About us

About Us We’re Dan and MaryJo—a couple who’ve been walking through life together for over 30 years. With four grown kids and a home that’s a little quieter these days, we’ve found our rhythm in a new season: one filled with brays, hoofbeats, and a whole lot of heart.

Our journey with animals goes back decades—MaryJo started riding in high school, and Dan discovered his passion for it a bit later in life. Now, together, we’ve built a life around gentling wild burros through the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program. It’s a calling rooted in patience, trust, and the belief that every animal deserves a chance to be seen, known, and loved.

Though our nest is technically empty, our hearts are anything but. Our daughter Hannah lives nearby and is often over lending a hand (and a lot of love) to the donkeys. It’s become a family endeavor in the best sense—grounded in connection, compassion, and a shared love for these incredible creatures.

This is more than work for us. It’s a purpose, a privilege, and a promise to give every burro who crosses our path the space to heal, grow, and eventually, find a forever home of their own.

Meet MaryJo

Why I Do What I Do My love for horses began long before I ever climbed into a saddle. As a kid, I was drawn to them deeply—their beauty, their strength, their quiet wisdom. But before I was even old enough to drive, I suffered a serious injury that broke my hip and sidelined my dreams. It wasn’t repaired until I was 19, and by then, fear and uncertainty had crept in alongside the longing.

Eventually, with the support of my aunts, I eased back in. I began learning to ride on a kind, trustworthy horse named Danny Boy—who later became my first horse and, eventually, my daughter Hannah’s. I chose horses I knew, those with good beginnings, because I needed to trust them as much as they needed to trust me.

Years later, when Dan wanted to bring home a mule, it came with a catch: we had to take the donkey too. I wasn’t sure what to do with a donkey—I had never trained a horse, mule, or donkey before—but figured I’d give it a try. After all, “he’s only a donkey,” I told myself. That donkey was Shamus. And he was not easy. But through trial and error, he turned into a reliable, lovable companion.

As our horses aged and our lives shifted, Dan suggested we train a pair of mules with tough pasts. It became our shared project—something we did together for fun, learning and growing through the process. Barn time became date night. Progress, even small, became celebration.

Then came the wild burros. I brought home my first three—the Golden Girls—and fell completely in love with the process of gentling, connecting, and helping them find their people. Now we bring home as many as we can. We train them, build trust, and place them in forever homes. We've even started helping with rescue animals as folks reach out to us for support.

This journey has taught me more than I ever imagined—not just about animals, but about healing, resilience, and the quiet kind of courage it takes to begin again. And that’s why I do what I do.

Meet Dan

Dan’s journey with equines started with a practical goal—getting into the backcountry. His first horse, a Missouri Fox Trotter rescued after a severe storm, was named Ralph. Ralph wasn’t just a good boy—he was the spark that lit Dan’s love for riding.

While working on a ranch, Dan had the chance to ride many different horses every day, gaining miles in the saddle and learning through experience. At first, he was all about the ride, but over time—especially once mules entered the picture—he discovered a real passion for groundwork and training. He’s never owned a horse since, only mules (and more recently, a growing number of donkeys).

Dan has a soft spot for anything with hooves and a kind heart. If it’s fuzzy and friendly, he probably wants to bring it home. He's the first to say “yes” to the next animal in need—and the steady encourager behind MaryJo’s continued growth with equines. His patience runs deep… which is probably why their 30-year marriage thrives, even when his wife matches their donkeys in pure, determined stubbornness.

Meet Hannah

Hannah has been full throttle since day one. She started riding at just five years old and never looked back—diving headfirst into gymkhanas, jumping, trail riding, and even going backcountry. She’s always had a need for speed and a spirit that doesn't quite fit inside the lines.

Back when she was little, we’d bring in a riding instructor… and Hannah would promptly climb a tree to avoid her lessons. Structure just wasn’t her thing—she preferred to learn the hard way, on her own terms, and with a whole lot of heart.

And wouldn’t you know it—the fearless little girl who didn’t like following directions is now a Blackhawk pilot in the U.S. Army. Her grit, independence, and love of flying (on hooves or rotors) have taken her far, and we couldn’t be prouder.

MaryJo, Hannah, and Danny Boy

Hannah's favorite thing to say was, "Go faster, Mama, go faster!"

Meet Gary, Katie, and Ev

Meet Gary, Katie & Ev Gary’s journey took him into the Army—and along the way, he found his wife, Katie. Together, they’ve given us one of the greatest joys of our lives: our granddaughter, Ev. She’s growing up fast, full of curiosity, wonder, and the kind of joy that only a little one can bring.

Both Gary and Katie are wildlife biologists, living a life full of outdoor adventure, discovery, and dedication to the natural world. Though they live in another state now and we don’t get to see them nearly as often as we’d like, every visit is filled with laughter, stories, and sweet memories.

Watching them build a life rooted in love, nature, and family has been such a gift—and seeing Ev grow up in that kind of wonder-filled world? Even better.

Meet Thomas and Paul

Thomas & Paul Thomas and Paul are grown and off on their own adventures now, but their time here left a lasting impact—not just on them, but on us too. From riding through the fields to helping with the donkeys and learning the rhythms of wild-hearted animals, they gained experience, patience, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

Their roots are part of this place, and even though they've flown the nest, the memories made in the barn, on the trail, and with the herd still echo in the quiet moments.

We’re proud of the young men they’ve become and grateful that this little corner of the world helped shape part of their story.