Our specific purpose is the survival, safety, and humane treatment of hoofed animals, with the objective of educating animal owners regarding proper feeding, housing and care.

LASSO is a concerned and dedicated group of people whose mission is to ensure no large animal in the Four Corners area suffers needlessly as a result of human or natural consequence. To accomplish this mission, we plan to do, among other things the following:

• Lasso will take every opportunity to focus on the education of the youth in our region in the care and enjoyment of large animals, particularly horses.
• Implement educational programs to help all large animal owners understand the intricacies and responsibilities inherent in caring for their animals, and the negative impact on those animals if that care is not given.
• Work with local and regional law enforcement agencies to provide assistance, refuge and medical treatment for animals that are found to be suffering from abuse, neglect or injury.
• Work with animal owners to provide assistance, shelter, and care for animals whose owners cannot or will not, due to medical, financial or other legitimate reasons, be able to care for their animals either temporarily or on a medium-term basis.
• Assist in finding permanent loving homes for animals that have been rehabilitated and/or have been surrendered to Lasso by current owners.

If you would like to learn more about our organization, please feel free to contact us by phone, email or use our contact page, where you can enter your comments and relevant information.

Phone: 970-264-0095

Email: lassohorserescue@hotmail.com

Meet Lasso's Board of Directors  

J. David Richardson, BS, PhD - President

From 1974 to 2000, Dave worked for Shell Oil Company as chemist, manager of research and plastics, global director of research, engineering, manufacturing and technical service. From 2000 to 2007, he worked at M&G Polymers as VP of global technology, corporate director of new technologies and a member of the Executive Committee.

In 1977, Dave realized a life-long dream when he purchased Cinder, his beautiful quarter horse gelding. Now he devotes his time to helping others achieve similar dreams of horse ownership and to ensure that horses are treated humanely and shown compassion.

Nancy Crouse, BS, MS, MA - Treasurer

Nancy's education lies in math and computer education. She was a teacher and administrator for 28 years in California. She and her husband, Bill, own 2 Arabian horses, Mystic and Rella. Rella, abandoned and seriously wounded, was found wandering near a local horse farm. After receiving extensive care from LASSO, Nancy adopted her. Nancy is very interested in educating area residents, especially youth, in the proper treatment and care of large animals.

Lyn Rogers, Secretary

Lyn has two years of college and is a retired administrative professional. She is an avid horse enthusiast who has owned and trained horses for over 40 years. She is actively involved as a LASSO foster care giver and deeply interested in the rehabilitation and placement of horses in need.

Diann Hitchcox, Director of Operations

Born in Durango, CO, a rancher's daughter, Mrs. Hitchcox has been involved with the care and training of animals all of her life. She was a senior administrator of Xerox Corporation for 10 years and was active in many community-related organizations. Co-founder of LASSO, her experience includes working with county officials, Doctors of Veterinary medicine and their staffs, and numerous large animal owners and breeders. Mrs. Hitchcox is a Level I Equine Investigator with the University of Missouri, School of Criminal Investigations. Her responsibilities include the creation and administration of educational materials, membership management and fundraising and overall horse-care management.