In less than a month, Bureau of Land Management helicopters will descend on America’s beloved wild horse herds as roundup season begins in full force. The first target? The cherished wild mustangs that call California’s Twin Peaks Herd Management Area (HMA) home.
Families will be broken apart, innocent animals will lose their freedom forever, and there will be casualties from the BLM’s brutal helicopter roundup operations. Enough is enough.
We refuse to let this tragedy occur outside of the public eye. That’s why we send observers to document as many of these roundups as possible — we must show the world what is happening to our wild horses in these remote regions of the West. We also document these roundups to hold the agencies and government contractors accountable for the animal welfare violations that are routine at every roundup.
We need all hands on deck — this fight is not just about keeping wild horses free, it’s also a fight for their very lives.Because right now, wild horses are dying in two major BLM holding facilities that are experiencing infectious disease outbreaks. Even worse – according to the agency’s own internal assessments — there are systemic animal welfare violations across multiple BLM corrals that hold thousands of captured mustangs and burros.
We wanted to share some recent news about roundups, an update on the disease outbreak in the Bureau of Land Management’s Cañon City facility, and actions you can take to help protect Colorado’s Sand Wash Basin wild horses from further danger. Read on and see how you can help to protect these cherished animals!
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) removed almost 700 wild horses from the Sand Wash Basin in September 2021 due to what the agency determined as “drought conditions and lack of forage.” The roundup was stopped due to a public outcry after 684 horses were taken.
Now, concentrated Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use, is proposed for close to 19,000 acres in the southern part of the HMA. Please take immediate action to urge the BLM to make sure that the recreation plan for the South Sand Wash Open OHV Area protects the wild horses and their social structures, and does not detract from historic wild horse viewing opportunities!
In the wake of 145 wild horse deaths at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cañon City Off-Range Corral, we are calling for an emergency halt to all federal wild horse and burro roundups citing recently released BLM internal assessments documenting widespread animal welfare violations that place thousands of federally-protected wild horses and burros at risk of disease, injury, and death. Read the latest here:
AWHC Program Specialist, Mary Koncel has been on-site at several wild horse and burro roundups. Watching these iconic animals being chased by helicopters, driven into trap pens, separated from their family members, then trailered off to holding pens is nothing short of senseless, inhumane, and heartbreaking.
Received an urgent call for these 4 lives. They were scheduled to ship today, but I now have until this evening to make a 50% down payment to buy 3 days.
We need $9000 to bail these 4 lives, get them vetted and transported back home.
God put them in front of me again, I did not go looking or even check up on them.
All I know is I have to try. If you would like to help, PLEASE MARK YOUR DONATION FOR THE “LAST MINUTE HORSES”. IF we do not get enough money, I will refund your donation for these horses.
This is the 1st time I am questioning if we can pull this off. All I can do is share it with y’all, and pray we can save them. Mama looks starved in the photo with her baby. Imagine being bred on top of that. Ughhhh
Do We Save Them? It’s up to you. AGAIN, if we don’t raise enough funds and you mark your donation “Last Minute Horses”, I will refund your $.
I HAVE to put the deposit down by this evening, and it is NON-REFUNDABLE. So I have to be sure we will have enough or I can’t risk rescue funds.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
Trixie is doing fabulously. She is a happy, “Lead Mare” type of gal, and thinks she is our “gift”. I love her madly and so appreciate the love and support that helped save her life.
GG Norma is doing well. Although she is gaining lots of weight, we are still worried she might be pregnant. Ms. Tricks is also doing well and enjoying life at Camp Chilly Pepper.
Sadly, due to having to move our WA “camp”, Chilly Pepper needs some Extra help to be ready for this rescue season. However, the move is actually a HUGE BLESSING!
Our Immediate Needs” _Foal Lac Powder, Hay in NV & WA, Fencing materials, $ for vet bill, grain for GG Norma & Tricks. We need to restock meds, milk, and all the various supplies needed to say “yes” to saving more lives.
I am down to my last bucket of milk. (Apparently the other 2 buckets are pellets, not powder lol.)
We need hay at home and at “Camp”. The cost is approximately $2500 for the load in NV and to get hay for the horses here.
Good news – the Vet bill is finally down from over $4000 to around $2600? – (Yay) However we still need Coggins and a health cert for Tricks.
Due to our unexpected move, we are in desperate need of more panels, fencing materials or funding to purchase more. We need to make sure the horses are safe from the local predators as well as putting up adequate fencing to continue rescuing wild horses. We also need to purchase more shelters. I have 5 acres at my disposal, yet I need perimeter fencing as well as shelters and runs for the rescues.
Catcher called today, and it could get crazy in the next month. We need Your Help now to purchase the necessary materials so we can say Yes to saving more horses!
