Madeleine Pickens is a businesswoman, animal welfare activist and philanthropist of European descent. When, in 2008, the Bureau of Land Management declared that the United States government considered euthanasia and/or the sale of more than 30,000 Wild Mustangs to slaughterhouses overseas, Madeleine resolved to establish a sanctuary for endangered native horses. A year later, Madelene testified before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands in support of H.R. 1018, the Restoring Our American Mustangs (ROAM) Act. After acquiring the sanctuary in North Eastern Nevada, she saved over 600 Mustangs from slaughter and endeavours to rescue and preserve the Wild Mustang have been an ongoing process. Also, until this day, the sanctuary’s survival relies on Madeleine’s charity foundation „Saving Americas Mustangs“, through which the funding for the Mustang Monument Eco-Resort and Preserve could be raised. A series of recurring obstacles had to be overcome before the resort could be run according to plan.
Saving America’s Mustangs is a not-for-profit organization accepting donations (tax-deductible).
Many an adventure seeker has meanwhile found their perfect all-inclusive retreat at The Mustang Monument Wild Horse Eco-Resort to make their dream of a true wilderness experience come true. One item on the menu served at the 900 square miles Mustang reserve is an unconventional and memorable corporate programme.
Low-flying helicopters are chasing the horses to a designated area for counting. There, the animals are loaded into trucks and delivered to short-term holding facilities where they stay for up to three years – if not adopted or sold. One hundred years ago, more than two million Mustangs roamed free. When Madeleine started her initiative, only approximately 30,000 were left in America.
New figures issued by the World Animal Foundation in 2024 confirm that the wild horse population in 10 Western US states today comprises around 59,000 animals.
Open space – open mind
Far removed from the regular boardroom, meetings at the rustic saloon transformed to a theatre-style venue in the airy atmosphere of a veritable tipi or enlightening brainstorming sessions held in the wide-open plains, may well hold the key for a successful thinking-out-of-the-box initiative. The physical and mental challenges in this unique wilderness environment hardly find comparison – and how can team building not be an exceptional experience in this ambience? Competitive 4×4 expeditions over crooked slopes in Mavericks buggies through the Goshute Valley or around the ramshackle ruins of abandoned pioneer towns, abseiling from steep rocks, precision target shooting, horse-riding across the mountainous range and cross-country GPS navigation are activities sure to enhance trust and bonding, reciprocal respect and genuine team spirit.
All activities are customized and included in the room rate. Accommodation is available for max. 40 delegates. Ask for group/corporate rates.
Tipis at the Mustang Monument.
The resident rodeo champion teaches calf-roping and horseshoe throwing, ancient cowboy skills (a fool who thinks that’s easy!). By performing traditional dance and music and by making transparent the symbolism of their ceremonial secrets, native Americans readily share their culture with participants. Guests will sleep in five-star hand-painted tipis or luxury safari cottages and sample western gourmet cuisine meeting the native variety. And they may enjoy an exhilarating game of poker facilitated by a warming glass of bourbon at the saloon equipped with bar stools fashioned from western saddles.
Dancing around the red-hot cauldron below a starry desert firmament can be a liberating act also for delegates.
Access: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) http://www.slcairport.com Elko Regional Airport (EKO) or Wells Municipal Airport/Harriet Field (LWL) http://www.airnav.com/airport/KLWL Directions for the road trip: http://mustangmonument.com
All images courtesy of ©Mustang Monument Eco-Resort and Preserve.