ISPMB UPDATE – Still Here in the Ice and Snow in South Dakota
The following is an update on the ISPBM situation from Chilly Pepper-Miracle Mustang Rescue.
It was 3 a.m., as I lay awake listening to the howling winds and blowing snow. So many little ones we had not been allowed to pull were out there with their families. There are no wind breaks or shelter, except the warmth of the families hunched together. Such frigid temperatures and icy slippery conditions weighed heavily on my heart. Were the babies ok?
It has been so intense here. So many victories with each and every horse we load into a trailer headed for safety and a new life. So much heartache when the stallions simply fly over the 6 foot panels while we are setting up to load them. At this point we have 4 stallions in one of the “stallion pens” and they are scheduled to come back to Chilly Pepper with Matt and I.
So far we have had the Paint Stallion penned up several times, but he stood straight up, and then simply launched himself over the panel. As he proudly ran away the tears filled my eyes. They have no idea what they are running into.
Mules and Donkeys in the Bible
When I posted this on Facebook about mules in the Bible…
Origins: The mule is mentioned in mankind’s earliest records. Consider this passage from the Bible: “And Absolom met the servants of David. And Absolom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the Heavens and the earth, and the mule that was under him went away.” (II Samuel 18:9). If you choose to ride a mule, you will need a good sense of humor!!!
…we were asked about mules really being in the Bible. We sent an email to a Rabbi inquiring about the translation of the ancient Hebrew word for “mule” or “pered.” Here is the reply:
“Solomon rode on a mule (1Ki 1:38) because his father David told Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to “cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule” (v 33). This is the word for a “she-mule” (BDB, TWOT). Its three Old Testament uses are all in this passage (see v 44), referring to one mule, David’s. Solomon’s riding on David’s mule in company with David’s advisors gave a clear message: he was the successor David had chosen. Years later in secular history, female mules became preferable for riding and males for bearing burdens. That may have been a factor in David’s having this special mule. Second, an observation. David’s sons all rode on (male) mules (2Sa 13:29) and Absalom rode a mule at the end of his life (2Sa 18:9). Since a mule is crossbred between a mare and a male donkey, and since crossbreeding was prohibited in Israel (Lev 19:19), mules were likely imported (TWOT), and were thus more valued. They (along with horses, silver, and gold, etc.) symbolized the wealth that other kings brought to Solomon annually (1Ki 10:25). Third, a suggestion. The greatest reason for David’s choice of a mule rather than a horse may have been God’s prohibition for kings (Deu 17:16): they were not to multiply horses to themselves. David was careful in this. Solomon, to his own destruction, was not (1Ki 10:26, 28).”
SAYLER Longears Available for Adoption
This is a post about longears available from the Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue. They are a 501c3 doing great work to try to rescue these abandoned and sometimes abused equines.
The poor economy has affected us all. We only have eight animals at a time in the rescue. This ensures every animal getting the individual care and attention it deserves. Every time an animal goes to it’s new home, that makes room for another to come in. Hopefully the move to lower our adoption fees a bit will help more people be able to welcome a long ear into their lives.
Visit our Adoption Information page for more information on how to adopt a long ear from SYALER.
Pepper
Pepper is a three year old mini donkey gelding. His former owner rescued him from life in a dog cage!! He is a sweet little guy, and adorable to look at. He was very pushy with other donkeys when he first came in but now, a month later he has calmed down a lot and is getting along well with his pasture mates.
He is a bit of a handful for the vet, but not horrible…just doesn’t like to stand still. There is no aggression at all, just antsy. Same for the farrier. He does much better if he is not restrained tightly, but a bit of sedation for the first couple of trims would not be a bad idea.
I would like to see him in a home with a gelding of a similar age so he will have someone to play with. He loves to play!
He is utd on rabies and tetanus and has a negative coggins.
Adoption fee: $600.00
THANKSGIVING UPDATE on 800 SLAUGHTER BOUND HORSES
The following is an update on the ISPBM situation from Chilly Pepper-Miracle Mustang Rescue.
