devoted in her rescue efforts. She's a hard working gal dawn till way past dark. Great gal!

I love this organization! Diane and her volunteers make a huge difference in each and every one of the Spring Creek horses! There is lots of LOVE and DEDICATION towards all of the fuzzy 4 legged angels! They come to Spring Creek, get the best care, and leave the horse rescue beautiful, healthy, happy horses! Thank goodness for Spring Creek Horse Rescue and all the good they do, and most of all the Four Corners is a better place because of Diane and Spring Creek Horse Rescue!!!

My sister Sue Armstrong volunteers at Spring Creek Horse Rescue and because of distance I can only help by donating. I always get a thank you and updates of the current horses. My sister is very experienced with horses (as am I) and knows a good rescue when she sees one. This is the only horse rescue in CO! This is basically a one-woman operation, with volunteers of course.

I have been with Spring Creek Horse Rescue for about three months now, and my daughters and I have found our volunteer experience here to be thoroughly rewarding. Every horse is specially taken care of daily with respect to his or her unique needs. Diane has been extremely helpful in teaching us to care and connect with these beautiful horses. She works hours on end to ensure that no day ends without every need being met to the best of her ability and every job accomplished. I sincerely hope more people become involved in this incredibly important, life-giving mission. Sincerely, Susan F.

I have been a board member and volunteer at Spring Creek for several years. I have seen many horses pass through this wonderful place on their way to a new loving home. Several older horses with physical problems will be lifetime residents and receive all the tender loving care Diane and other volunteers can give them. Diane receives no government funding; the rescue operates on donations and private grants. Diane works every day from before dawn to dark to care for the approximately 28 horses that call Spring Creek home. The rescue desperately needs a new facility with good pasture and adequate barns. It is at capacity and many more horses are in need of help. Stephanie Dean

Diane at Spring Creek Horse Rescue does an amazing job with abused and neglected horses with a very tight budget.Taking care of horses 24/7 is difficult enough, but adding the abused and neglected component makes it that more challenging. Shoveling snow in the winter just to be able to open their gates to feed them or picking up frozen manure are some of the examples of the dedication she exhibits to each and every horse. It is an honor and pleasure to volunteer with her because of her enthusiasm and dedication to these horses. She is well-known throughout the community for her tireless efforts.

I have known Diane for years and the tireless work that she and Spring Creek Horse Rescue do for countless neglected and abused horses. She has dedicated her life to this cause and can't imagine anyone more deserving of an award such as this. Sincerely, Robin Williams

Diane has worked hard and faithfully rescuing starving and neglected horses in the 4 Corners area. She is a friend to all equines and I highly recommend her for this award. Maureen O'Donnell

I have had horses all my life. I trained professionally and stood stallions at stud for 33 years. I know how much love, work, commitment, patience and hope go into taking care of and working horses, especially those who need more than the usual amount of care. Spring Creek fulfills all these needs for dozens and dozens of horses every year, along with finding good, caring homes for those who are adoptable. I cannot celebrate enough what Diane and her volunteers accomplish for all these horses, many of whom have few options, other than ones that most horse lovers can hardly bear to think about.

I have a 24 year old horse with some health issues that I didn't think I would be able to financially afford to keep after my divorce. Diane at Spring Creek Horse Rescue was the ONLY place I contacted that called me back and talked to me about my situation. I ended up finding a way to keep my horse and did not have to give her up - but the support I received from that one phone call made all the difference in the world to me. Diane gave me not only support but hope and suggestions and I knew that if I couldn't have made it she would have been there for me. Spring Creek Horse Rescue is a wonderful place for horses and so glad they were there to help me out even if it was just through a well needed conversation. Thank you!!!!!

I have known Diane for over 15 years and the hard work and dedication she gives to horses is profound. She has helped countless animals in and around La Plata County have a safe and secure home in which to recover, heal, find out what love feels like and hopefully find a forever home. She has done an amazing job thus far and if she were able to have her very own facility, the possibilities are endless.

