The Wild Horse Symposium 2026

SYMPOSIUM OVERVIEW & PROGRAMMING

ARRIVAL & OPENING NIGHT (AUGUST 5TH)

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The symposium begins in Steamboat Springs with a special evening screening of 5,000 Miles 5,000 Mustangs, presented in partnership with the EQUUS Film & Arts Festival. This WEDNESDAY EVENING opening event sets the tone for a week centered on storytelling, education, and connection within the Wild Horse community. 

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Additional film screenings will take place throughout the week at the iconic Wildhorse Cinema + Arts in Steamboat Springs.

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FULL DAYS AT THE REFUGE (AUGUST 6TH-8TH)

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From August 6th-8th, The Wild Horse Refuge will operate as an open-campus experience from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM daily. Guests will have access to speaker presentations and live Mustang training and gentling demonstrations led by experienced professionals working directly with the horses. 

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This offers guests a closer look at Wild Horse care, management, and rehabilitation in practice.

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EXPLORE THE REFUGE

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Guided Refuge Tours (AUGUST 6TH & 7TH ONLY)

Guests will have the opportunity to experience more than 30,000 acres of Colorado's northwest landscape through guided Refuge tours. These tours offer a rare window into The Wild Horse Refuge and its mission of providing a safe home for Wild Horses in need of protection and lifelong care. Nearly 300 Wild Horses can be observed living and roaming across the range in natural herd conditions, reflecting the Refuge's commitment to preserving their instinctive behaviors, herd dynamics, and untamed spirit. ​

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Evening Gatherings (AUGUST 6TH & 7TH ONLY)

As the day winds down, guests are invited to gather for complimentary food and drinks, campfire conversations, and Class II dark-sky stargazing beneath the expansive Colorado sky. As the sun sets and the sky opens up, guests are invited to slow down, enjoy the night air, and spend time together under one of the clearest night skies in the country.

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FEATURED EVENT - BLM WILD HORSE ADOPTION

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On Saturday, August 8th, the Symposium will conclude with a featured on-site BLM Wild Horse Adoption event. Guests will witness young Mustangs who have completed several days of professional training with experienced trainers from across the country as they take their next step into adoption and placement.

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!