Brodie is a very handsome 2009 (est) Appy gelding. He arrived at AAE with pasture-mate, senior mare, Kyrie, in March 2021 when their owner was moving cross-country. The new home she arranged for them fell through at the last minute, and she reached out to AAE. Brodie lived with Kyrie in a large pasture, and he enjoyed following her lead, though he wasn’t too sure he wanted to follow her into the trailer when it was time to leave, though he did.
Once at AAE, his teeth and hoof care were updated, and he received vaccines, deworming, and microchip. This sweet guy was big and athletic, but he was like the cowardly lion. His confidence came from his ol’ gal pal. If he wasn’t with her, there was a bit of a crisis. He would get mighty anxious and nearly lose his mind. Over time, his confidence has grown, and he’s evolving into a bit of a gentle giant.
Brodie is a beauty as you can see. He’s also a big sweetheart. He’s got the looks, the body, and the brain is coming along. Before our move, Brodie spent time with a trainer (on his own) building his confidence and learning new things. Besides basic groundwork, he was introduced to a saddle. Though he looked mighty handsome, and he tried hard to understand and do what was being asked, it was really hard. He needed more confidence to carry a rider, so we gave him more time.
Brodie lives comfortably in the middle of a herd of ten with no major issues. He’s neither dominant nor a pushover. He can be pulled out of pasture without a meltdown now for handling, grooming, or work. Sweetest of all, he really enjoys his time with humans. Brodie has come a long way. He loads, but needs some patience so he can check things out. He’s fairly good with the farrier, even shoeing his front hooves (he has thin soles), but may need a little patience. All in all, he’s pretty easy to handle, appreciating a little extra time when introduced to something new.
This big guy needs a person of his own, one that will adore him and continue building his confidence. His person will continue his growth at his pace with patience and kindness, embracing his inner cowardly lion as he learns to roar. Brodie is going to make somebody a really special partner one of these days.
We’d be so happy if Brodie could find his forever home! If you think you sound like a good match for Brodie, please visit his page to learn more and submit an “Adoption Inquiry”.
Can’t adopt but want to help Brodie? Share his story with your friends, family, co-workers, and other horse people in your life! You can also sponsor him to help cover his costs of care until he finds his perfect person.
You’re Invited!
Join us as we look back at Ballerini’s first year and enjoy watching her partake in the first birthday smash cake tradition!
This will be one virtual party you won’t want to miss! (No festivities will take place in person.)
Web link to follow.
Can’t party at noon? No problem! The festivities will be available online to view at a later time, too.
But what do you get a horse for her 1st birthday?
You can show Ballerini (and all of her herdmates) some love with a gift to her birthday fundraiser! Your donation will help support all of the horses of AAE!
The donations supporters like you make to our organization power the important work that we are doing day in and day out. We often tell you in these emails that we’re working in the field, in court, and on the Hill to protect wild horses and burros. And we are.Every dollar you donate to the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC) is critical to powering our work in each of these areas.
So today, we wanted to share a little insight with you about just how critical every single dollar donated really is to each of our lifesaving programs. For every $1 dollar donated to AWHC, 80 cents goes directly to powering the programs we operate to preserve the freedom of America’s wild herds:
In-the-Wild Management: Not only do we currently operate the world’s largest fertility control program for wild horses, but this year we are on track to jumpstart several other programs for at-risk herds across the West.
Government Relations: Your contributions fuel lobbying for the passage of the SAFE Act to stop slaughter, securing funding for humane management to divert funds away from brutal roundups, and working with members of Congress to introduce legislation to secure meaningful protections for wild horses and burros.
Investigations: Thanks to you, we have been able to bring to light the atrocities occurring as a result of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) and dive into our investigation into holding facility conditions.
Advocacy: We are bringing the issue of wild horse and burro protection into the mainstream by launching awareness campaigns through billboards, television and digital media, our celebrity ambassador program, and traditional media.
Rescue: Your generosity allows us to grant funding to rescue organizations in need of support to get mustangs and burros out of kill pens, transport animals to safety, and cover costs of care and treatment.
And so much more.
And the other 20 cents? That money is invested in the operations that allow us to continue these very programs. Check it out:
Being this transparent doesn’t scare us – it’s exactly why we have a 100% rating from Charity Navigator, are a 5-star Top Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits, and have received the Guidestar Gold Transparency rating. We’re proud of our status as a strong, vibrant, and effective non-profit.
None of this would be possible without our staff, our volunteers, our advocates, and without supporters like you. You make this work possible and we’re proud to fight alongside you to keep our wild horses and burros wild.
Every time you donate, you help our team prove to the BLM, Congress, and the American public that there is a better way to manage our wild horses and burros – whether it be in the field, in court, or on the Hill.
