The last weekend in June, Colorado Mustang West gallops into town, transforming the Mesa County Fairgrounds into a showcase of wild beauty, Western heritage and entertainment for all ages. 

The event is supported by Friends of the Mustangs, a volunteer-led nonprofit that has spent more than 40 years caring for the Little Book Cliffs wild horse herd just north of Grand Junction. Many of the group’s most active members are seniors who bring decades of experience, knowledge and dedication to the organization’s mission of promoting the welfare of mustangs and helping protect the public lands they roam.

Paige Burnham works with Arya, a palomino filly born on the Little Book Cliffs range in 2023.

In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the group monitors herd health, maintains the rugged 36,000-acre range and promotes responsible adoption—all while educating the public about the mustangs’ importance to Colorado’s history and landscape.

While Friends of the Mustangs and the BLM have hosted mustang adoptions in the past, this year’s event—from June 26 to 28—has grown into a free, three-day festival celebrating the spirit and legacy of Colorado’s wild horses with art, film, education and more. 

“This is going to be way bigger than anyone thought it was going to be,” said Sloane Milstein, 52, volunteer event coordinator and member of Friends of the Mustangs. “We’ll have a dozen different speakers during the day, over 70 horses in the covered arenas, training demonstrations, about a dozen equine artists and vendors, horse-focused films and then some community art projects that people can take part in for free.”

Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all events—outside of the actual horse adoptions—are completely free to the public.

MEET THE MUSTANGS

At the heart of the event is the opportunity to meet over 70 mustangs from the Little Book Cliffs wild horse herd—especially the “Sweet 16,” a special group of mustangs that have been fostered and gentled by volunteers throughout the Western Slope.

The horses learn basic things like loading into a horse trailer and standing quietly while someone lifts their feet, making them more appealing for potential adopters.

Among them is Zander, a spirited sorrel filly born in spring 2023. With her distinctive left rear sock and half-circle star with a thin strip, she’s already capturing hearts. 

Dora Bensch works with Yucatan, a sorrel colt born in April 2024. He’s now in foster care and will be available for adoption in June.

Then there’s Yucatan, a sweet sorrel colt born just last April. He’s particularly fond of his big pink and blue ball, one of the toys his foster family gave him to play with. In one photo on Friends of the Mustangs’ website, he stands quietly in a halter beside his handler. 

While the Sweet 16 may be the stars, the adoption itself plays a critical role in protecting the wild herd. 

According to Friends of the Mustangs President Judy Cady, the Little Book Cliff range can support up to 150 horses. Last year’s count exceeded 230, creating unsustainable pressure on the delicate ecosystem. For the remaining horses to thrive in their natural habitat—and to preserve the herd for the future—some need to find good homes.

“They’re tougher,” Cady said of the mustangs, noting they’re easier keepers than most “city horses.” “They don’t get sick as much. Their feet are tough and hard and seem to wear down themselves.”

Cady, 69, tells stories of riding her mustangs on the range and how they can travel easily even up and down steep cliffs. She recalled her favorite mare, Beauty.

“Beauty was amazing,” she said. “She ruined me because once I rode her, I could go anywhere.”

FILM, ART & FUN

While the horses may be the main attraction, Colorado Mustang West is also a celebration of equine culture. 

George Brauneis sits peacefully with Freya, a black filly born in June 2023. She’s currently in foster care and will be available at the June adoption.

Friends of the Mustangs has long partnered with the BLM to care for the Little Book Cliffs herd and promote annual adoptions. This year, working alongside Equus Film International and local equine artists, they’ve created an event that educates, entertains and inspires. 

Demonstrations by professional trainers will show how wild horses can form trusting partnerships with humans. Equus Film International will screen equine documentaries and features, and regional artists will display mustang-themed works in a variety of mediums.

“We’re adding all these other events to make this an educational time and space,” Milstein said. “We want to get people interested in horses—just learning about them and being inspired.”

Family-friendly activities include horseshoe painting, stick pony building, leathercraft and collaborative mural art. 

All four of Colorado’s wild mustang herds will be represented at the event. And for those who want to get more involved, volunteers are always welcome.

“Some of my best volunteers are in their 70s,” said Cady. 

Whether you’re looking to adopt a mustang, shop for Western art and handmade goods, learn more about equine care, enjoy a film or simply spend a fun day at the fairgrounds with the grandkids, Colorado Mustang West promises an enriching and entertaining experience for all ages.

Colorado Mustang West • JUNE 26-28

Mesa County Fairgrounds, 2785 US-50, Grand Junction

Featuring: BLM mustang adoption, foster mustang showcase, live demos, film festival and art. For a full schedule and to learn more, visit FriendsOfTheMustangs.org. All events are free to attend!

Friends of the Mustangs is always looking for passionate new volunteers to help care for Colorado’s wild horses. Many longtime members are “aging out” and hope to pass the reins to a new generation of mustang advocates. Visit the website to learn more.

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