Our Story
Born from One Mustang
Desert Gemini Mustangs began with a childhood dream to adopt a mustang — and an incredible experience and commitment to do better for one mustang grew into something much more. Today we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the individualized care, training, and adoption of mustangs in need.
How It Started
One Mustang Changed Everything
Liz dreamed about owning a wild mustang for 38 years before Beau came home. In November 2022, at the BLM wild mustang adoption event in Grand Junction, CO, Liz saw mustang #9158. He was an 18 month old bay gelding from the Piceance East Douglass Herd Managment Area, not far from their ranch in Fruita, CO. After years of owning and riding horses as a hobby, Liz's life trajectory was about to change.
In the first days, Liz sat with Beau for hours on end, both fascinated and frightened about the work of gentling and training this wild horse. When Liz experienced the magic of a first touch, she was hooked.
Beau and Liz went on to develop the deepest relationship of her horse life. Beau inspired Liz to do more for the mustangs as her calling; he is the co-founder and logo of Desert Gemini Mustangs. Tragically, Beau passed away in May 2025 at the young age of four. Liz is committed to carrying on this work as Beau's legacy.
Our Mission
Every Mustang Deserves a Chance
We believe every wild horse deserves individualized care, patient training, and a path to a safe and loving future. We work with each mustang at their own pace — honoring their spirit while building the trust and skills they need to thrive in domestic life.
Individualized Care
No two mustangs are the same. We tailor every training plan to the horse's history, temperament, and needs.
Relational Training
We never rush the process. Trust is built slowly, with consistency, compassion, and respect for the horse.
Community
We believe in building a community of adopters, sponsors, and volunteers who share our love for these remarkable animals.
Transparency
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are committed to full transparency in how donations are used to care for our horses.
The People Behind the Herd
Meet Our Team
Liz
Founder, Board President & Head Trainer
Liz discovered her calling through her first mustang Beau and has since dedicated herself to being a student of the mustang, always putting the horse first in all she does. She has built a large toolbox to integrate the science, art, and intuition of mustang training. With her 20 year career in education and expertise in learning theory, Liz naturally works with clients both human and horse. She leads all training programs and adoption matching. Liz also supports private mustang owners with coaching and training.
Trevor
Co-Founder & Ranch Manager
Trevor was initially recruited to help with the chores but soon recognized the magic of first touches and became intrigued by the deep connections Liz was forming with the wild horses. The mustangs were drawn to his calm demeanor and innate curiosity. Trevor has since committed fully to Desert Gemini Mustangs, learning and growing alongside Liz and their resident herd. Trevor manages daily ranch operations, facility maintenance, and training support. His steady presence and deep care for the horses keeps everything running.
Laurel
Board Vice President / Treasurer & Mustang Adopter
Laurel has dedicated much of her life to the care and compassion of animals. Horses have always been a part of her heart and soul, but her connection to mustangs began when close friend and Desert Gemini Mustangs founder Liz introduced her to the gentling and training process of wild horses — and eventually to two very special mustangs. Penny and Notch became the very first horses adopted through Desert Gemini Mustangs in 2024, and they have brought Laurel immeasurable joy and learning ever since.
Colleen
Board Secretary & Mustang Adopter
Horses have held a special place in Colleen's heart since she was a child. Reading about Wild Horse Annie, Colleen learned of the plight of the mustangs. She, along with tens of thousands of other school-aged children, wrote to Congress urging them to pass the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to protect wild mustangs. This was the beginning of a life-long passion to be a part of the solution for wild horses and would eventually lead her to Liz and Desert Gemini Mustangs. In June 2025, Colleen adopted her first mustang, Annie.
Non-Profit Status
501(c)(3) Registered
Desert Gemini Mustangs is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Every dollar goes directly to the horses — feed, veterinary care, training, and the daily work of giving mustangs what they need to succeed.
EIN available upon request
Join Our Mission
Whether you adopt, sponsor, volunteer, or donate — there is a place for you in our herd family.