Thank you so much for your support,
Suzanne Roy
Executive Director
American Wild Horse Campaign
Above you see Lenny, our latest Hwy 97 rescue. Lenny came in late at night after being dumped in the same place as Trooper and Smokey.
He apparently spent a night out there before I got him, and was HIT BY A VEHICLE. I have no idea if it was the 1st night or not, or how long he suffered after being hit. However, it is clear he had been suffering for some time with his cancer. He had broken glass all over him, and you can clearly see he was split open on his hindquarters.
Lenny was the sweetest and most beautiful soul ever. He planted his head on me and begged for help. Doc had me give him Banamine to see if we could ease his pain enough to properly assess his injuries. As you can also see he had penile cancer and had it for a VERY long time.
It was excruciating for him, and was spreading internally which is why Doc thought he was starving.
After he got the banamine he could finally urinate. It was obviously extremely painful and clear that he had not done so for a very long time. You could see the relief through the pain as he emptied what seemed like gallons from his bladder.
Sadly, with the extent of how far the cancer had spread and being hit and old, Doc said the best thing for him was to end his suffering. We talked about amputation, but that would be horrific for him and with the cancer and injuries from being hit, it would be stupid and cruel.
I was so desperate to be able to help him. So we had to let him go to end his suffering.
I didn’t have time to fundraise, and after we let him go I just couldn’t even bear the thought of doing an update until now.
On top of that, the truck is in the shop and I need over $4,000 to get it out. I had to put tires on the hay trailer to the tune of $1303.26, and the vet bill shown above DOES NOT include the last 9 Coggins or the vet fees to end Lenny’s suffering.
So we are in a pretty tight spot. I also purchased over $3,000 in hay in the last month or so, and we still need more. That includes no grain or supplements.
I am hoping and praying that we can get the vehicle expenses covered and some help with the vet bill.
Rescue is so expensive, but so many of the cases God sends us are end of life and need to have their suffering ended.
Thank you as always!
Doc’s number is 509-773-0369 if you want to help with the vet bill.
Thank you for your continued help with these precious lives.
I know God keeps sending us lots of emergencies, BUT IT IS TRULY LIFE AND DEATH for these horses.It is not just grabbing the cute ones, or the easy ones, or creating orphans so you can fundraise. It is stepping up and figuring out how to do the impossible. YOU, MY CHILLY PEPPER FAMILY, are the ones who do that. YOU are doing the real rescue for the horses with no other options. Let’s do it again. These horses are absolutely precious and deserve every good thing for the rest of their lives.
At this point folks are asking why we are not getting the babies off the reservation. The babies being brought in are “ordered” and roped off their healthy Mama’s. It is part of a few folks idea of “range management’. I would agree wholeheartedly, but not until they are of the age to wean. So many of the “manufactured orphans” will die because your average folks have no idea the work it takes and how easily these babies crash. If you watch on the internet you will see new babies coming in to be “matched to Mama’s:, while their real Mama’s are heartbroken, and they have been stripped from their natural families as newborns or week old to month old babies. Chilly Pepper will NOT be involved in that. It breaks my heart, especially watching how long Mercedes suffered,.
We will always take actual orphans, or the injured etc. The gentleman I work with normally doesn’t even start rounding them up until June to give the babies time with their Mama’s.
Chilly Pepper will continue to do exactly as we always have. Be there for the real orphans, and horses in need, to the best of our ability.
If you want to help with the Vet Bill, call Goldendale Veterinary at 509-773-0369.
I appreciate every single one of our Chilly Pepper Family. God has truly blessed this rescue!
Have a safe, blessed and life saving 2023!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
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.
UPDATE – We have successfully pulled ALL 20 (not 18) horses in this rescue. THANK YOU MY CHILLY PEPPER FAMILY! AS ALWAYS, YOU ROCK!!
Now the real work begins.
With the good news comes sad as well. We had to say goodbye to Dusty, (one of the severely starved colts.) Doc had to end Dusty’s suffering as he was experiencing severe seizures to the point he couldn’t even stand up.
Snowman was suffering and after spending the night at the hospital Doc said it was time. Starvation is one of the most painful ways to die. It is excruciating and being starved will damage the organs where they often cannot be repaired.
Both left with full bellies, knowing they were loved.
So now the rehab and rehoming begin. I still need to get this last group vetted so they can travel when they are healthy enough.
I so appreciate all the love and support. We need lots & lots of hay, lol. With all these mouths to feed it’s gonna get interesting. They will all need grain, supplements etc. BASIN FEED – 509-773-4648 if you want to help with feed.
Doc’s number is 509-773-0369 if you want to help with the vet bill.
Thank you for your continued help with these precious lives.
