We learned about Windcross on a previous trip but had to wait due to overbooking of our time. Now we regret that choice. We have three very curious and intense children. To be honest, we were afraid about how they would do in this environment. The moment we watched Ms Lucia take the hand of our youngest I knew we were in good hands. Her calmness and love of those majestic animals seemed to transfer right thru that hand holding. We watched as the children touched, groomed and eventually rode on these wonderful animals that seemed to know a kindred spirit. We spent 30 days and visited six National Parks. These hours spent at Windcross were our most peaceful and connecting. We have since shared with everyone we know heading that way. We will be back and our youngest still remembers how to calm his pony brain as he was taught. :)
Fell in love with the horses and the people. Couldn't take the people home :( so................ we left with 4 beautiful mustangs as ambassadors for the Northern Black Hills. What a gift! Their beauty and grace is beyond words not to mention a photographers dream.
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When my husband and I first got involved with these horses about 8 years ago the situation was not nearly so dire as it is now. So many Spanish Mustangs are being sent to kill buyers now and there are so few to begin with. So when we visit Windcross Conservancy and see so many new people meeting and learning about these ancient horses who have been with humans almost as long as dogs it makes all the sacrifices and hard work worthwhile and gives hope that these horses will be saved bythe Americans who truly owe them so much in history.
The Spanish Mustang is important to European heritage as well as being one of the key elements that made the USA what it is today. All the legends of the American past and it's exceptionalism would not have been possible wo this exceptional horse.
In the past year I have had the opportunity to work with volunteers from all over the world. They have come from many countries to share in the Windcross dream to preserve the Spanish Mustang. It has been a terrific experience for the horses, the organization and myself. I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity to share the horses and their world with these amazing young people.
Thank you!
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I joined Windcross at it's inception. I believed in the preservation effort on behalf of the Spanish Mustang for which it was founded. Since then the organization has given me the opportunity to host young people from around the world as volunteers and interns at the Windcross Preserve in Buffalo Gap, South Dakota. In addition, I have been able to share them with visitors from across the country and the world. My Windcross experience has been amongst the toughest and most rewarding in my life. I wouldn't change a thing.
Windcross Conservancy, with its openhearted public undertakings has changed the lives of young and old, giving its time and personal concern to all who visit; to enrich their future and lend a new depth and direction to their involvement in the preservation of our beloved natural surroundings and its endangered inhabitants, one very precious one of which is the Spanish Mustang.
