A couple of weeks ago, Black Hills resident Dayton Hyde was honored by the Black Hills Badlands & Lakes Association. You may have never heard of Dayton Hyde before, but chances are that you have heard of the work he’s done.

Hyde is the creator of the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, located south of Hot Springs along Highway 71. The BHB&L Association recognized Hyde with a special achievement award for his contributions to the Black Hills tourism industry.

Widely known as a naturalist, rancher, author and expert horseman, Hyde spent most of his earlier years ranching in Oregon before moving to South Dakota in 1988 and establishing the wild horse sanctuary. He bought around 11,000 acres and worked with the Bureau of Land Management to become a safe haven for more than 500 unwanted or unadoptable wild horses.

Hyde created a parent, non-profit organization, called the Institute of Range and American Mustang that oversees the operation of the sanctuary and the animals. Their primary goals are to provide freedom and safety to the wild mustangs and to promote research of wild horse herd management.

The inscription on the plaque Hyde received from BHB&L read, “You have created a respected visitor site in the Black Hills, a showcase where the public can see and thrill to large herds of mustangs running free in a wild setting. It provides high-minded lessons in the conservation of our land and its living things.”

This recent recognition for Hyde is just one of many awards and honors that he’s received throughout his lifetime. His work is inspiring and he and his crew at the wild horse sanctuary are happy to share their story with others. the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is open year round for tours.

If you are interested in visiting this unique area of western conservation, give the sanctuary office a call and they’ll be happy to help you out.