I know God keeps sending us lots of emergencies, BUT IT IS TRULY LIFE AND DEATH for these horses.It is not just grabbing the cute ones, or the easy ones, or creating orphans so you can fundraise. It is stepping up and figuring out how to do the impossible. YOU, MY CHILLY PEPPER FAMILY, are the ones who do that. YOU are doing the real rescue for the horses with no other options. Let’s do it again. These horses are absolutely precious and deserve every good thing for the rest of their lives.
Let’s start 2023 by saving EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THESE PRECIOUS SOULS.
If you want to help with the Vet Bill, call Goldendale Veterinary at 509-773-0369.
I appreciate every single one of our Chilly Pepper Family. God has truly blessed this rescue!
Have a safe, blessed and life saving 2023!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
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.
We’re grateful for the generous donations supporters like you provide to AWHC year after year. As one of our most dedicated advocates, we wanted to make sure you received your virtual copy of our 2023 AWHC Member Card.
So here it is… Introducing our OFFICIAL 2023 American Wild Horse Campaign Member Card:
We have so much in store for 2023. Not only are we continuing our fight on the Hill, in courts, and in the field — we’re also working on a number of groundbreaking new initiatives — all in the name of keeping wild horses and burros in the wild where they belong.
We’re laser-focused on our mission to preserve the freedom of wild mustangs and burros. That means in 2023, we are:
Proving through our fertility control program on Nevada’s Virginia Range that humane, in-the-wild management works, AND expanding our fertility control programs to other herds across the West; Continuing our lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management’s Adoption Incentive Program that’s sending horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline and our legal team is preparing for other upcoming legal battles; Working with key legislators in Congress to pass wild horse-friendly legislation; Spreading the word about the threats our cherished wild horses face through our national awareness campaign and celebrity ambassador program; And so much more!!
Thank you for your support — both past and present. We’re grateful to have you along with us as we head into the new year.
Introducing our OFFICIAL 2023 American Wild Horse Campaign Member Card:
We have so much in store for 2023. Not only are we continuing our fight on the Hill, in court, and in the field — we’re also working on a number of groundbreaking new initiatives — all in the name of keeping wild horses and burros in the wild where they belong.
We’re laser-focused on our mission to preserve the freedom of wild mustangs and burros. That means in 2023, we are:
Proving through our fertility control program on Nevada’s Virginia Range that humane, in-the-wild management works, AND expanding our fertility control programs to other herds across the West;
Continuing our lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management’s Adoption Incentive Program that’s sending horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline and our legal team is preparing for other upcoming legal battles;
Working with key legislators in Congress to pass wild horse-friendly legislation;
Spreading the word about the threats our cherished wild horses face through our national awareness campaign and celebrity ambassador program; And so much more!!
We are starting off 2023 with a huge and tragic call for help.
There are 18? wild mustangs, domestics? who are starving to death.Their owners are deathly ill and have reached out for emergency help.
There are 6 ? young stallions who will need gelded, once they are stable enough for surgery, and every one of these will need special care extra groceries, vetting etc.
It costs roughly $450to feed and care for one of these horses AFTER IT IS RESCUED. This DOES NOT include the initial expenses to save the horse, transportation, get it coggins and gelded if needed. Gelding can be $350 on up, and I HAVE TO RAISE ENOUGH to support every horse for at least 3 months.
Gelding the 6 stallions will be close to $3000 with their vaccines, and that is just a drop in the bucket.
WILL YOUHELP ME SAVE THESE LIVES?
I DO NOT WANT TO STAND IN FRONT OF A WET, COLD AND STARVING HORSE AND SAY “SORRY, BUT I COULDN’T RAISE ENOUGH MONEY TO SAVE YOU!”
I am heading out, but will ONLY be able to pick up as many as we have funds to take care of. We need at LEAST 3 MONTHS worth of groceries as hay is upwards of $30 a bale in many places for the good stuff and these kids obviously will need special feed and care.
PLEASE DONATE NOW SO I can get these kids to a warm dry place with good feed.
Let’s start 2023 by saving EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THESE PRECIOUS SOULS.
If you want to help with the Vet Bill, call Goldendale Veterinary at 509-773-0369.
I appreciate every single one of our Chilly Pepper Family. God has truly blessed this rescue!
Have a safe, blessed and life saving 2023!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
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.
December 9 was a night to remember for AWHC thanks to the success of our 5th Annual Stay Wild event in Denver! Colorado Governor Jared Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis headlined the VIP guest list, which also included other state political leaders and leaders in the wild horse advocacy and business communities.
The event was held at Scott Wilson’s Gallery 6 in Denver’s art district. Scott is an award-winning wildlife and landscape photographer and our very own Director of Strategy and Marketing.
Governor Jared Polis gives formal remarks to guests at the event.
