Phantom and his band in 2003
Occidental, NV -- He was an icon of the Dayton Valley. Phantom, the white stallion and his band of mares lived for years on the south side of the Virginia Range. Unfortunately he adapted well to the unprecedented development that was taking place and was frequently seen around the neighborhoods and crossing busy US-50.
Traffic slows as the band crosses the highway. Notice the Phantom out on the center line.
Phantom and his band were trapped before. Some of the mares were kept by the Department of Agriculture and placed in the care of approved horse groups for adoption. Phantom was relocated deep into the Virginia Range.
But Phantom and a mare that was relocated with him again turned up in their "home territory" of Occidental, this time hanging out in the town's park. This new behavior raised some legitimate concerns. What if a young child playing in the park ran up to the horses? The risk was too great and Phantom was again trapped ... for good this time.
A coalition of wild horse advocates coordinated by the Wild Horse Preservation League raised funds and arranged for Phantom and one of his long time mares to be held in a private sanctuary until a permanent wild horse preserve can be placed into operation by the Let 'Em Run Foundation. In the meanwhile Phantom, the mare and "Rain Cloud," their colt, were held by LRTC in Dayton until Phantom and his mare were turned out at the California Wild Horse Sanctuary. They will remain in California until a permanent safe location can be found for them back in Nevada. Rain Cloud was placed with a caring adopter.
Phantom, his mare and Rain Cloud at the LRTC "Lucky Horse" corrals
Persons wishing to help with Phantom's temporary sanctuary boarding costs can contact Bonnie Matton at the Wild Horse Preservation League at
mattonco@prodigy.net.
Persons interested in the many other horses that need adoption can contact Shirley Allen of the LRTC Adoption Program at
shirley@whmentors.org.
Persons interested in helping with Let 'Em Run's sanctuary project can contact Lacy J. Dalton at
ljd@lacyjdalton.com.
Kids - Check out the acclaimed Phantom book series written by Nevada author Terri Farley!
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