This is a tough one to write. Thank you! to everyone for the love, support and prayers you are sending. We have made real progress, but are still not even close to where we need to be. However, together we have saved about 25% of the horses so far. When you look at how many are still out there, your heart breaks. But, for the horses that have been saved, it is EVERYTHING.
The situation is fast coming to a close, and I can’t imagine it being a happy one. We officially have 7 days left, although Karen is in default of the court order. It is terribly painful to get to know these horses and realize that we won’t be able to save them all.
The stallions are fighting non stop as we break their hearts. Every time we steal their families, they fight more and it is obvious they are hurting. They run the fence line, screaming for their families. The number of stallions is staggering, as you have 16 years worth of colts who have grown up in the mix also. This creates highly dangerous conditions when sorting the horses.
Ask Trump: Protect Our Mustangs
The following is an update from the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign.
Just last week, to the nation’s surprise, Donald Trump won the presidential election with a promise to cut through political bureaucracy and give government back to the people. Now let’s ask President-Elect Trump to listen to the will of the American public, which overwhelmingly opposes horse slaughter and wants our wild horses and burros protected on our public lands.
Mr. Trump is asking for the citizens’ ideas on how to make America great again. Just click the link below to tell him. The stakes could not be higher — tens of thousands of wild horses are at risk of brutal slaughter — so please act today!
Craft your own message, or cut and paste this one: “Please save our American mustangs – living symbols of America’s greatness. It’s time to fix federal government mismanagement of wild horses and burros. These national icons deserve to be protected and humanely managed, not rounded up and brutally slaughtered.”
LTR Presents: Spuds & Augie in “Spa Days”
Our miniature donkeys, Spuds & Augie, have a day in the “spa”. Watch the adorable music video compilation of their grooming sessions.
AHC UPDATE: Congress Passes National Forest Service Trail Stewardship Act
The following is an announcement from the American Horse Council.
Today, the Senate passed the National Forest Service Trail Stewardship Act of 2015 (H.R.845 S.1110). This follows House passage of the bill earlier this fall. The bill, introduced by Representatives Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tim Walz (D-MN) and Senators Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), would direct the Forest Service to take several actions to help address the current trail maintenance backlog that is adversely impacting all trail users on many National Forests, including equestrians.
The American Horse Council, Backcountry Horsemen of America, and the Wilderness Society were significantly involved in the creation and passage of this bill.
The AHC is pleased Congress has approved this important legislation. The AHC would like to thank Representatives Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tim Walz (D-MN) and Senators Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) for their leadership and work to pass this bill.
The bill directs the Forest Service to develop a strategy to more effectively utilize volunteers and partners to assist in maintaining national forest trails. It will also provide outfitters and guides the ability to perform trail maintenance activities in lieu of permit fees. Additionally, the bill will address a liability issue that has discouraged some national forests from utilizing volunteers and partner organizations to help perform trail maintenance and will direct the Forest Service to identify and prioritize specific areas with the greatest need for trail maintenance in the national forest system.
In the current fiscal environment it is unlikely Congress will appropriate additional funds to directly address the trail maintenance backlog. This bill will help improve trail maintenance without the need for additional funding.
The President is expected to sign the bill into law in the near future.
Dressage Mule Slate Helps Spread Awareness of Working Equines
This is a repost from Brooke USA.
Lexington, Ky. – November 15, 2016 – Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Vicky Busch and her mule “Slate” continue to spread awareness of the plight of working equines in the developing world and the work of Brooke USA. Most recently Slate and his young rider, Busch’s student Isabella Rodwig won their Training Level Test 3 class at the dressage schooling show at Amen Corner Farm in Folsom, LA.
Isabella Rodwig and Slate Compete at the Amen Corner Farm Schooling Show
The pair did so in style and with a nod to Brooke USA, with a large Brooke USA heart painted on the mule’s rump. Busch uses Slate’s engaging personality and the novelty of seeing him at a dressage show to educate the crowds he draws about the mission of Brooke USA. She hopes that Slate and his young rider will continue to compete in more dressage shows this year with the goal of qualifying for the USDF Region 9 Championships sponsored by the Houston Dressage Society.