The event provided a platform to announce an exciting political development: A bill to be introduced by State Senator Joann Ginal and State Representative Monica Duran to designate the wild mustang as the official state horse of Colorado!
The night was filled with great conversation about how we can work to protect these magnificent animals, Scott’s powerful photography featuring some of Colorado’s very own wild mustangs, an amazing film preview, and moving speeches.
“I care for these wild, untamed beauties … and believe that to see wild horses as a problem to be solved is wrong. We need to work toward creative solutions to give wild horses the dignity and respect they deserve.”
— Colorado First Gentleman Marlon Reis
The governor – a longtime advocate for wild horse protection – highlighted his belief that Colorado is well positioned to be a leader in wild horse management and a model for the West.
From left to right: AWHC Executive Director Suzanne Roy, First Gentleman Marlon Reis, Governor Jared Polis, Scott Wilson, and AWHC Board President Ellie Phipps Price.
We’re grateful to Governor Polis and First Gentleman Reis, whose compassionate leadership is moving the ball forward toward better protection of Colorado’s wild horses and wild lands.
We’ve set a goal to raise $100,000 before midnight tonight to fuel our fight for wild horses and burros as we head into 2023.
This might seem like a lofty goal, but Giving Tuesday is our MOST critical fundraising day of the entire year, and with the enormous challenges facing these cherished animals, we will need to come out of the gates in 2023 ready to fight.
Over the last two years, our Investigations Team has uncovered that the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) failed Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) has become a mechanism for nefarious people to launder wild horses and burros into the slaughter pipeline. Since we launched our investigation, our team has documented over 1,100 once-wild mustangs and burros in kill pens and slaughter auctions across the country.
That’s why we’re dedicating a portion of all the funds raised today to the countless innocent victims of the AIP.
Despite this evidence, top BLM officials went on record at the most recent Advisory Board meeting claiming that: “There is no credible information” showing horses or burros are being sent to slaughter as a result of the AIP.
This denial of truth is made all the more outrageous because our irrefutableevidence resulted in an explosive front-page New York Times exposé, ignited public outrage, and prompted Congress to take action calling for an investigation into the AIP.
In fact, our Congressional champions were so outraged that they made sure the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act of 2022 would ban the use of cash incentives for wild horse and burro adoptions! It’s time for the BLM to listen to reason and put an end to the AIP cash incentives that are sending these animals into the slaughter pipeline — and we’re not giving up until they do.
We were able to save Grandma Gladys, and she is happy, cuddly and LOVING actually being fed. However, she needs special groceries and we need to buy more hay in NV for the permanent residents. I had to buy truck tires yesterday and did so completely on Faith! It was definitely not in the budget, but I have to be safe, especially when hauling 14,000 pounds in the winter.
Purchase truck tires $1800 Hay in NV – will be $1500 Goldendale Vet $1500 (approx.) Sparkles Vet bill – $325 (approx) initial bill I still haven’t received Golconda Vet bill – $100? (Doc had to do a ranch call )- Anika is ok)
Sadly I am having to really address my physical issues at this time. I am having more and more limitations on what I can do physically, and that affects everything, So I figured it was time to share what is actually happening. I am pretty much having to hire help for most ALL of the physical needs of the rescue. This isn’t really new, but the amount of help I need has definitely increased.
I have had about 50+ surgeries, with the latest being just last December. I have RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) which is a horrific nerve disease, as well asfibromyalgia.
I have a generator and battery pack in my stomach, and a spinal cord stimulator in my spine. Lately I have been needing my crutches, but my right shoulder replacement is giving me grief and definitely does Not want me using crutches. I can’t roll my wheel chair with my shoulders so messed up either. My brace is broken and I could really use a new body lol.If I was a horse I would put me down lol, but God still has lives for us to save!
This has been my normal life for years, but it is starting to affect what I need for the rescue in a much bigger way. I need to hire A LOT more help. It’s all good, but it makes for an added expense. It is also a huge reason why my Thank you’s are so behind, as well as everything else. I can only sit at my desk for increments of an hour or so at the most.
I am honestly just extremely grateful to God that I am not stuck on a couch scarfing pain pills. It’s either go non stop and “git ‘er done” (I can’t sit still because of the pain) or be in a coma on pain pills. Luckily I can get up most every day and do a little bit. I would not share this personal stuff, but I need folks to understand that although I am habitually behind, I APPRECIATE EVERY DONATION AND AM SORRY my Thank You’s are so slow.
Again, this is nothing new, with the exception of the pain being much worse lately. We still saved 83 horses this year, 5 cats and a dog. This is all due to YOU, MY AMAZING CHILLY PEPPER FAMILY. I want to make sure everyone truly understands, that me being late sending out Thank You’s is NOT from lack of caring or appreciation. It is literally being overwhelmed by 24/7 chronic pain, lack of internet which makes a 10 minute job take an hour, and just trying to get as much done as I can.