Thank you for helping us with these critical needs. Right now the wilds are free and enjoying the abundance of grass and water. Every day they are still out there is a blessing for them. Sadly, “go time” is coming soon.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF OUR FAMILY AND FOR SAVING SO MANY LIVES!
I saw a gorgeous golden bear today. He crossed the road in front of us twice. He was very thin and was his coat rough looking, but a good reminder of how important safety for the babies is! There are lots of cats and wildlife here and we need to take extra precautions to keep our littles safe. We never want to see another DaBubbles situation. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7UdtB_vucE )
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
Our cherished wild horses capture the American public’s imagination like no other animal. The image of magnificent mustangs running wild on the vast open range embodies the best of America, our independent and free spirit.
While technically protected by federal law, wild horses and burros continue to face constant threats, diminishing their chances of survival in the West. In just the last year alone, some of the largest wild horse helicopter roundups in recent history have occurred and will continue into 2022.
Our team is leading the way to protect these iconic animals and the western public lands where they roam.
This beautiful Mare & Foal Pair, Belle & Blondie, and one gorgeous yearling Gabby, are officially the first on the “Wild Side” at Camp Chilly Pepper!
We now have starving GG Norma, the Mare & her weeks old foal, the yearling and so far we still have our precious Rumors.
Sadly “Rumors” is not doing well and has a horrible heart issue. She is much like Norman was, not functioning with enough oxygen and struggling to survive.
These horses need your help, and so do I, lol. Lots of special feed, vetting and transport costs are horrible right now. Please help if you can!!
Thank you as always for all the love and support. I still need help to give our precious rescues the care and love they need.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF OUR FAMILY AND FOR SAVING SO MANY LIVES!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
Palomino
Chilly Pepper
19 Weonda Rd.
Goldendale, WA 98620
or
checks to PO Box 233,
Golconda NV 89414
Once again we are back and forth, so all addresses are good.
or Donations can be made at:
CashAp-$LauriArmstrong
Venmo – @Lauri-Armstrong-2
THANK YOU for everything we have received.
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/55-0882407 If you shop at Amazon, please go to this link.
Please say a prayer I have an ‘old lady” bag and this isn’t milk, and I am not gonna have a little one. I am too old and tired and thin for that!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
Last week, we alerted you to a highly contagious and deadly infectious disease outbreak occurring in real time at the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Cañon City holding facility in Colorado. In just the last 11 days, at least 124 wild horses have died in these holding pens — making this possibly the deadliest disease outbreak in BLM history.
Since we last emailed you, the BLM was able to identify the virus that has killed dozens of these cherished animals — Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) — a virus that the BLM is supposed to vaccinate wild horses and burros against once they are rounded up and removed from the wild.
The BLM reported that the 124 mustangs killed were either entirely unvaccinated or only partially-vaccinated against the deadly virus even though they had been at the facility for over 9 months.
At the same time, an active disease outbreak is occuring at the BLM’s off range holding corrals in Wheatland, Wyoming, where a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes strangles has so far infected half of the 2,750 horses confined there.
This developing situation raises serious concerns about the conditions in the BLM’s off-range holding system where 59,749 wild horses and 862 wild burros are being held — and we deserve answers.
Since Saturday, at least 67 wild horses have died in a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) holding facility in Colorado due to an unidentified, highly contagious, and deadly infectious disease.
This is the second government holding facility to close in recent weeks due to disease outbreaks related to the intense confinement of these wild animals.
RIGHT NOW → almost 60,000 wild horses and 862 wild burros are confined in BLM off-range holding facilities. And with plans to remove 19,000 more wild horses and burros from public lands this year, the BLM is putting thousands of these innocent animals at risk.
And — wild horses and burros aren’t just dying from disease in these facilities. Records show that hundreds of mustangs are dying from traumatic injuries like broken necks, skull fractures, broken legs, and even evisceration from castration surgeries following capture at government facilities across the country.
These wild horses do no harm where they belong — in the wild, but our government is placing them in harm’s way by cramming them into crowded holding facilities.
We must protect the thousands of federally-protected wild horses and burros in captivity today, but Meredith, we need your voice to help them.
Idaho Mission – The sorting of the Idaho horses went perfectly.
Of course there was a little excitement with some of the kids, but no one was injured and they are now being picked up by their adopters. Thank you for helping them. Us being able to bring our equipment and get them vetted meant the literal difference between adoptions or ????
BABY CALL – Phone rang last night and Cam and I jumped in the truck and headed out.
This beautiful (approximately) 2 week old filly is a tough one.
She was trampled by her band and her Mama just left her. Mama has zero interest in her so she was pulled and separated, hence the phone call.
We honestly have no idea if she will be ok, or if she has internal injuries. Hopefully it is just tenderness from bruises. (Having full size horses rushing over, and stepping on you and into you would easily leave you sore for a few days.) She has scrapes all over nearly every part of her body. Her eye was smacked and swollen and she obviously took a hard hit in her face. Her legs are severely swollen and she is exhausted and very shaky.