Since learning about Brooke USA, Busch and her husband Eric have been generous supporters. For more than 80 years, Brooke has been alleviating the suffering of equines who work in some of the poorest communities on Earth. Brooke’s scientifically proven, practical and sustainable solutions to enormous equine welfare challenges actively improve the lives of equine animals and the people who depend on them. Last year alone, Brooke reached 1.8 million equines, benefiting 10 million people in the developing world.
Slate and Isabella Ready to Spread the Word About Brooke USA
Owning Slate has made the work that Brooke USA does – helping working equines including mules around the world – a cause close to Busch’s heart. She hopes that she can use the attention that Slate attracts to bring more awareness to Brooke USA, and put a personal touch on it. Busch is eager to tell Slate’s admirers at shows about the important work of Brooke USA and how they can help improve the lives of working equines around the world who are not as lucky as Slate to have such a wonderful home.
About Brooke USA
Brooke USA is a 501(c)(3) charity located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, which exists solely to support the overseas work of Brooke, the world’s largest international equine welfare charity. For more than 80 years, Brooke has been alleviating the suffering of horses, donkeys and mules who work in some of the poorest communities on earth. Brooke’s scientifically proven, practical and sustainable solutions to enormous welfare challenges improve the lives of equine animals and the people who depend on them across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central America. Last year alone, Brooke reached 1.8 million equines, benefiting 10 million people in the developing world. To learn more, visit BrookeUSA.org.
Support AWHPC with New 2017 Calendar
Help keep the wild horses & burros wild by supporting the good work of the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign. Their brand new 2017 calendar is available and all proceeds go to fund advocacy, litigation, field and rescue programs. Click here to get yours!
AWARE Rural Mobile Donkey Clinics to Vaccinate 35,000 Donkeys in Zimbabwe
The following is an article by Sifelani Tsiko for allafrica.com
A local non-Governmental organisation says it is targeting to provide free clinical treatment and care to 35 000 donkeys countrywide. Donkeys have grown to be Zimbabwe’s working animals that offer important support for the lives and livelihoods of rural communities.
Animal and Wildlife Area Research and Rehabilitation (AWARE) director, Dr Keith Dutlow said the programme was part of efforts to provide treatment and care to the animals.
He was speaking at an event to open an education centre for children at the Lion and Cheetah Park in the capital.
“Last year, we treated about 28 000 donkeys in all the country’s 10 provinces and this year we are targeting to treat 35 000 donkeys,” said the animal rights lobbyist and wildlife veterinarian.
“It’s an opportunity to examine each donkey that comes to us for health checks. Sometimes owners are not aware that their animals are sick. Half the times they are not aware and this will certainly give us an opportunity to treat all animals.”
Zimbabwe has a donkey population of more than 150 000.
The population of donkeys is probably an under estimate, and Dr Dutlow said Zimbabwe needs to conduct a survey to ascertain the numbers and help provide information that is critical for the treatment and care of the ‘beast of burden.’
“A survey has not been done for decades and we need to do it now to help us plan and enhance our treatment and care of the donkeys,” he said.
The prominent veterinarian has been part of a passionate group of wildlife experts trying to save Zimbabwe’s animals.
“Donkeys have huge benefits for our rural communities and economies. Good protection and care of donkeys means more benefits for our communities and their livelihoods.”
The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) is providing funding support to AWARE to provide free veterinary treatment for donkeys in areas such as Buhera, Chipinge, Beit Bridge, Chivi, Gokwe, Gweru, Muzarabani and other rural districts.
AWARE rural mobile donkey clinics will provide veterinary care, dental care, hoof trimming, wound treatment and de-worming, as well as instruction on proper handling techniques and care of the animals.
