Bryant Rickman has devoted decades to preserving some of America’s rarest and most historically significant horse bloodlines. Building upon the conservation efforts begun by Gilbert Jones, he has continued the work of protecting the Colonial Spanish Mustang and safeguarding the Choctaw, Cherokee, and Huasteca strains from extinction. His dedication and perseverance have helped keep these rare and irreplaceable bloodlines alive while promoting a greater understanding of their historical, cultural, and genetic significance.
The mission of Blackjack Mountain Horse Sanctuary is to ensure that these remarkable horses not only survive, but thrive—preserving their legacy and giving future generations the opportunity to know, appreciate, and learn from them.
To preserve, protect, and sustain the endangered Colonial Spanish Mustang through compassionate stewardship, conservation, and education.
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For generations, tribes like the Choctaw, Cherokee, and Chickasaw preserved the Colonial Spanish Mustang's bloodlines, valuing their strength, endurance, and cultural significance.
In the mid-20th century, conservationist Gilbert Jones dedicated himself to finding and preserving the purest remaining Colonial Spanish Mustangs. He founded the Spanish Mustang Registry and gathered many horses on Blackjack Mountain in southeastern Oklahoma, where they lived and bred naturally. Before his passing, Gilbert entrusted Bryant Rickman with continuing this work.
Neither could have foreseen what came next: in 2007, Blackjack Mountain changed hands, and the herd was forced off the land. Bryant took on the rescue and relocation effort himself—finding new homes, building facilities, and covering the costs to protect what Gilbert had spent a lifetime building.
Today, Bryant carries that promise forward, documenting each horse and using DNA testing to preserve bloodline integrity while providing lifelong care for one of the largest remaining herds of pure Colonial Spanish Mustangs.
Rickman Spanish Mustangs Sanctuary is more than a refuge—it's the continuation of a generations-long mission, with every horse a living link to America's past and a tribute to Gilbert Jones and Bryant Rickman's shared commitment.Join Our ONLINE Community
FAQ’s
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Blackjack Mountain Horse Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sustaining the endangered Colonial Spanish Mustang. Building on the conservation work of Gilbert Jones, the sanctuary provides lifelong care for one of America’s rarest horse bloodlines while educating future generations about their historical and cultural significance.
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The Colonial Spanish Mustang is one of North America’s oldest and rarest horse bloodlines. Their ancestry traces back to horses brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers, and for centuries Native American tribes carefully preserved these remarkable horses.
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Over time, many original Spanish horse populations were crossbred with other breeds, making genetically preserved Colonial Spanish Mustangs increasingly rare. The sanctuary works to protect these bloodlines so they remain a living part of American history.
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The sanctuary typically provides lifelong care for between 175 and 250 horses, depending on the season and the needs of the herd.
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We are working to provide opportunities for visitors to experience the sanctuary and learn more about these remarkable horses. Please contact us if you are interested in visiting the sanctuary.