She is extremely fragile but oh my gosh, what a sweetheart! She needs prayers, meds and groceries. I have a call into Doc for bloodwork as soon as she can come out.
The back axle? snapped on the trailer right after we pulled in. Never a dull moment, but again, God keeps us safe!
“Great Grandma Norma” is here. No one wanted her, (she is old and starved nearly to death) and when I was asked if we would try and help her, of course I said yes.
She is in need of lots of TLC, groceries and prayers that she is Not preggers.
So appreciate the love and support. These kids are spendy to save, but God puts them in front of us for a reason! If you would like to help it would be so appreciated!
Thank you as always for all the love and support. I still need help to give our precious rescues the care and love they need.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF OUR FAMILY AND FOR SAVING SO MANY LIVES!
WIN (WILD HORSES IN NEED) is a 501c3 IRS EIN 55-0882407_
If there are ever funds left over from the cost of the rescue itself, the monies are used to feed, vet, care for and provide shelter and proper fencing for the animals once they are saved.
Our gratitude for your support is immense! Thank you! Your support is changing lives, one horse at a time!! Super great news, we’ve met our match, and as we write, we are more than halfway to our goal with $19,385, and we’re narrowing the gap to $25,000.
Jennings is another special horse that’s here today because of you! He’s still looking for his very special person, too. Are you his forever?
JENNINGS
Jennings is a handsome guy that came to AAE from the same distressed mustang sanctuary situation in the latter part of 2020. Like Chesney, Clare, and Teea, the sanctuary had cared for him (and many more), for about 20 years before falling on hard times. The horses were living in desert conditions. Because a big storm took out portions of perimeter fencing on the property years before, most were in their own small stalls (24′ x 24′ at most), each with a small shelter (roof only). No turn out, no attention. Because Jennings had been ridden in the past (prior to landing at the sanctuary) and was readily halterable unlike some, he got privileges. Though he was in a stall when we first met, the next time, we learned he was in a rotation of horses that roamed the property and had access to a stack of hay. Not only was on the thin side and past due for basic care, he had a sizable and uncomfortable looking growth on the side of his sheath that urgently needed veterinary attention.
Jennings is a 2005 BLM mustang. He’s goofy, he’s curious, he’s playful, and he’s a character! He’s really a big personality. Though he’d like you to think he is, he’s not the most confident guy. He also loves the girls, and he will protect his girl fiercely (whomever she is at the time). Though he’s pretty good when taken from the herd, he doesn’t much appreciate his girl being taken from the herd (for grooming, hoof care, vet exam, etc.). He really enjoys attention, but has moments of insecurity that need a handler who is a bit more experienced to understand.
From the time we first met Jennings until we picked him and the others up two weeks later, the growth had doubled in size. And from the time we got him to AAE and the vet saw him until the biopsy results results came, it had doubled again. We confirmed it was a squamous cell carcinoma, and it definitely needed to be removed. Not only was it likely painful, but it was a fly attractant extraordinaire. Fortunately, surgical removal was successful, and we were elated to know that Jennings was left with clean margins around the prior growth.
Playful, charismatic, hilarious, that’s Jennings. He’s usually easy peasy to halter, lead, farrier, trailer, etc. Saddle or bridle him, no worries. Usually. Add a rider, and he gets a little less confident, a little less “usually”. That said, we really believe with the right person, this guy can shine, and the way he defends his girls so fiercely, we think he’ll care for his person just the same, if he’s given the time, patience, and effort he so deserves. Does that sound like a match for you?
He’s so playful in the herd, and sometimes he’s really a pest. He chases, he nips, he instigates, and he raises the bar. He and Ryder have a bromance going, and he even gets our senior, bitchy-broad (oops, did I say that) Bonnie to be playful in his games. My goodness, she rears tall in her antics with this silly guy, and it’s hard to believe that she’s in her 20s, but she sure gets it goin’ and gives it back! The right home would have another horse with a similarly big personality, so their playful antics can go on…. and on … and on! You won’t be bored with this guy, that’s for sure!
Jennings is still waiting for that home of his own. If you have experience with mustangs, are looking to make a special bond, and you have another playful horse, you might be the one he’s looking for!
Jennings so appreciates the opportunity you gave him for a better life! He says it’s a BIG day, and he knows you have a lot of nonprofits to choose from. He wants to pay it forward by asking you to help us meet our goal and help other horses like him. Donate, share the link, share a story, and share your love of horses.
Thanks to so many of you, we’ve met our match, and we are inching toward our goal of raising $25,000 by midnight tonight! We are only a little over $5,000 away, and we have just over 12 hours to go!
Your support today will help with the rising costs of hay, feed, fuel, and other operational needs. We are confident you are going to get us through the finish line however you can: donate, share, share, and share more, spread the word about AAE, and put in a good word for the work we do.
