Horses at dude ranches create lasting memories, but their retirement often leads to uncertain fates at auctions, risking slaughter. To offer a compassionate alternative, The Annie Project was established in 2017 providing retiring ranch horses a chance at new beginnings through reputable rescues.

The Annie Project takes its name from Annie, a sweet and well mannered horse rescued by Drifter’s Heart of Hope from an auction in upstate Colorado. Her description read, “She is very gentle and probably needs her knees injected and she would be fine. She is great in the arena and a great little trail horse. I understand why they shipped her- it’s not fair to make her keep climbing our terrain. We used her for older ladies who were timid and she always took care of them.”

This short description saved Annie’s life. She sounded like an amazing horse that DHOH could quickly find a home for. Bearing a brand of a local guest ranch, Annie’s arrival marked the beginning of a vital collaboration between the ranch, C Lazy U, and DHOH. That partnership established The Annie Project, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of horses like Annie, forging a brighter future for them.