A woman in Fremont County, Colorado, has devoted two years to caring for a wild horse named River, who was abandoned and is now living in the Blue Heron Park area. The journey began when Carol Stires, 64, found River on a sliver of public land between Florence and Penrose. Initially, River was hesitant to approach her, but after countless hours spent together, he now responds to her calls and follows her around the park.
Despite the bond they share, the park is not a safe environment for River. The area is only slightly over 100 acres and lacks a fence, exposing the horse to dangers from passing traffic, unleashed dogs, and hunters during the fall season. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages the park, has acknowledged that River should not remain there. Stires has made it her mission to help capture River and relocate him to a sanctuary where he can roam freely.
Stires learned that River had been captured in Wyoming in 2020 and later adopted, only to escape and find himself in the park. BLM spokesman Steven Hall confirmed that the previous owner could face fines for abandoning the horse, stating, “When you have livestock, it is not an acceptable solution to turn them loose on public land.”
The responsibility of capturing River has largely fallen to Stires. After receiving an email in October 2023 from a local dog rescue group, she began visiting the park regularly to feed River. With a limited retirement income, she has used her own funds to buy alfalfa, sometimes receiving assistance from others or a grant from the nonprofit organization Fleet of Angels.
Stires has been working to coax River into a pen for capture, with a sanctuary in Craig prepared to take him if she succeeds. However, if she cannot catch him, the BLM may resort to using a tranquilizer, which Stires fears could lead to a dangerous situation for River, particularly near the Arkansas River.
Each morning, Stires drives from her home in Cañon City to spend time with River before other park visitors arrive. She spreads alfalfa in the pen, hoping he will gradually become comfortable enough to enter it. Despite some setbacks, including River’s attempt to escape when she tried to close the gate, she remains determined to help him.
Reflecting on her journey, Stires acknowledges her frustration with the BLM and local organizations for not doing more. She feels a strong emotional connection to River, often talking to him about her life and experiences. Her bond with the horse has provided her with companionship after the loss of her husband in 2006 and a subsequent battle with illness.
Stires has invested countless hours in caring for River, often enduring harsh weather conditions just to be with him. “I know that I’ve done something good in my life, if he gets to the sanctuary,” she said, with her voice filled with emotion.
As of late August 2025, Stires continues her efforts, fully committed to giving River a chance at a better life. She believes that even if the outcome is not what she hopes for, she will find solace in knowing she tried everything she could. Each visit concludes with her heartfelt farewell, “Love you, stay safe, and I’ll see you tomorrow,” as she leaves River to graze peacefully in the park.