Please consider making a donation to AAE in honor of Jennings!
It’s not to late, you too can raise the bar by pledging matching funds now! Inspire giving and double your donation to make your impact twice as BIG! To learn more about starting your own matching funds campaign for AAE, send us an email.
As we’re settling into our new home in Pilot Hill, it seems the perfect time to reflect on some of the special horses you have helped over the years.
We are all so very thankful, incredibly grateful, and unbelievably blessed to have your support in making better the lives of so many horses!!
This beautiful trio is still looking for a home. Chesney, Clare, and Teea are so very bonded, the ideal situation is for them to move to a home where they can be together. They are mid-teens and each very unique!
CHESNEY, CLARE, and TEEA
Three red-headed mares, oh my! Chesney, Clare, and Teea came to AAE from a distressed mustang sanctuary situation in the latter part of 2020. The sanctuary had cared for these girls, and many more, for about 20 years before falling on hard times. They were living in desert conditions, each in their own small stall (24′ x 24′ at most), each with a small shelter (roof only). No turn out, no attention. They were in need of basic care, it had been deferred much too long. It was a sad sight, needless to say. Though not a lot of handling, they each wanted to trust, and they trusted enough to follow us quietly onto the trailer, as if they new it was the path that offered the hope of something better, a new beginning.
CHESNEY
Chesney was so incredibly shy and uncertain. She stood firm, but trembled. The fear in her eyes, and the quiver in her body spoke volumes, but she was willing. She allowed a slow reach below her neck and behind her ears to place a halter, then a lead. Slowly, she followed. She tried so hard to understand what was asked and then oblige.
Chesney is a 2006 BLM mustang. She got the works (e.g. dental, hoof care, vaccines, deworming, and a microchip) shortly after arriving at AAE. She’s slowly blossomed since arrival. She’s gaining confidence, and she becoming a greet you in the pasture kinda girl. Chesney still needs to grow some confidence, but she’s come a long way, and with a steady, confident person of her own by her side, she has a ton of potential. She halters, leads, and loads, though not fearlessly. She still needs some patience and reassurance.
Her hooves and body condition have improved immensely, and she’s absolutely gorgeous strutting her stuff with Teea.
CLARE
Clare was a bit more confident. She new humans were her ticket to food. That said, she had her limits, namely, anything around her hind end. Beware! We got one warning, and didn’t test her limits. That said, if we respected her hind end, she was easy peasy. Poor mare had been suffering some gnarly allergies. She had large raised scarred areas on all of her legs, like scar over scar over scar. She had a rogue hoof. It was much longer than the rest, and it sure seemed uncomfortable as it rotated outward when she walked.
Clare is also a 2006 mustang. She also got the works shortly after arrival at AAE (e.g. hoof care, dental care, vaccines, deworming, and a microchip). Her legs were treated with an antibiotic ointment long-term, and they have improved tremendously.
Clare (left) is a sassy one. She’s a mare for sure. Opinionated, strong-willed, and sweet as pie when she wants to be. She’s learning to live in a cooperative way, maybe not with all the other horses, but she’s understanding cooperation among the two-leggers is the way to go. Humor aside, she’s got a really sweet side, and she enjoys being in the company of humans, in the pasture or in a smaller space.
TEEA
Teea was such a red hot mess, a diamond in the rough. She was a pathetic sight with pancakes for front hoofs, and she, too, was so very scared. She trembled, but stood planted while introducing the halter and lead. It took a few times to assure her we meant no harm. Giving her time to understand and patience to earn her trust was enough. As the saying goes, with mustangs, slower is faster. She walked as if she had scuba flippers on her front hooves. If only we had nippers in the trailer, it would have made the long road easier. She loaded fine then, though she’s not so confident loading now.
Teea is a 2007 mustang. She too got the works shortly after arrival at AAE (e.g. hoof care, dental care, vaccines, deworming, and a microchip). Her hooves took a few trims to get them right, but she’s maintaining very well with maintenance trims now.
Teea’s confidence comes from her girls, mostly Chesney. If she loses sight of her, she loses her mind, kinda. It takes a big effort to bring her back to thinking about whats in front of her at hand. She’s getting better with time, but it’s clear, Chesney and Clare are her world. To separate them at this point would be an injustice to the bond they have. Teea is definitely most heavily bonded. With all of the space they have now, where there is one, there are three. They are looking for a home, together. Can you imagine looking out your window and seeing three beautiful redheads??? It would be the perfect ending to their time with AAE.
Chesney, Clare, and Teea are still waiting for that home of their own. If you have experience with mustangs, love the bonds you make with them, and would like to be a fabulous solution for these three big, beautiful personalities, it would be a dream come true for all of us!
