Erin Brown, founder of Rescue Ranchito, recently rescued a mustang named Fennec from a kill pen in Colorado. The nonprofit, which officially launched in early 2024, aims to rescue and rehome horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies. Brown’s passion for equines led her to focus on mustangs, which are often mistreated and sold at loose sale auctions without proper information about their training or health conditions.

Fennec, a 17-year-old mustang, is adapting quickly to his new life at Rescue Ranchito. Brown is personally training him using a mustang gentling course to prepare him for trail riding and eventual rehoming. The goal is to tap into the innate strength of mustangs for endurance riding and mountain exploration. In-house training will help speed up the process and allow supporters to follow the progress through social media and newsletters.

Rescue Ranchito’s mission is to provide a sustainable path for rescuing and rehoming mustangs and other equines. By focusing on mustangs as trail-riding companions, the organization hopes to raise awareness about the mistreatment of these animals and find them loving homes. To follow Fennec’s progress and learn more about Rescue Ranchito, visit their Instagram @rescueranchito and sign up for their newsletter at rescueranchito.org.