Bureau of Land Management Announces the Conclusion of the Colorado Department of Corrections’ Wild Horse Inmate Program CANON CITY, CO – September 26, 2025
The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) regretfully confirms that the long-standing Wild Horse Inmate Program (WHIP), operated in partnership with the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM), will tentatively conclude at the end of November with the federal agency providing notice to CDOC on September 17, 2025 that it would not renew the contract. Under the current agreement, the contract may be extended for up to six months if needed.
For more than 30 years, the WHIP program has been a successful collaboration that has provided unique vocational and rehabilitative skills to the incarcerated population while supporting the BLM's mission to manage and protect wild horses and burros.
“We are saddened by the discontinuation of this successful partnership and impactful program,” said Andre Stancil, Executive Director of CDOC. “The Colorado Department of Corrections is immensely proud of the legacy of this program and the positive impact it has had on participants, staff, and the community. While we regret the end of this chapter, we remain committed to working with BLM to ensure a smooth transition and to creating new opportunities that advance our mission of rehabilitation and public safety.”
The BLM has notified the CDOC that they will not be renewing their contract, which is set to expire on September 30, 2025. To ensure a safe and orderly transition, BLM requested, and CDOC agreed to, a 60-day extension through the end of November.
Preparations for relocating the horses are underway. The BLM will oversee their safe transport and, in partnership with friends groups, will work to ensure that approximately 100 Colorado horses currently at the facility are placed into safe and caring homes within the state.
"The Wild Horse Inmate Program has cared for Colorado wild horses for decades and placed many in great forever homes. While that program is ending, I’m excited for the continued partnership between BLM, the State, and on-the-ground partner organizations like Friends of the Mustangs to make the wild horse program in Colorado a model for the nation.” - George Brauneis, President, Friends of the Mustangs.
The CDOC's primary focus remains on its mission of public safety and rehabilitation. The Department is committed to supporting the five dedicated state employees affected by this change and has a plan to work with these employees to reassign them to other roles within the department. Around 30 incarcerated individuals are also being reassigned to other vocational and work programs to ensure they continue to build valuable skills for their future.
The CDOC will continue to collaborate with our federal partners to manage the final stages of the program, including the safe and humane relocation of the animals.
### PRESS CONTACT:
Alondra Gonzalez
Director of Communications
Colorado Department of Corrections
Cell- 719-487-5040
Email: DOC_pio@state.co.us
A copy of this press release may also be found on our Press Releases page.