No matter what, Chesney, Clare, and Teea appreciate the opportunity you gave them for a better life!
Big Day of Giving is the perfect day to honor them and other horses like them!
Gentle reminder, a generous donor has offered to match dollar for dollar, every dollar donated, up to $5,000 for Big Day of Giving from now through midnight tomorrow, May 5! We are just over the halfway point at $2531 since the match was announced. We have just over 24 hours to meet our match!
Our goal for Big DOG is to raise $25,000 to help with the rising costs of hay, feed, fuel, and other operational needs. We are quite a ways from our goal, but we’re confident you are going to help us get there however you can: donate, share, share, or share more, spread the word about AAE, and put in a good word for the work we do.
Please consider making a donation to AAE in honor of the three redheads tomorrow for BDOG, and DOUBLE your impact.
It’s not to late, you too can raise the bar by pledging matching funds now! Inspire giving and double your donation to make your impact twice as BIG! To learn more about starting your own matching funds campaign for AAE, send us an email.
As we’re settling into our new home in Pilot Hill, it seems the perfect time to reflect on some of the special horses you have helped over the years.
Another oldie but goodie is elderman, Danny! This ol’ guy is well known for his sweet demeanor and his hugs.
DANNY
Danny’s story isn’t one of neglect, abandonment, abuse, or poor care. Sadly, it’s one of human health and aging. Danny was loved beyond words. So much, his former owner considered euthanizing him rather than risk him having difficulties transitioning to a new home, ending up in a bad home, or worse, the fear of auctions and the slaughter pipeline. It was an emotional day for all when we picked Danny up and brought him home to AAE.
Danny’s owner’s health was failing, and she was unable to provide ongoing care for him any longer. He knew no other owner, as he was born to her mare. Mama rejected him for four days, and on the fifth day, Mama finally accepted him. Danny spent those four days with his surrogate mom while she held mom and made sure he was able to nurse, initially go get the colostrum he needed. It was a very rocky start, but Danny and his other mom grew a bond like no other. She trained him; she rode him; they competed together. They spent 27 years together until they had to say good bye. Fortunately, the timing was right, and Danny had special people in his life that paved the way for him to get to AAE. He arrived in 2017, and at 27, we knew Danny would spend the rest of his years with us.
You can see the pattern here! Danny loves everyone he meets, and he is very generous with his hugs. Similarly, everyone that meets Danny falls instantly in love the moment he rests his chin on their shoulder. The emotions are palpable! Everyone simply melts when he rests his head on their shoulder.
Danny is another sanctuary resident that helps teach new volunteers how to work around horses. He very much enjoys interacting with humans, and spa days getting groomed. Danny is the most kind, mellow, and affectionate horse we have known, and we are so grateful he is here.
Danny appreciates the kindness you’ve shown him and his herd mates! Big Day of Giving is the perfect day to honor Danny and other horses like him!
You too can raise the bar by pledging matching funds now! Inspire giving and double your donation to make your impact twice as BIG! To learn more about starting your own matching funds campaign for AAE, send us an email.
Big Day of Giving is this Thursday!
You can double the impact of your donation by helping us meet our initial goal to match $5000. [Help us reach our goal of $25,000 by making an early gift anytime from now until May 4 at midnight or donate on the BIG DAY itself.
Your gifts this Big Day of Giving will help the horses in so many ways including providing feed, veterinary care, and hoof and dental care. Hay prices have skyrocketed with the early weather this year. Your donations help assure we have ample funding for the care of our horses.
If you’d prefer to donate by mailing a check or via PayPal or Square, those are options, too. Send us an email, and we’ll send you the address or a link.
Big Day of Giving (BDOG) is a 24-hour online giving challenge to help AAE and other non-profits in the Sacramento area to raise funds and awareness. But you can support us on BDOG wherever you live!
Boots & Bling is AAE’s most important fundraising event of the year for our horses and horses-in-need. There are many ways to support this event!. Sponsor the event? Sponsor a table? Donate to our auctions? Can you help? Together, in many ways, we can make a difference for horses like Danny!
If you are interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or donating, please send us an email describing your interest to bootsnbling@allaboutequine.org.
Interested in volunteering at event? We are looking for volunteers to help with the Boots & Bling teams in the following areas: event planning and decor, sponsorships and auctions, ticket sales, and volunteer coordinating. We will be scheduling a planning meeting soon!
If you are interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or donating, please send us an email describing your interest to bootsnbling@allaboutequine.org.
As we’re settling into our new home in Pilot Hill, it seems the perfect time to reflect on some of the special horses you have helped over the years. None is more special than our elderman, Amigo. At 33, he is the grand dad of all the horses enjoying their new views in Pilot Hill.
