Podcast Summary: The Centaur – “Caretaker of Wild Horses”
Host: Camron Adibi
Guest: Diane Delano (Founder, Wild Horse Rescue Center)
Date: June 19, 2025
Overview
In this heartfelt and comprehensive episode of The Centaur, host Camron Adibi talks with Diane Delano, founder of the Wild Horse Rescue Center (WHRC) in Webster, Florida. The conversation travels through Diane’s decades of hands-on experience with America’s wild horses—Mustangs and burros—from rescue and rehabilitation to adoption, advocacy, historical context, and the emotional bond between humans and these iconic animals. Diane’s journey is laced with stories of resilience, community, and hope, highlighting both the incredible adaptability of Mustangs and the relentless challenges they face due to human intervention.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Diane's Origin Story and Early Involvement
- First Encounter (1975):
Diane saw her first Mustang at a boarding barn during the mid-1970s, igniting a lifelong passion.“A Mustang came in briefly… it was tame and I just fell in love with that idea." (01:40)
- BLM Volunteer Work & Rescue Shift:
Became a volunteer compliance officer for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 1998.
Focused on rescue after encountering a severely traumatized horse, eventually returning it to freedom at a sanctuary in the Black Hills.
Building the Wild Horse Rescue Center (WHRC)
- Founding & Expansion:
Started the nonprofit in 2007; expanded property in 2014 to 44 acres. Now an international destination for volunteering and education. - Visitor Experience:
Long-term volunteers notice substantial transformations in the horses, but “Gentling and rehab takes months on a lot of animals.” (02:40)
The Trauma and Recovery of Wild Horses
- Case Study of Three Mustangs—Hope, Faith, and Promise:
Horses rescued from the same abuser responded differently: from total shutdown, to quick recovery, to long-term distrust and aggression before finally bonding.“So they can all experience the exact same thing and all three can come through it with a different view...” (09:50)
Sourcing Horses and Community Support
- Rescue Network:
Intake via owner surrenders, BLM interventions, and animal services. - Community Fundraising Story:
During a personal health crisis (cancer), Diane’s rescue work rallied the local community, raising essential funds to support both herself and her horses.“The horses brought in the funds… what we had done in that six weeks proved that the horses were healthy and looked great.” (14:49)
Current Herd and Challenges
- Numbers:
WHRC cares for about 48 horses, with 12–15 considered “wild at heart”—unlikely to be fully gentled or adopted due to age or temperament. (16:00) - Changing BLM Practices:
Critique of mass round-ups and stockpiling in government holding pens, particularly since the 2004 Burns Amendment—which Diane blames for disrupting herd dynamics and causing more births, not fewer.“Mass roundups only cause more births.” (18:43) “I'm not in agreeance with the birth control. That's not the answer.” (19:43)
The Genetics and Heritage of Mustangs
- Melting Pot Bloodlines:
Mustangs carry DNA from Spanish, military, and draft breeds; the modern population reflects horses released or lost over centuries, including by the military post-WWI.“They're an amazing mutt… they have so many different… they are stuff in them.” (25:16)
- America’s Wild Horse as Cultural and Biological Heritage:
Diane strongly argues for the wild horse’s place as a native species deserving protection:“One is that the horse originated in North America. And you can say all day long, oh, well, they were all gone. So they don't belong here. That is not necessarily [true]…” (25:35)
The Mustang’s Unique Qualities
- Adaptability & Usefulness:
Highly prized by border patrol and police, known for hardiness and adaptability. - Adoption, Healing, and Sanctuary:
“Your mustang makes a phenomenal therapy horse… just being in his presence.” (52:00)
Horses often form deep connections, facilitating healing for both animal and human.
Reform and Advocacy
- BLM Critique:
Strong criticism of “tip” and “Makeover” programs due to insufficient gentling time and monetary incentives not prioritizing animal welfare.“The tip program… not enough time to build a good gentling on a horse.” (35:39)
- Advocacy for Sanctuary and Education:
Diane dreams of expanding WHRC’s land into a large sanctuary; already hosts innovative programming (music therapy, yoga, drumming, healing workshops, and more).
Human–Horse Healing and Spirituality
- Holistic Methods:
Use of Reiki, craniosacral therapy, sound healing, and direct presence to help horses overcome trauma.“Horses get post traumatic stress disorder as well… emotional trauma in the heart chakra.” (39:11)
- Testimony of Inter-Species Healing:
Example of trauma-impacted horse “Wyoming” intuitively healing a participant during a workshop.“Wyoming… as devastated as that horse was, she was trying to heal her by sending back a different energy.” (54:30)
Community, Education, and Events
- Engagement:
Regular events like “Wild Horses, Wild Women and Wine” for education, fundraising, and community building (43:35). - Reading Programs:
Collaborative “Wild Horse Tales” initiative with local deputies introduces children to horses and literacy (46:39).
International Reach and Volunteerism
- Volunteers from 27 countries and counting.
- Emphasis on cultural exchange and community, with global partnerships and veterinarian training (48:16).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Trust and Survival:
“Hope would be like, oh my God, I'm gonna die… Faith would be like, Woohoo! Let's go again. And Promise would be like me, 'I am going to punch whoever is running this'...” – Diane Delano (09:38)
-
On History and Heritage:
“They represent the melting pot of America.” – Interviewer (25:24)
“The horse originated in North America… they have a right to be out there.” – Diane Delano (25:35) -
On the Human–Horse Bond:
“These horses are extremely intuitive to humans. A lot of people call it spiritual. They connect with people.” – Diane Delano (51:45)
-
On Healing:
“They actually want to heal you… as traumatized as that horse was, she was trying to heal her by sending back a different energy.” – Diane Delano (53:13, 54:30)
-
On Leadership in Rescue:
“I try to match up people with the horses… because it doesn’t do me any good to have these horses leave out without that home being right.” – Diane Delano (57:56)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Diane’s first Mustang experience & BLM journey: 01:40–03:49
- Rescue & rehab stories (“Hope, Faith, Promise”): 07:52–10:19
- BLM and wild horse round-ups critique: 16:00–21:48
- Discussion on Mustang genetics and “melting pot” heritage: 22:56–25:24
- Emotional/holistic healing stories and therapies: 37:39–43:05
- Wild Horses, Wild Women and Wine event: 43:35–45:30
- Reading program with deputies: 46:39–47:44
- International volunteer experiences: 48:16–51:12
- Thoughts on horse–human healing: 52:00–54:37
- Sanctuary, adoption, and ideal adopters: 56:53–59:21
- Closing reflections on animals and gratitude: 62:13–63:44
Conclusion
Diane’s perspective highlights just how complex and critical the issue of wild horse conservation is—from policy and herd management to community engagement and emotional healing. Her stories and depth of experience bring into sharp relief both the urgent threats facing America’s wild horses and the amazing transformation, hope, and connection possible when people step up as their caretakers.
To learn more or support WHRC:
Visit wildhorserescuecenter.org
Tone & Style:
The conversation is warm, earnest, and sometimes raw, mirroring Diane’s pragmatic optimism and deep commitment—full of detailed stories, gentle humor, and unvarnished truth.
Prepared for listeners seeking an in-depth, authentic look into the world of Mustang rescue and advocacy, and the profound possibilities of horse–human connection.