We are still waiting for the beautiful Mercedes to have her foal. Please say a prayer for safe and healthy Mom and Baby.
Please call 509-773-0369 if you would like to help with the vet bill.
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.
Thanks to the support and generosity of our AAE family, you’ve helped turn a challenging year into one filled with hope.
AAE moved to our new home in Pilot Hill. It has been a difficult transition at times and it is still a work in progress. In the coming year, we need to set up more equipment, including a new barn, and cross off a few other to-dos on our list. Nevertheless, we are beyond grateful to be here and are thankful to everyone who helped us make the move. We are excited for what the future holds and all that will be able to accomplish with this larger property.
This year we received an increased number of requests from families who needed to surrender their horses. We always strive to rescue as many as equine as we can, but with the increased requests along with the soaring hay costs and California fuel prices, we unfortunately weren’t able to help everyone who needed it. Thanks to you, we did rescue some equine who had special needs and gave them a second chance for a better life. Horses like Gabby, a retired racehorse who was emaciated and battling chronic issues; Elliott who struggled with urinating freely, and instead, had urine dribbling almost continuously, scalding his skin; old Granger who arrived undernourished, having to fight for food in a herd of eight other much younger horses; and most recently, a pair of donkeys (one in dire need of care) who were abandoned by their person.
Our goal is to raise $7500 for GivingTuesday, beginning now until next week on November 29, and at least $25,000 this holiday season. We need your help to reach our goal. Tis the season for giving, and any gifts would be greatly appreciated as we move into and through 2023.
Together we can give more horses a second chance for a healthy, happy future and a life of love!
Kick off your Thanksgiving by giving to your favorite horses!
GivingTuesday might be a week away, but you don’t have to wait. You can donate now and help us reach our goal of $7500!
Whether you give $1000, $100, or $5, any amount makes a HUGE difference for the horses! No donation is too small. In fact, if every one of our followers made a $1 donation, we could surpass our GivingTuesday goal by thousands.
Ways To Give
Whether you donate now, on GivingTuesday, or any day in between, there are several ways you can give.
(1) Donate by clicking here or using a red donate button below.
We know there are many non-profits that are deserving of donations, especially at this time of year. We appreciate your support of AAE today and always.
SPARKLES Update – As I write this, the tears are streaming once again. My heart is literally shattered and I am wondering if I can really keep doing this.
I was firing up the truck to go pick up Sparkles, and heard “Doc needs to talk to you 1st”. My heart felt like it was exploding. I knew it was not good news. Sparkles had crashed again and this time it was too much.
I rushed down to the vet and my heart broke. Her eyes were covered in a blue film and were almost vacant. She whinnied once, but then almost seemed catatonic. I wrapped my arms around her sobbing like a child. I was so angry, and I am still so angry. I prayed so hard and I still don’t know why God didn’t let me keep her. Sometimes it is just too much and I don’t know how to keep breathing. There is no justification for her condition. It is beyond comprehension.
All I know is our beautiful girl now knows no pain. She is not suffering and she died wrapped in love. The hurt is beyond words.
I do have some news regarding her that I will share later. It is important and no one will want to miss it.
Peanut is doing well,PTL! but my big concern at this moment is the vet bill. (Thank you everyone who donated for sparkles. She was buried with love and respect thanks to y’all).. It is at $3000 including all the donations but NOT her euthanasia or burial or tests that were needed.
As you can see, Mercedes is a whale, and she is showing small signs that she might actually deliver???? My concern is that the baby seems to be huge, and IF I NEED TO CALL DOC, The vet bill has to be paid down asap.
I don’t know anything else to do but ask folks to step up and help. I don’t want Mercedes to suffer because we tried so hard to help Sparkles.
I am praying she has an easy delivery, but I NEED to have access to emergency vet care if it is needed. Time will be of the essence. Hopefully she will be fine, but we need to be prepared.
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO has been helping save these lives, and for helping Sparkles know love and have a full tummy for a few weeks before passing on. She was a Mama’s girl and followed me everywhere. Her loss is devastating.
Please call 509-773-0369 if you would like to help with the vet bill.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES
Suzanne here — I wanted to give you an update about the important work of AWHC’s legal team right now and the looming legal battles ahead to protect wild horses and burros.
From a legal perspective, the situation surrounding wild horses and burros is very unique. These equines are legally protected as living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West and as an integral part of public lands they inhabit. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the agency tasked with managing most of these beloved animals, but sadly as you and I both know, Meredith, wild horses and burros are threatened by the outdated and unscientific management practices the agency implements.