AMIGO
Amigo came to AAE with two of his pals in mid-January 2018 from a neglect situation. He weighed-in about 850 pounds, and we were told he was 29. As thin as he looks in photos, he was much thinner. His coat was thick with dead like an old shag rug that tried to hide his bony frame. He was started on a slow refeeding program, but despite efforts of a very slow introduction to food, after about a week at AAE, he had a bout of colic.
It felt so grim, but this ol’ guy was a warrior. Thankfully, Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center was on site quickly. It wasn’t a bad colic, but he battled through it like the survivor he is! He bounced back up to his like he’d waken from a bad dream, then never looked back. He was also covered with ticks, with a good 150 or so removed and finding more every day for several days, then more each day until they were gone.
A year or so later, he was transported to the vet for another bout with colic and was fortunately able to return home to the herd after a few days. Over the years, he’s had some ups and downs, but this old fart (yes, those that know him, know), has been the bestest gentleman ever to new volunteers learning about horses, and all of our volunteers that care for him every day, come rain, sleet or snow….and the hella hot days, too!
For a multi-tude of reasons: what he went through, his will to survive, his age, his demeanor, his kind and gentle spirit, and not last nor least, the way he acted so terrified at what must have been the first mini horse he’d ever seen, we all fell madly in love with this big oaf and felt AAE should be his last stop. He’s been a resident program/sanctuary horse since. Looking at him now, it’s hard to believe it’s the same horse!
At 33, this beautiful ol’ guy exemplifies how your support helps horses like Amigo. This old man got another chance at life when his world looked so grim. He got love, he got to live like a horse, he was treated with love, kindness, empathy, and respect.
He is an ambassador for horses to everyone that meets him. He is patient, he’s kind, and he’s one of the most trustworthy horses at AAE. He’s is a perfect reminder of how fragile yet resilient horses are. He holds no grudges for humans, even though he wasn’t treated so kind in his prior life, and he gives back so much to everyone he encounters.
Amigo is so grateful to have had your support giving him another chance.
Amigo is so grateful to have had your support. If Amigo’s story resonates with you, please consider making a donation to AAE in honor of Amigo on the Big Day of Giving May 5, if you can. If you don’t want to wait, you can give now.
If his story inspires you to do more, please share his story and how you help horses like Amigo.
You can raise the bar by pledging matching funds now! Inspire giving and double your donation to make your impact twice as BIG!
Another emergency in the middle of “vetting the 46”.
I have been asked to give “GG Norma”, a chance. At the very least she deserves the best feed, love and care until she crosses over. However, even though two vet’s looked at her and didn’t give her much hope, she is telling a different story.
Her eyes are bright and she is alert and curious and says “PLEASE don’t quit on me!”
Will you help me give her the best love and care for whatever time she has left?
We are due for a Miracle, and I’m hoping you will help me give her a chance.
We have spent over $1400 on fuel so far but are all set up and ready to go. Hauling the squeeze from NV and moving horses is a large endeavor, but these amazing horses will have safe places to land because of it.
PLEASE HELP “Great Grandma NORMA”!
Thank you as always for all the love and support. I still need help to give our precious rescues the care and love they need. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF OUR FAMILY AND FOR SAVING SO MANY LIVES!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
WIN (WILD HORSES IN NEED) is a 501c3 IRS EIN 55-0882407_
If there are ever funds left over from the cost of the rescue itself, the monies are used to feed, vet, care for and provide shelter and proper fencing for the animals once they are saved.
It’s hard to put into words just how important holidays like today are to our team at the American Wild Horse Campaign. To celebrate a national holiday specifically dedicated to protecting the animals we hold so close to our hearts means so much to our team who day in and day out carry on the fight to protect the lives and freedom of our wild herds.
So today, as we celebrate a holiday meant to inspire the masses about the plight of our dearest equines, we wanted to tell you about Cirrus — a mare whose story continues to inspire each and every one of us at AWHC.
In 2018, an AWHC field representative was on-site to report on the ongoing helicopter roundup and removal operations happening at the Warm Springs Herd Management Area in Oregon. There he saw the most extraordinary mare:
Cirrus had the likeness of a horse imprinted on her neck. As she ran, chased by helicopters, the horse moved with her. To see something so beautiful in the most devastating of circumstances… was surreal, in a way that perfectly embodied the beauty of these innocent animals and the tragedy they are plagued by.
We managed to keep track of Cirrus while she was in holding, hoping to find her a forever home. However, we found that she was slated, along with a dozen other mares, to be a test subject for a surgical sterilization study — an unproven and brutal procedure with a high mortality rate.
When we found this out, we knew we had to continue fighting against these studies. So we joined forces with two of our partner organizations and filed a lawsuit to stop the barbaric surgeries from proceeding. And , we won.
Thanks to donations made to our Legal Fund and our amazing legal team, we were able to make this court win a reality.Saved from an uncertain fate, Cirrus is living out the rest of her days at AWHC’s Board President Ellie Phipps Price’s 2,000-acre sanctuary, Montgomery Creek Ranch — the next best thing to being wild and free.
