The cost to vaccinate a single mare with a PZP vaccine is just $30.
But instead of utilizing this proven, safe, and cost-effective method of keeping wild horses in balance with the environment, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to brutally round up our wild horses and burros in deadly helicopter chases.
Humane fertility control programs keep wild horses wild, while the roundups sentence tens of thousands to a life of captivity, depriving them of the two things they value most: family and freedom.
As if that weren’t bad enough, thousands of these beloved animals are entering the slaughter pipeline through the BLM’s disastrous Adoption Incentive Program (AIP). We have exposed the extent of the problem through our ongoing investigation into the AIP, and theNew York Times exposed the situation in an explosive report based on our work.
On Nevada’s Virginia Range, where a population of state-managed wild mustangs is threatened by habitat loss, we’ve operated the largest PZP fertility program for wild horses in the world for almost 4 years – and Meredith, our work there is paying off.
Our PZP program has reduced foaling rates by 62% while allowing these animals to remain free as nature intended. This success is helping us prove to lawmakers and to the BLM that there is a better, more humane, and cost-effective alternative to the agency’s current approach to managing our wild horse populations.
On behalf of the board and staff of the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC), we wish you and your family a very happy and joyous holiday season.
Your support and dedication to our cause mean so much to us, and we never take for granted the trust you have put in AWHC to protect our magnificent wild horses and burros.
As our attention turns to family and celebration, we hold the wild horse and burro families in our thoughts and in our hearts. In that spirit, we share the story of one family on Nevada’s Virginia Range.
Harriet was born on April 1, 2013 — it was raining the day one of our volunteers first spotted her, so we fondly referred to her asLittle April Showers. Her mother, Starlite, stood guard over her while her father, Handyman, kept watch — making sure his family was safe. For about a year, our volunteers would spot the little family now and then around the canyon on the Virginia Range.
It wasn’t until about a year ago that our team spotted Harriet once again! She is now all grown up and has a family of her own! She lives with her stallion, Ozzy, and has two adorable daughters, Peg and Sue — they both look so much like Harriet when she was young.
It’s stories like these that inspire us to keep fighting. These innocent animals deserve nothing less than to live out the rest of their days with their loved ones, wild and free.
They show us how to be patient and kind, and how to persevere in the toughest of situations. We are taking these lessons from the wild with us into the new year and in our continued fight to preserve the freedom of these beloved animals.
On behalf of everyone at AWHC, we are grateful to you for being part of our family. Our very best wishes to you and your loved ones for the happiest of holidays — and a healthy and joyous New Year!
With gratitude,
Suzanne + the AWHC Team
Thank you to AWHC volunteer, Deb Sutherland for capturing the photos and story included in this email.
As 2022 comes to a close, we want to reflect on the major wins we were able to accomplish together this year for our cherished wild horses and burros. Wins like securing language in the final Fiscal Year 2022 spending bill that reallocated $11 million in BLM funding away from helicopter roundups and towards humane fertility control or launching a nationwide public awareness campaign that brought thousands of new supporters to the AWHC herd.
These historic wins are worth celebrating, but until our beloved wild herds can live out their days wild and free, there is still much to be done. So, our team is already busy setting our priorities for 2023 – and, Meredith, as one of our most dedicated AWHC supporters, we want to hear from you!
This year’s successes were made possible because of supporters like you, Meredith. And we know we can build on these wins in the year ahead — but only if we work together.
As we count down to 2021, join us every day this month as we share stories from the barn that show how your support has helped horses in 2020.
With the uncertainties and challenges of this year, we truly appreciate your generosity and support.
Sandy
Sandy is a 10 year old burro that came to AAE in late May 2020 when her owner was experiencing a health issue and could no longer take care of her. After being adopted from the BLM in 2013, Sandy lived with a small livestock herd including a llama and goats. Although she was handled frequently as a youngster, she regressed a bit over the years.
Sandy is a curious, friendly, and beautiful girl, but she definitely has a strong mind of her own. She is learning to soften and be respectful of personal space. She can be haltered and groomed, but she isn’t easy to catch in a large space – she sometimes retreats when she sees a rope. We are working on getting Sandy more comfortable being handled, but she can still be extremely difficult when we are doing something she doesn’t like, such as giving her oral meds or injections. One of Sandy’s go-to moves when being uncooperative is to squeeze you against a wall or rail.
Sandy is good with hoof handling for basic cleaning, but we’ve used sedation for the farrier to be safe. As noted above, Sandy can be very stubborn when pushed too far. She’s strong and knows how to use her weight. Does “bulldozer” sound familiar? That being said, she’ll stand for hours to enjoy grooming and general interaction, and when you want to leave, she’ll follow you as long/far as you’ll let her. She has a very sweet side.
Sandy and Mabel are available for adoption, and they are looking for an experienced burro/donkey home, together. Both are current with dental and hoof care, vaccines and deworming, and they each have a microchip.
Mabel is one of the nicest donks ever….except with hoof trimming (that’s a work in progress). Stay tuned – her story will be coming soon!
This holiday season please consider making a year end donation to assure AAE has funding to continue the work we do and have similar stories to share in 2021
Thank you for your support helping horses each and every day!
Your donations, volunteering, adopting, and social media shares & likes allow us to make this work possible!
Give the gift that keeps on giving by sponsoring a horse on behalf of a horse-loving friend or family member!
As a sponsor, your annual or monthly contribution helps support the costs of care for a specific horse.
You can sponsor at any level or any amount you choose. You will receive an electronic “gift letter” with a photo of an AAE horse, acknowledging your gift on behalf of your recipient.
The Patriotic US Flag/Mustang image on front and Mustang is My Favorite Breed (or Rescue is My Favorite Breed) in white on back. Available in Black, Ash Gray, Navy, and Brown.
Orders may be picked up at the AAE Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs or
Stop by the AAE Used Tack Store to find the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life! Don’t know what they need? We have gift cards, too!
Here are more ways you can help!
Doing any winter cleaning? Donate your gently used tack to AAE’s Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs. We very much appreciate tack donations delivered to the store in sale ready condition (e.g. clean, conditioned, oiled). Please email tack@allaboutequine.org for information about donating or to schedule a delivery.
Proceeds from used tack sales help pay for feed, veterinary expenses, and other operational needs.
Give the gift that keeps on giving by sponsoring a horse on behalf of a horse-loving friend or family member!
Have you considered adopting a rescue horse?