This is a facility with an incredibly dedicated manager, Diane. She is somewhat shy around people, but very knowledgeable and tireless with the horses. Because of the shyness, she does not probably do as well with fund raising as she needs, and that is why we need your help so much. She recently helped a friend of mine who could no longer care for her three beautiful arabian mares to find homes for them, with no monetary reward for herself. The horses' owner is a good trainer so she is now helping Diane when she can with training all the young ones. Another friend of mine goes out to help Diane once a week all day to clean manure and feed. It is this kind of people that Diane draws, because it is so evident that she needs the help and is so selfless. Thank you for considering her facility for your award. Jane Robinson

Spring Creek horse Rescue gives their horses an outstanding level of care on a shoestring budget. Some of these horses are adoptable others are not, but Spring Creek's Diane works tirelessly for each and every horse whether they're there for a month or 10 years. This is a full time job + overtime for Diane and she does it without complaint or for any kind of monetary gain. She is in dire need of a new facility & equipment and relies on donations and volunteers to help her and her horses to scrape by each year. Spring Creek horse Rescue is truly a lifeline and a godsend to horses that have been abused, abandoned and mistreated. Thanks to Spring Creek's hard work and sacrifice, these horses have a chance at the life they are owed and deserve. -Flash & Adrienne 1881 Western Photography Co. Equine Photography specialists.

Spring Creek Horse Rescue is a Godsend for horses. I have volunteered two seasons with this rescue. I have stopped by many times un-announced at all different times of the day/eve, never to find the owner, Diane, in her house! She is ALWAYS outside with the horses! The place is tidy, the facility is rented so most of the fences were put in by her and her volunteers. The horses always have fresh water and stalls are picked. It is clean. Horses look great, fly masks on, horses groomed, at first glance, you wouldn't know it was a rescue. But not to be fooled, it is a ton of work. Besides the grooming, feeding, watering, rotating stalls, medicines, haltering etc, there is the business side that also needs work. That happens After the horses are cared for - at night. Seems like a never ending job and she does it daily! Volunteers are not always available. Diane gets it done with or without them. Horses get adopted but not just to anyone. Potential folks interested in adoption are screened. She doesn't want the horses going back into a bad situation. She is picky as any rescue should be. She does it right. Thank God for people like her.

I have been taking my 10 year old daughter there to help out, and it turns out Spring Creek Horse Rescue has been helping my daughter and I become closer by working and learning together. Diane works wonders with the horses that come into her care. She is a ferocious protector and generous provider for these horses, many have been abuses, neglected, and abandoned. When many of them arrive, they are not only physically damaged, but emotionally and socially damaged, but within a few weeks, they get turned around into healthy, well adjusted animals. It's a great place to spend some time.

Spring Creek Horse Rescue provides a safe haven for abused and neglected horses. The horses are nurtured back to a healthy, adoptable state. They become a part of the Spring Creek "family". A horse rescue is like the Peace Corps...the hardest job you'll ever love.

I met Diane at Spring Creek Horse Rescue, early summer. I want to say that they are 150% devoted to saving & helping horses that have been neglected, unwanted, starved & abused. The rehabilitation is amazing. Some of these equines would have been dead within days if not for Spring Creek Horse Rescue. I would highly recommend Spring Creek if you are interested in adopting an animal that was basically thrown away. Any volunteers or donations would also help the organization tremendously. - Dianna Leonard

I have been a volunteer for SCHR for about 2 1/2 years and a Board member for 1 year. The rescue is very well organized and run by Diane. The pens are cleaned daily, horses are fed at least twice daily and more frequently for those who need it. They receive any needed vet care as well as hoof trimming and dental work. Most of them are turned out daily while their pens are being cleaned. All water tanks are cleaned frequently and all horses have shelter from the weather. Many horses have arrived very thin and neglected; Diane works from daylight to dark to care for their needs.

I have been volunteering at Spring Creek Horse Rescue for a few weeks now. I consider myself to be part of the team and dedicate any free time I have. In the short time that I have been volunteering, I have seen miraculous recovery in a few of the horses that have come to the rescue because they were abused or neglected. I'm an animal person and didn't know much about horses, but I am learning something new everyday! The Director,Diane, has so much knowledge she's willing to share. She is an amazing woman to work with. We all work side by side to reach a common goal. It's not just about "scooping the poop." I get actual interaction with the horses. She has dedicated her life to the these horses and gives her body and soul to the safety and well being of them. She's passionate and loves the horses like they are her own children. I wish there were more honest people out there like her. The horses of Spring Creek Horse Rescue are beautiful and each one of them has their own personality. The Rescue relies on donations to stay alive and I can only give my time at the moment. If you are thinking about donating, you can visit the rescue and see what they do. Really, the only way you can understand is if you visit.

My family manages a foundation and has made grants to Spring Creek Horse Rescue, which we visited as a family and I have personally invested time volunteering at. As a horse owner myself it is amazing to see such dedication to such a large amount of animals that individually require an immense level of care! Especially since most of these horses are extremely undernourished or fearful, due to a past of abuse. I have had the joy of seeing horse after horse be transformed from sick, fragile, and scared, to healthy, trusting and confident. There are also many horses that have chronic issues, and they are provided the care and support that give them the opportunity to grow old and to do it gracefully.