My heart is shattered as I write this.Although he fought valiantly and beat all the odds, our beautiful Norman is running free in heaven with his Mama. Sadly, Norman’s lungs were permanently damaged and he let me know when it was time to go. He was having seizures and was so weak he couldn’t always get up. His knees were buckling over and although his heart was pounding constantly and Doc said it sounded like he was trying to breathe through a straw, he was a happy, playful little boy.
Doc and I both knew it was coming, but that doesn’t lessen the devastation. She said he picked the right time. He was starting to suffer and that wasn’t fair. That little man lived and loved so fully in his short little life. Thank you for giving him that precious time.
So now IN HONOR OF NORMAN, I want to answer the 911 call I received yesterday. The horses shown are part of one of the worst neglect cases in Idaho. My rescue is not handling the rescue per say; due to the fact that we specialize in wild or unhandled horses, and our success in safely sorting, without injury, the 907 wild ones in South Dakota, I have been asked to come in as a consultant and help get the remaining 46 their Coggins so they can be picked up by their adopters.
This is the 2nd and LAST attempt to get their blood pulled. – WITHOUT COGGINS AND HEALTH CERTS, THEY CANNOT BE ADOPTED and we know what that means. Their lives literally depend on us getting this done!
We need approximately $5000 for this. We have to pull 2 trailers from NV, go to WA, then to Idaho, then back to WA. We are bringing the right equipment to insure this is doable. Fuel is going to be close to $1400? for the two rigs. I have to pay my crew and the folks back home watching the horses in NV. We are also going to be on this project for possibly 5 days, if not more.
Thank you as always for all the love and support. I still need help to give our precious rescues the care and love they need. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF OUR FAMILY AND FOR SAVING SO MANY LIVES!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
WIN (WILD HORSES IN NEED) is a 501c3 IRS EIN 55-0882407_
If there are ever funds left over from the cost of the rescue itself, the monies are used to feed, vet, care for and provide shelter and proper fencing for the animals once they are saved.
It’s time to shine a lil’ light on all of AAE’s volunteers.
You make a difference for our horses every single day!
Through rain, sleet, and snow, and through the heat you go!
Day in and day out, you contribute more than you know.
Thank YOU for all you do,
YOU are making lives better, one horse at a time!
We are adjusting to many the many changes a new home brings. Unfortunately, it’s not all rainbows and roses… we recently had a positive strangles case with one of our lil ponies, Minnie. She’s been with us for quite some time (more than a year).
We have been on heightened alert with the recent EHM outbreaks in local areas, and we have been extra careful, so it’s really a surprise. In 13 years, we’ve never had a serious contagious disease, and we’ve worked had to keep it at that way!
Minnie was tested out of an abundance of caution due to a cough and fever, but never did we expect a positive result by any means. She’s been a healthy lil’ one from the start, and it’s unlikely she was previously exposed (though not ruled out as potential carrier). She’s doing very well now, and she’ll be scoped tomorrow to flush her gutteral pouches and re-test. You can learn more about Strangles, here.
We have implemented multiple protocols to minimize risk of further exposure, and we are working alongside our vet to keep this under control, as best we can. So far, we’ve had no new cases, an
We have NO idea where it came from. We are diligent with our quarantine practices. We haven’t had any new horses in for over six weeks, and last was a mare that was in quarantine for about six weeks w/a confirmed dental-related (localized) sinusitis issue. She came from a situation where she was the only horse around for 3 to 5 months and hadn’t been off that property.
We haven’t seen any concerns with any of the remaining horses, yet, though one other was tested at the same time with negative results. We are under quarantine until the coast is clear. No horses will be coming in or going out until we are as confident as we can be that we are Strangles-free.
We have not done kill pen rescues for over 10 years. We have not done auction rescue for many years (but haven’t eliminated that option entirely). We can only guess it came in with someone or something. We have had biosecurity measures in place for our volunteers with horses or those involved in horse activities due to the recent outbreaks, as well, so that is always possible, too, but not as likely.
We want you to be aware. We have also notified our volunteers and nearest neighbors with horses.
Free to email with questions, and we will respond as quickly as we can. Please remember, we are almost an entirely volunteer run organization, and right now, we are stretched. Stay healthy and safe, all, and thank you for your support and understanding during this time.
We welcomed Gabby earlier this year after being contacted by a nearby animal control who needed assistance with a skinny mare. Well, skinny was an understatement!
She arrived at AAE very underweight and with some other health concerns, too. In her time here, she has gained 90 lbs so far (and still gaining). She had a chronic sinus infection on her right side due to some dental problems. It’s looking like she will need one, maybe two teeth extracted.
She’s got a ways to go, but this girl’s looking so much better! Gabby’s such a sweetheart, and we look forward to seeing her become healthier and happier in this next chapter of her life!
