International Women’s Day

The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today, as we celebrate the monumental strides women have made across all sectors of society, our team at American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC) is especially proud to shine a spotlight on our lead mares – the incredible women leading the charge for sustainable, humane wild horse and burro conservation.

In the vast expanse of the American West, lead mares play a pivotal role within wild horse bands. These matriarchs don’t just represent physical beauty and strength; they are the emotional backbone of their herds and the keepers of wisdom passed down through the generations. Just as the wild has its lead mares, guiding with wisdom and strength, AWHC is steered by visionary women who embody these very qualities!

Eleanor Phipps Price: Co-Chair, AWHC Board of Directors

Ellie Price is the founding board member of AWHC and a true champion for wild horses and burros. Much like the lead mare, Ellie has steered AWHC through the years with a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to our cause. As the owner of Dunstan Wines at Durell Vineyard in Sonoma County and a dedicated philanthropist, she brings business expertise and political savvy to our organization. Ellie is the founder of Montgomery Creek Ranch, a 2,000-acre Northern California wild horse sanctuary providing refuge to more than 250 mustangs and burros rescued from the brink of slaughter. Ellie’s passion, vision, and leadership are irreplaceable as AWHC continues to evolve as the nation’s foremost wild horse conservation organization.

Patricia Miller: Co-Chair, AWHC Board of Directors

Next, we’d like to spotlight Patricia Miller, who co-chairs the AWHC Board of Directors with Ellie. Patricia’s journey from a visionary in the corporate world to a champion for nature and animals reflects the multifaceted role of a lead mare. As CEO of M4 Factory, she is an innovative leader in the field of regenerative, sustainable consumer product manufacturing and design. And as the Founder of Irving & Judd, she is defining a Factory-to-Consumer business model with small batch consumer goods, a vertically integrated supply chain, and regenerative design. Her innovative approach to sustainability and her passionate advocacy for all sentient beings are instrumental in helping advance AWHC’s mission and guiding our evolution and growth. Patricia’s leadership is helping us shape the future of wild horse and burro conservation.

Suzanne Roy: AWHC Executive Director

And finally, our fearless leader Suzanne Roy! Suzanne’s tireless dedication to animal protection over three decades mirrors the lead mare’s commitment to her herd. From launching the fight to save America’s Air Force Chimpanzees in the 1990s, an effort that ultimately led to the retirement of these deserving animals to a Florida sanctuary, to advocating for the conservation of America’s iconic wild horses and burros for over a decade, Suzanne has spent most of her career pursuing her passion for animal protection.

Prior to entering the animal welfare field, Suzanne was a political consultant, working on a variety of campaigns including as New Hampshire press secretary for Senator Gary Hart’s 1988 presidential bid. She currently resides in northern California with her family, including a big gray warmblood horse named Cobalt. Her leadership inspires us everyday as we fight for our precious wild herds.

In honor of International Women’s Day, let us take a moment to thank these remarkable women. Just like the lead mares in the wild, they guide AWHC with wisdom, grace, and unbridled strength. We are so grateful to call them a part of our herd. 

From the entire AWHC team, thank you to  Eleanor, Patricia, Suzanne, and all the women who contribute to our cause to create a brighter future for America’s wild horses and burros!

Sincerely,
American Wild Horse Conservation