For over twenty years, the Heritage Discover Center and Rancho Del Sueno have conserved and cared for the herd of the Colonial Spanish Wilbur-Cruce Mission Horses. These horses were determined by equine geneticists to be an exceptional strain of the original Iberian stock brought to the Americas by the Spanish during the period of exploration and colonization.
A Colonial Spanish Wilbur-Cruce Mission Horse
For over twenty years, the Heritage Discovery Center and Rancho Del Sueno have conserved and cared for the herd of the Colonial Spanish Wilbur-Cruce Mission Horses; Now they are in desperate need of donations to keep the herd intact.
© 2014 by Rancho Del Sueno
Due to their contained isolation on the ranch, these horses are unlike any others on earth. Now known as the Colonial Spanish Wilbur-Cruce Mission Horse, they represent the last pure examples of the original Spanish horses sent to the New World.
Heritage Discovery Center (HDC) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of rare Colonial Spanish horses, as well as an advocate for experiential equine-facilitated psychotherapy and education.
Without additional funding for feed, veterinary care, and the essential necessities, there will be no recourse but to disband this rare genetic resource and dispose of the herd of 50+ foundation livestock.
Rancho Del Sueno is the only facility dedicated to the conservation of this endangered breed. The horses themselves share in this responsibility:
- As ambassadors for time-honored “living history” colonial educational programs that have entertained and enlightened thousands of people over the years.
- As partners in an innovative therapy for individuals with various physical or psychological challenges and others seeking personal growth.
- As teachers through their generous character and their innate desire to be deeply connected with humans.
In 1990, President/Founder Robin Lea Collins’ ranch, Rancho Del Sueno, became the steward for a special herd of Colonial Spanish horses from the Wilbur-Cruce ranch in southern Arizona. Dr. Ruben Wilbur, originally purchased the horses in the late 1800’s from Father Kino’s Mission Dolores in Sonora, Mexico.
Over a hundred and twenty years later, the Nature Conservancy acquired a portion of this ranch from Dr. Wilbur’s granddaughter, Eva Antonia Wilbur-Cruce, requiring relocation of the family’s historic mission horses. Rancho Del Sueno became their new home.
To make a donation, please use PayPal, Facebook, Twitter, GoFundMe or send a check to: Rancho Del Sueno or Heritage Discovery Center, Inc. at 40222 Millstream Lane, Madrea, CA 93636. All contributions, no matter how small, are greatly needed.
To learn more about the RDS programs and the Colonial Spanish Wilbur-Cruce Mission horses, please visit, www.ranchodelsueno.com.
The Heritage Discover Center is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, and your gifts are tax deductible.