For years, our legal team has worked to build a strong firewall of protection around wild horses and burros, but we’re not done yet.We have a few key upcoming legal battles that will decide the fate of thousands of wild horses and burros.
We are:
Continuing our litigation against the implementation of the BLM’s disastrous Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) that’s sending hundreds — if not thousands — of wild horses into the slaughter pipeline;
Taking legal action to hold the agency accountable when it fails to release critical records we request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA);
Tracking the BLM’s rulemaking process to “clarify its authorities” under the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act and pursuing a rulemaking petition to strengthen the agency’s Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program Guidelines and make them enforceable.
As we take on these fights in the courts, we are gearing up for the final legal showdown in our decade-long battle to stop the BLM from removing two million acres of federally protected habitat and eradicating the beloved wild horses who live in the Checkerboard region of Wyoming. The final decision has been made by the BLM and its release is imminent, but with your help, we will be ready to go to court to defend Wyoming’s iconic Checkerboard herds.
Our gratitude for our donors, volunteers, and supporters is immense. Your contributions make a difference in the lives of horses each and every day!
Thank you for making possible the work we each day.
Gabby Update!
Though Gabby looks like a completely different horse than the emaciated, sickly mare that came in earlier this year, this beautiful red head has had challenge after challenge. If you aren’t familiar, Gabby came to AAE through law enforcement. She arrived with chronic eye and sinus infections. She had a space (diastema) between two teeth and an opening in her gums that extended into her sinus. When she chewed, food packed into the space and ultimately pushed into the sinus. She went in for surgery to extract a tooth to prevent ongoing food packing and to allow the fistula to close. Once sedated and preparing to extract the first tooth, the fistula was much larger than anticipated, and the tooth on the opposite side of the fistula needed to be removed, as well. As a result, she had an extended hospitalization so her sinus could be flushed regularly to eliminate food collecting again in her sinus while the fistula healed/closed.
Since surgery, Gabby has continued to battle the chronic eye infection which was likely a result of the chronic sinus infection. Ultimately, the long term infection caused a dry eye and recurrent ulcers despite ongoing treatment and various medications. Thankfully, the fistula closed, and the sinus infection has resolved, but the eye irritation/infection continues, though it is slowly improving.
Gabby initially tested negative for Cushing’s disease at intake. With the chronic infection, she was tested again. This time, she was positive and started daily medication. She has also experienced multiple hoof abscesses, the worst coming during the Mosquito fire evacuation. Radiographs of her front hooves identified not one, but two old fractures. One at the tip of her left coffin bone, the other at a wing of her right front coffin bone. Corrective shoes were placed to support her. Needless to say, this sweet girl is having a heck of a time overcoming all of her issues.
Please send some healing energies her way.
Of course, Gabby’s extended hospital stay and ongoing issues have been a big hit to our vet budget. If you are able to help Gabby’s costs, we’d greatly appreciate it.
Elliot is doing well, healing and growing! In case you don’t know, Elliott is a ~19 month old captive bred mustang. He came to AAE because he couldn’t urinate normally and needed surgery to reconfigure his sheath. His prior family didn’t know he had congenital issues causing his sheath and penis to develop abnormally. He also has no palpable testicles.
Elliott had a condition called preputial stenosis, which caused his penis to be trapped inside his sheath. When he urinated, urine was also trapped in his sheath so he would dribble urine causing scalding of his sheath, belly, and legs. Sadly, his breeder could have had this easily repaired when he was a foal. Instead, he passed him on to an unsuspecting family that wanted to help him. Another vet suggested he was possibly a hermaphrodite and there was no penis.
Fast forward, AAE was contacted for help, and Elliott had surgery to reconfigure his sheath and free Willy. Turns out, Elliott’s penis is about half the size of a normal horse, and it is partially attached inside his sheath. However, surgery went well, and Elliott is healing now. Because AAE evacuated during the Mosquito Fire (just to be safe), Elliott had an extended stay at the hospital to minimize stress (his and our) and to assure he got needed care and treatment. Ell is back in Pilot Hill and starting to act like a young, playful colt (good and bad, lol). Once his sheath heals, we need to go searching for the jewels, bloodwork indicates there is still some hiding going on…at least one undescended testicle. A follow up surgery will be scheduled once he’s healed and ready to go.
Due to Elliott’s extended hospital stay, we’re just a little bit short on his fundraising for his initial surgery, and he has a follow up surgery in the near future. We’ll update costs as soon as we schedule.