If you’d like to help with her care, please consider making a one-time donation or sponsor her with a monthly donation.
We were told by the animal control officer that the person who had her had rescued her a few months before, but he had cancer and was unable to afford veterinary care because of his own health care costs.
When we arrived to pick her up, we met a very sad, very emaciated, and very stinky (localized sinus infection) older gal. She had a nasty smelling discharge from her right nostril and below her right eye was a large crusty patch. Her teeth needed attention. Though her condition was quite grim, she was so kind and forgiving.
Based on the one-sided nasal and eye discharges, and odor, too, we suspected she had either a tooth infection, a sinus infection, or both. We also found a lip tattoo, but it wasn’t entirely legible. If we’ve guessed right, she was born in Minnesota in ‘98, never raced, and she’s registered as Timber Buck’s Luv.
Gabby is a luv! She loaded into the trailer readily, she traveled well, and she unloaded calmly. She handles easily, too. The sweet gal was vet checked shortly after arrival, blood was drawn, sinus/tooth infection confirmed, and antibiotics started. She had her dental done and some head radiographs, now we’re waiting for to put on a little more weight before surgery. In the meantime, she’s looking better, feeling better, and she’s getting a little sass about her….oh, she’s a mare!
More than 50 years ago, Earth Day was created as a day to put all other issues aside and focus on the protection of our beautiful planet and all of the amazing creatures who call it home.
Every single day, our team sees firsthand the threats that wild horses and burros face — whether that be the dangerous adoption incentive program, brutal helicopter roundups, or the interests of the cattle industry superseding the needs of these innocent equines.
Over the next 5 years, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning to conduct mass roundups and removals of over 100,000 wild horses and burros from across the West – more of these animals than even exist today!
What has been framed as a plan for “necessary” population management is no more than a thinly veiled attempt to appease the special interests of the livestock industry — an industry that has been lobbying Congress for decades so that ranchers may graze their personal animals on public lands for cheap.
This is not a path forward, it’s a path toward ecological destruction.
So, as we celebrate Earth Day today, we can think of no better way to commemorate this special holiday than by doubling down on our commitment to ensure that our cherished wild horses and burros remain free, in the wild on the public lands they call home. Here are 3 ways you can take action to support our wild herds today:
Tessa is home safe. Thank you!! That was the easy part, “saving her from the slaughter truck” and transporting her to safety. However, now the real work and expenses begin.
Tessa is in much worse shape than we thought. She needs to gain at least a few hundred pounds, will need vet care for her teeth and serious farrier care. Her feet are horrific and she barely has her front right hoof at all. Her coat is rough and she is sad and was extremely depressed. However, she and Honey Bandit seem to have fallen in love across the road. So now we are already seeing less depression. PTL!
Hay prices are through the roof and it is imperative that I order more asap. It is about $7500 + to get a semi load of hay right now. We have a lot of special needs guys that love to eat.
Norman is still with us, although not doing so well. He looks PERFECT, is gorgeous and growing like crazy. Sadly, his lungs are not keeping up and it is causing his little heart to beat at an extremely high rate. He had a very bad seizure when I was leading him into the stall. He needs a miracle. The next step is x-rays to see how much damage he has in his lungs. His knees are always wobbling, he is shaky from the lack of oxygen, HOWEVER, inside his oxygen deprived body is a FIERCE little stallion, full of life and love.
Please say a prayer and if you’d like to help with his vet bill at Goldendale Veterinary Clinic, you can call 509-773-0369.
Thank you as always for all the love and support. I still need help to give our precious rescues the care and love they need. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF OUR FAMILY AND FOR SAVING SO MANY LIVES!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
WIN (WILD HORSES IN NEED) is a 501c3 IRS EIN 55-0882407_
If there are ever funds left over from the cost of the rescue itself, the monies are used to feed, vet, care for and provide shelter and proper fencing for the animals once they are saved.
Tessa is a special mare. She is in pretty rough shape as you can see, and her poor hoofers are horrible. But if you look at that face, well there is something special..
God keeps putting her in front of me, so I know I am supposed to save her.
She is scheduled to load on the trailer this afternoon, on that horrific trip to slaughter. So once again I have to decide if she lives or dies based on Faith. I truly believe that we are supposed to save her. Just look at those beautiful eyes. She is asking us to save her!
Will you please help me save this beautiful old girl?
Norman says THANK YOU SO MUCH! He celebrated his 3 week old birthday yesterday. He is still struggling with multiple issues but every day he survives gives him that much more strength. Please keep him in your prayers!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
WIN (WILD HORSES IN NEED) is a 501c3 IRS EIN 55-0882407_
If there are ever funds left over from the cost of the rescue itself, the monies are used to feed, vet, care for and provide shelter and proper fencing for the animals once they are saved.