The Cloud Foundation

Background Statement

The Cloud Foundation is a Colorado 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, that grew out of Ginger Kathrens' knowledge and fear for not only Cloud's herd but other wild horses in the West. "I began to realize that we were losing America's wild horses," Ginger says. "They are rounded up by the thousands, losing in an instant what they value most--freedom and family. I realized that even Cloud and his family were in danger."

"In Cloud's remote mountain wilderness, we have a perfect opportunity to step back and watch nature call the shots. Predators and daunting weather are limiting the herd size naturally," she states. "Yet, human overmanagement is jeopardizing their future survival. We could lose Cloud and his herd forever unless we're willing to stand up for them now."

The non-profit, The Cloud Foundation (TCF), is dedicated to preventing the extinction of Cloud's herd in the Pryor Mountains through education, media events and programming, and public involvement. TCF is also determined to protect all of America's wild horses and burros on public lands, raising awareness on their unique characteristics and historical significance.

Cloud was rounded up for the third time in September of 2009 despite a huge public effort to try and stop this unnecessary roundup. Cloud and his band were released two days after they were captured, but Cloud's grandchildren and his daughter were removed along with more than 50 others, leaving the Pryor herd at only 125 horses. Cloud returned to his family in his rugged mountain home - living wild and free - until he disappeared in 2016. We continue our work in his honor to preserve what wild horses value most - their freedom and their families.