Sadly, our Danny-boy left us last month. We’ve all got empty spots in our hearts from missing this sweet ol’ man. Danny came to AAE in 2017 when his family was experiencing a health crisis. He was 27 and had been with his human mom his entire life. Unfortunately, she was unable to continue providing care for him and had to make a painful decision in his best interest. Fortunately for AAE, we got to spend the next five years enjoying this guy’s big heart. Danny was a favorite to many volunteers and visitors. He wooed them all with his shoulder hug. Danny would greet everyone at every opportunity by putting his head upon their shoulder. It was the warmest, fuzziest feeling. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body, and he could stand at anyone’s shoulder 24-hours. Danny’s hugs were endless, and as was everyone’s love for him.
Danny had more than his share of ups and downs the last couple years. He battled with an unknown intestinal issue. None of the many diagnostics and vet visits we utilized were able to pinpoint the issue, but it was akin to IBS or maybe some type of cancer. He overcame a few bouts of laminitis, and he had several skin infections. Regardless, Danny has been a valiant fighter, and he always rebounded with great spirit. Never did we question his will to live, and thankfully, his time here in Pilot Hill has been very good. Most recently, Danny’s appetite was waning, and he lost considerable weight the past few months. That said, he was happy, full of energy, and full of life. He loved his turnouts in the corner pasture with the “special” herd. He frolicked, he ran, he raced. Though his 32 years were catching up to him, nothing suggested he was ready to go. Maybe he knew. My last check in with him was only hours before he passed. He was his normal full of pep Danny. He smiled, he gave me a little “what for”, and we said good night. I never imagined that would be the last time. He left us in the night; he chose the time and way he would go. All indications suggest he passed quick and easy. For all of that, I am beyond grateful. At 32 and his body weight waning, we all knew the time was coming, but his life was good through the very end. Thank you, Danny, you made this world very special for all you touched and you will be missed greatly. Run free ol’ boy, run free.
Like many of our resident horses, Danny was cremated so we could bring him home to rest with AAE and all of our volunteers. If you’d like to help with Danny’s cremation costs or make a donation in memory of his hugs, we always appreciate the love.
We asked for a caption for this photo, and Red Hot Filly Peppers was the best caption ever! These three lucky girls, Chesney, Clare, and Teea, were adopted as a trio last month. This might well be one of the best adoptions ever! These three captive born mustangs came to AAE from a distressed mustang sanctuary back in summer/fall 2020. They had been living in small paddocks for years, and hadn’t had much handling in years. Their hooves were overgrown, and they had various issues. Shortly after intake, the work began. Handling, haltering, and hoof care, then deworming, dentals, vaccines, and microchips. In time, all were done, and they were learning to trust humans again. It didn’t take long before all three were turned out together. After moving to Pilot Hill, it became very clear the bond among these three was very tight, and we realized we needed to find them a home together. That was no easy task. It’s hard enough to find a home for two bonded horses, let alone three middle-aged mustangs that haven’t been saddle trained! The best we can do is plant the seed, and hope it grows. It did!!! These girls now share five acres on a larger vineyard property. They are a dream come true for their new mom. They will be trained to their potential, and they will help with vegetation management on the vineyard. These three amigas got so lucky!!
First we would like to thank you all for your outpouring of kind responses to our last email in regards to our non profit status being lost. We have met some of the best people through the donkeys and mules and it is definitely one of the biggest perks of what we do. So from the bottoms of our hearts, thank you!
Its a.. GELDING!
Some of you may remember the little intact Jack, Apollo that came to us July of this year. The end of September was the big day he’s been waiting for…ok ok that we have been waiting for.
We brought Apollo to a gelding clinic at that was hosted at Gerdas Equine Rescue Inc. The procedure went smoothly. It will take between one and two months for his hormones to settle down and for him to be safe to be in with other donkeys. After that Apollo can finally have donkey friends! It was quite an adventure of a day and we are very grateful to GER for hosting and to the vets, vet students and vet techs from Tufts University who did all the castrations today and took such great care of our spunky little boy! Congrats Apollo, onto a better happier life with many donkey friends in your future!
Athena
Athena came to the rescue as Apollo’s companion. She was in need of some groceries in addition to vet and farrier care. She is feeling like a new mare now thanks to all of you. We do not usually take in horses, however sometimes they do come with donkey friends. We try to take them in with their ‘ear challenged friends’ to ease everyone’s stress, the owners and the animals peace of mind are what is most important to us. We also took a blood test to make sure there was not a mule baby brewing in her belly, and thankfully there was not.
Galdalf and Wichahpi
Gandalf and Whichahpi are part of the 4 equines we took in from a neglect case in NJ. They went from an auction to a sanctuary that was supposed to give them refuge. But instead they were yet again neglected and watched more of their friends die of neglect. We are very thankful they are with us now and will never know mistreatment like that ever again.
Wichahpi had started becoming progressively more lame as his time went on with us. He’s been gaining weight but loosing muscle mass and was increasingly sore and stiff on one of his back legs.
