Daily Inspiration: Meet Tracy Scott

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Scott.

Hi Tracy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Wild horses on public land in ten western states are protected by federal law, the Free-roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971. When their wild lands become overpopulated, the federal government rounds them up and offers them for public adoption. In 2007, when we adopted our first formerly wild horse (mustang), I became aware of wild horses standing in government holding facilities, awaiting adoption.

These are dirt lots with very little space (700 square feet per horse) for a horse that roamed thousands of acres. All without their freedom, families, or familiar way of life! Steadfast Steeds’ was created to achieve a dream: to one day see all wild horses and burros freed from their bondage of the holding facility to discover a new freedom, a new family, and a more familiar way of life. To implement this vision, Steadfast Steeds Mustang Sanctuary near Grand Junction, CO, educates the public about their wild horse, the American Mustang.

The programs impact people by raising awareness through tours, offering adoption and gentling support of wild horses, and interactive life coaching with the Mustang as co-facilitator. My partner and I are certified Equine Assisted Learning coaches; the Mustangs make extraordinary partners co-facilitating with us, and at the same time, teach people about America’s Mustangs.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a bumpy road, all the way along. The horses are protected by federal law, which makes their issues highly political and for most, highly emotional. When you represent a marginalized population, especially animals, donations are fought hard for. Most of my time is volunteer; making ends meet is continually difficult. And, we stay in it because we are their voice.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One of the greatest challenges we face in caring for wild horses removed from their wilderness home is offering them support as wild horses. When their needs are viewed through the domestic horse lens, mustangs are over-managed – and therefore detrimental to their well-being. Steadfast Steeds works to offer them their most natural state possible in a captive setting.

After wild horses are gathered and removed from their vast rangeland, they are encouraged to adapt to “domestic” life. Many don’t adjust very well. While they are both equine, comparing wild horses to domestic horses is like comparing wolves to dogs. The former does not depend on humans for survival; the latter counts on humans for their needs. Caring for wild horses is different.

At Steadfast Steeds, great effort is made to support the successful placement of formerly wild horses, from relationship building to offering care ideas for those horses. Off-range care, in sanctuaries and private settings, which is more familiar to a formerly wild horse, contributes to the adopted horse’s success in domestic settings.

After 15 years of living with the Mustangs right outside the door, I was selected to serve at the state level on legislation called “The Wild Horse Project” or SB23-275. It is Colorado Governor Polis’ desire to “do better” by our Colorado wild horses. It has been such a thrill and honor to add my expertise from life experience to support Colorado’s wild horses in this way!

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
Every day at Steadfast Steeds is a risk. Until gentled, mustangs can be unpredictable and dangerous. Once social though, they are loving and appreciative of a safe home. We care for animals in ALL kinds of weather; vacations, holidays, and days off rarely exist. Sleeping in on Sunday just isn’t a thing! And, every day is a risk, never knowing for sure that there will be enough money in the bank for the next load of hay or veterinary expense.

My husband and I left the consistent paycheck when we started Steadfast Steeds Mustang Sanctuary, and we have not looked back. As a precious national treasure, the Mustangs deserve a voice in the public, and we keep going, sharing the message of America’s horse, The American Mustang.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.steadfaststeeds.org
• Landline: 970-241-0939
• Facebook: Steadfast Steeds: Making Amazing Memories with America’s Mustangs

Image Credits
Blaine Scott and Ken Redding