I have visited Spring Creek ( & have been to other rescues) and find the care, the love, the cleanliness at this rescue to be above and beyond. The horses are happy and healthy and get everything they need for physical and mental well being. I made a small donation, but in these times of need they could really use some help with feed, and hay- wormers, and spring shots.

Spring Creek Horse Rescue is a wonderful place where the horses are pampered and well taken care of. After observing the horse rescue, care takers, and horses I can honestly say that the care of the horses is tailored to their specific needs.
I have adopted a horse from this rescue and the horse is exactly what I expected her to be. I have recommended adopting from the rescue to others and have one friend that has already adopted a horse from Spring Creek Horse Rescue. When I have had questions about my horse and others the care taker of the rescue has been great about giving advice and answering questions. This truly is a special place!

I've been training horses for over 20 years. I've rescued retired race horses and seen many rescues throughout the years. My experience as a Volunteer at Spring Creek has been an EXCEPTIONAL one. Diane McCracken is truly a Loving Horse Woman. She is passionate about saving, rehabilitating and protecting the horses she cares for. She looks beyond injury, neglect, attitude and even the advice of Veterinarians to put down injured or ill horses to save these special animals. There are countless stories of horses that were not put down that are not only alive but thriving and healthy. Her success is shown by her dedication of over 30 years. For many years she rescued horses on her own without anyone's help. She has done and continues to do this work from her heart. No matter how poor the horse's condition when they arrive, before long they relax, gain weight and improve in body and mind. The environment is always clean, safe and loving. The best part is, Spring Creek Horse Rescue will only adopt a Horse out to a Loving, Responsible, FOREVER Home. Of all the rescue organizations I've seen, this is the best. Every horse is happy and you can see the gratitude in their eyes for having their lives saved from the terrors they've endured. I am honored to be able to volunteer for such a professional and caring organization.

Spring Creek Horse Rescue is the horse rescue of horse rescues. Never have I seen someone who cares more for horses than Diane. She has devoted her whole life to horses giving up every comfort that a person could have just to save a few more horses from meeting a horrifying end. Before starting my volunteer work at Spring Creek Horse Rescue I didn't have any idea how prevalent horse abuse and slaughter are in the US. Diane gives these horses her heart and soul.

A great lady lives in the small town of Bayfield, Co. Her name is Diane McCracken & she runs this horse rescue. Brought up in the mid-west with Draft horses, pigs,& sheep, her love of horses is only surpassed by her total commitment to care for & return them to their normal health & spirit. Finding each of them a place in this world is her ultimate goal.Her doors are always opened to a horse in need. With the exception of some volunteers, she mostly works alone. She has been known to make her bed in the barn to be with a sick horse. Rarely does she leave the rescue. There is a heartwarming story of a horse traveling 700 miles from Tucson, Arizona because no one wanted to deal with his health issues. Currently she has about 30 horses on her facility & 6 others in foster care. This has been her life since 1976. The only reward Diane gets is from the happiness that comes from her satisfaction of being able to give & help the equine! Three cheers for Diane, I love you & envy your job!! Alice Boucek, Morristown, Az.

SPRING CREEK HORSE RESCUE, CARING FOR HORSES IS A TOUGH JOB FOR ONE PERSON, LET ONLY FOR MORE THAN 25 HORSES. DIANE GETS UP EARLY EVERY MORNING AND STARTS THE DAY BY FEEDING, CHECKING THE HORSES, GROOMING, CLEANING UP AFTER THEM, AND MAKING SURE THEY ALL ARE CONTENT. THESE HORSES WERE ABUSED, NEGLECTED, OR NOT WANTED, THEN THEY COME TO THE RESCUE WHERE THE HORSES REALIZE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE TO STARVE FOR THE NIGHT OR BEING SICK. SPRING CREEK HORSE RESCUR IS A TRUELY WONDERFUL PLACE FOR THESE HORSES AND EVEN THE PEOPLE WHO VOLUNTEER LOVE DOING TIME THERE.

Spring Creek Horse Rescue facility is a clean, caring place for horses without homes. Diane is the care-taker for 25-40 horses. Each day is devoted to care of these very lucky horses. Diane knows the personality and needs of each and has amazing passion for her charges. I am in awe of the energy and love she has for these amazing creatures.