Wichahpi was seen by our vet to have radiographs done of his leg and back. The consensus is not the good news we were all hoping for unfortunately. Wichahpi has an old injury on his spine that now resembles kissing spine. In addition to this there is severe arthritis in his leg, and an eye issue that is most likely cancer. These are most likely the ‘reasons’ he was originally dumped into the slaughter auction pipeline years ago.
Right now our boy is on some heavy pain killers to help him to stay comfortable. But there are also two other major factors that need to be taken into consideration. His other leg has been bearing all/ most of his weight to compensate for the other injured leg. His “good” leg is breaking down and failing now as well. In addition to that a New England winter would not be kind to put him through with these kind of injuries.
It is only a matter of time before he will not have the chance for a peaceful goodbye, that we beleive all animals deserve.
We will be letting sweet Wichahpi go at the end of October, he will be surrounded by people who love him very much.
Thank you all so much for donating to my Birthday fundraiser last week for Wichahpi. You all made it possible to get the X-rays and blood work done that he needed and a few rounds of his pain meds.
BREAKING: Today, a bipartisan group of wild horse champions in Congress, Reps. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced major reform legislation.
This bill calls for MAJOR reform to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) Wild Horse and Burro Programs including:
Repealing the Burns Amendment, which amended the original 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to allow for the commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses and burros.
Ending the cash incentives for adoption that are resulting in droves of wild horses and burros entering the slaughter pipeline.
Preventing killing as a population control method and restricting the use of euthanasia to only life-threatening conditions.
Prioritizing humane population management with tools like fertility control rather than inhumane helicopter roundups and removals.
Encouraging partnerships with military veterans and non-governmental organizations in the name of keeping wild horses and burros wild.
Since its passage in 1971, the original Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act has been weakened by amendments meant to benefit private interests. It’s time to take back control of the legislative agenda for wild horses and pass a bill that addresses the most pressing crises facing wild horses and burros right now.
I called Doc this morning as Sparkles was crashing. She could hardly walk as her back legs were buckling, and her head was down and her eyes were dull. She was exhausted!
I was so scared it was over. Doc said to give her a Vitamin Shot and bring her in. She literally couldn’t step up into the trailer and kept trying to drop her back end. We had to find/make a ramp to get her in.
She seemed much more alert and active when we arrived at the vet. The shot was kicking in. Doc and I both want to give her every chance, so we are running blood and hoping for another miracle.
Doc said she looks so much better and they do have bad days.
Our vet bill is huge and we need help asap. I want to be able to give her whatever treatment might help her. She is admitted right now, but I need to get the bill down substantially. Doc has been out here numerous times checking Mercedes, gelding Tarzan and drawing blood for Coggins.
We need SPECIAL HAY and feed for Sparkles and Peanut and I simply am running short on funds.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
Over the past two years, we’ve been working diligently to raise awareness about the deadly consequences of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) –and that work is paying off:
The Las Vegas Review-Journal published an article last month highlighting the findings of our newest report on the slaughter pipeline resulting from the AIP. This program is meant to incentivize the adoption of wild horses and burros and to provide them with a new home, but in reality it has led to over 1,000 of these innocent animals being funneled to slaughter auctions where if not rescued, they are shipped to foreign slaughter plants.
It’s bad enough that these precious horses and burros are subjected to the BLM’s inhumane helicopter roundups and removals, but the agency’s continued operation of a program that is funneling federally-protected animals into the slaughter pipeline is unacceptable. That’s why we are doing everything we can to alert the public to the plight of wild horses → Enter: Our national awareness campaign and our homepage takeover of the Review-Journal!
Last month, we launched our first ever nationwide advertising campaign to ramp up the pressure on the BLM to end cruel helicopter roundups and keep wild horses in the wild where they belong. From Colorado to Oregon, we’ve been hitting the airwaves and engaging folks to urge their members of Congress to stand up for these innocent animals.
And so far, our campaign has been a HUGE success. When Americans learn about the brutal tactics the BLM uses to “manage” our wild horses and burros, they’re shocked, they’re angry, and they are ready to take action. We are so excited that our efforts to raise awareness about the BLM’s mistreatment of wild horses are working, but raising awareness is only one piece of the puzzle.
We’d be so happy if Brodie could find his forever home! If you think you sound like a good match for Brodie, please visit his page to learn more and submit an “Adoption Inquiry”.
being hit. However, it is clear he had been suffering for some time with his cancer. He had broken glass all over him, and you can clearly see he was split open on his hindquarters.
Proving through our fertility control program on Nevada’s Virginia Range that humane, in-the-wild management works,
We are starting off 2023 with a huge and tragic call for help.
SPARKLES Update