Donkeys in most parts of Zimbabwe are vital to the livelihood of their owners, carrying supplies and providing transportation and farming support.
“Our initial assessment of the donkey population revealed a complete lack of preventive healthcare such as vaccinations and de-worming,” said Dr Erick Mutizhe, a senior vet for the SPANA Zimbabwe programme.
What the Election Means for Wild Horses & Burros
The following is an update from the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign.
Photo – KT Merry
Like many people, you may be wondering what the results of this week’s election will mean for America’s wild horses and burros. There is no minimizing the dangers facing the 45,000 mustangs and burros stockpiled in government holding facilities and the estimated 67,000 who remain on the range.
Pressure is mounting for mass roundups and the killing or sale for slaughter of captured mustangs and burros. While we don’t yet know the Trump Administration’s position on this issue, clearly the stakes are very high. We’re prepared to work with the new Administration, bringing it up to speed on how the federal government has failed our wild horses and burros and the need for reform.
But, regardless of the election’s outcome at all levels of government, our strength will continue because it comes from our supporters and the American people.
Protecting wild horses and burros is a bipartisan issue. AWHPC has worked, and will continue to work, effectively with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. AWHPC supporters themselves span the political spectrum, but we are united in our love for America’s mustangs and burros and our commitment to saving them.
There will be a great deal of uncertainty in the next few months, as Trump is sworn in, cabinet nominations/political appointments are considered and a new Congress gets organized. We will monitor this process closely and develop a strategy that takes into account new threats and opportunities, and will be ready to meet them in the coming year.
In the interim, we’ll be working to ensure that any spending bills passed by this Congress maintain the prohibition on destroying healthy wild horses and burros or selling them for slaughter.
We the People remain the last line of defense between America’s mustangs and the forces that want to destroy them. In the coming year, it’s going to take all of us – united – to wage and win the fight for the future of these cherished national icons.
Please stay strong, stay together and stay ready.
In Freedom,
Suzanne Roy, Executive Director
Folsom Veteran’s Day Parade
The following is an invitation for All About Equine.
Please join All About Equine as we walk in the Folsom Veteran’s Day Parade to celebrate and honor our Veterans for their service!
We will have up to 5 mini’s walking with us, we’ll need banner holders, and especially kids to hold the birthday banner, Pony Pals banner and assist the leads with the mini’s…and the ever so important pooper scoopers.
Courtesy of our own Dave and Elaine, we will have coffee and goodies at the starting line!
We all wear blue jeans, a white shirt or blouse and a red scarf (if you do not have one, we will provide one for you). The walk is about 1.5 miles and we will have more information coming soon about where to meet and what time. The parade starts at 9am but we will probably be at the read of the parade and not start until a little later. Stay tuned for more information.
In order for us to plan better, we need to know how many people are planning to come out. Please call, text or email Kristi Sandberg if you plan to be there at 916.396.7825 .
Parades are meant for families; bring everyone and come out and walk with us!
Think fun with other AAE volunteers, supporting AAE and pride in the USA
Spirit Keeper Equine Sanctuary Grant Help
Spirit Keeper Equine Sanctuary is a 501c3 entity that provides care for elderly and special needs horses. I placed my older horse with them a year and a half ago and have visited the facility and with the director, Lori, numerous times. It is a well-run facility by knowledgeable and caring people. They still have many needs for their 36 horses and it is a very worth cause, especially for equine lovers! Spirit Keeper is participating in a campaign to raise funds and they have an opportunity to receive a large grant if it can be matched by December 31st! – Jane Fliesbach, Rocky Mountain Dressage Society
Every year, the Give! Team makes it possible for community members to learn about and make a donation to trusted nonprofits in the Pikes Peak region by vetting and hand-selecting participants from hundreds of applications. The expert review committee vets every Give! nonprofit for solid financials, ethical practices and credible impact. They look for the nonprofits that operate exclusively in and for the Pikes Peak region, that fill unmet needs in innovative ways, and that might not ever cross someone’s path otherwise. Give helps them make their voices heard with capacity-building training provided by experts in the fields of social media, marketing, technology, data management and governance. We are VERY proud that Spirit Keeper Equine Sanctuary was chosen to participate in this year’s GIVE! We are very fortunate to have this opportunity and need everyone to rally around us by donating to and sharing our campaign between November 1 – December 31, 2016. We have been awarded a $10,500 matching grant which we will receive IF we are able to raise that much ourselves during the Indy Give campaign 11/1 – 12/31, 2016. Meeting this goal will make it possible for us to build a barn and loafing sheds to house the 9 horses at the sanctuary who currently do not have shelter.
