A two-year effort by Carol Stires to rescue an abandoned wild horse named River is unfolding near the Arkansas River, between Florence and Penrose. Stires, 64, has committed herself to caring for River, who has been living on public land in a small park known as Blue Heron Park. As the situation intensifies, Stires faces challenges to ensure River’s safe relocation to a sanctuary.
Each morning, Stires arrives at the park before dawn, calling for River in the stillness of the early hours. On a recent visit, she gently coaxed River—a mustang she has befriended despite initial fears. “Pretty boy, you’ve been rolling in the mud,” she said affectionately, noting the bond that has developed over the years.
River’s current home, a mere 100-acre park, is fraught with dangers. It lacks fencing along the busy highway, and unleashed dogs, horse riders, and hunting activities pose risks to the horse’s safety. Stires has made it her mission to capture River and secure a place for him at a wild horse sanctuary in Craig. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees the park, concurs that the environment is unsuitable for River.
River’s backstory adds complexity to his situation. According to BLM records, he was rounded up from the wild in 2020 in Wyoming and subsequently adopted out, only to escape from a rodeo setting. The BLM has indicated that the previous owner, who has not attempted to retrieve him, could face legal repercussions for abandoning the horse.
Stires’ involvement began in October 2023, when she learned about River’s predicament. With limited experience in handling horses, she initially felt overwhelmed but was compelled to act after witnessing River’s fear during hunting season. Her heart went out to him, leading her to visit regularly and bring food, including shredded alfalfa, which she purchases on a tight budget.
As the days turned into months, Stires developed a routine. Each visit involved coaxing River toward a holding pen, where he could be safely contained. Her ultimate goal is to help River adjust to his new environment, where he can roam freely and safely.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m running out of time,” Stires expressed, fearing that the BLM would resort to tranquilizing River if he remains elusive. She worries about the consequences of such an action, particularly if he attempts to cross the Arkansas River while under the influence of the tranquilizer.
Stires’ dedication to River has become a significant part of her life, especially following the loss of her husband in 2006 and her own health challenges due to COVID-19. She finds solace in her time with River, speaking to him about her life and the world around them, fostering a relationship built on trust and companionship.
“I never expected to make friends with a wild horse,” she remarked, reflecting on the emotional connection that has developed between them. Stires spends countless hours at the park, often enduring harsh weather conditions to ensure River feels safe and secure.
As she continues this quest, Stires remains hopeful. “If I see a video of him running out on the sanctuary, I’ll die happy,” she said, her voice filled with determination. The challenges she faces serve as a reminder of the profound bond that can exist between humans and animals, highlighting the lengths to which one individual will go to bring kindness into a world often filled with hardship.
By the time Stires leaves the park each morning, she ensures that River has enough food for the day. She expresses her affection with a simple farewell: “Love you, stay safe, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” In her heart, she knows that her efforts are not just about rescuing River; they are about creating a brighter future for both of them.