Laura Hermanson & “Behold the Desert” to Compete in USDF Finals
While dressage has long-been regarded as a horse and Pony Club sport, Meredith Hodges opened the doors to mules in dressage in the United States Dressage Federation Schooling Shows in 1986. With the help of Carole Sweet and Leah Patton of the American Donkey and Mule Society in Lewisville, Texas, they were formally accepted by the United States Equestrian Federation at their convention in Los Angeles in 2004. Laura Hermanson has since taken full advantage of this amazing opportunity. In 2015, she qualified for the United States Dressage Federation Finals with her own mule, “Heart B Dyna”, that is to be the subject of an upcoming documentary. The film is titled ”Dyna Does Dressage,” and is produced by Sarah Crowe and Amy Enser, who describe it as an “Underdog story [that] follows Dyna and her owner/rider, Laura, as they defy the odds to find their place among this elite world of horse riding.” Laura Hermanson is breaking through the stigma that dressage is only for horses and ponies as was previously defined by the USEF Rulebook. Much like Meredith Hodges herself, what began as a love of horses evolved into the championing of the noble MULE, an equine ambassador that truly deserves our respect. This year, Laura is competing “Behold the Desert” (aka Beasley) owned by Troy and Carol Delfino of Bakersfield, California and bred by Candace Shauger of Genesis Farms in Bremen, Ohio, in the upcoming U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) Finals in Lexington, Kentucky, November 10-13. Let’s all give our support to this amazing team!
-
- “Behold the Desert” (aka Beasley) 2016
-
- “Heart B Dyna” (aka Dyna) 2015
-
- “Behold the Desert” (aka Beasley) 2016
-
- “Heart B Dyna” (aka Dyna) 2015
Update on ISPMB Horses
The following is an update from Chilly Pepper-Miracle Mustang on the ISPMB horses.
First, THANK YOU so much for helping us save these horses. As you can clearly see, they were desperately in need of immediate veterinary and farrier care. Thanks to everyone who has been so loving and generous, these 9 horses from ISPMB are looking at wonderful lives with loving folks.
Matt and I are packing up and we will be delivering the last 5 to their new homes today. Unfortunately we have to drive about 1,000 miles one way to do this. As usual, we need serious help to get these kids to their new homes. Folks often ask why the “adopters” are not paying for transport. These are simply wonderful folks who are willing to take on the huge expenses of rehabbing these beautiful souls and making sure they are cared for the next 30 years. So we are thankful they will take on that huge mission and are praying that y’all will continue your wonderful support so we can get them there.
AHC: Final Reminder!
The following is an announcement from the American Horse Council in Washington.
The webinar is open to both AHC members and non-members-we encourage everyone to attend, and to share this email with anyone you think may be interested! To register for the webinar, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Furst at afurst@horsecouncil.org. We look forward to having you join us for the first of our quarterly webinars!
Media Roundup is now UHC Roundup
The following is an update from the UHC Roundup.
The Media Roundup is now the UHC Roundup, a publication with a new name and a broader scope. In addition to news articles and events, the UHC Roundup highlights member programs and success stories spanning all breeds, disciplines, and regions, plus it has a new photo feature and a link to the UHC Blog.
If you wish to share your story of unwanted horses becoming wanted again, contact UHC Director, Jennifer Purcell, at jpurcell@horsecouncil.org.
sitio en español
site en français
