The budget debate is happening in Congress NOW — which means we have a limited amount of time to guarantee a pro-horse, anti-slaughter budget for 2018.
After kicking the can down the road for months, Congress now appears likely to vote in the next few weeks on spending legislation for the remainder of 2018.
That means the coming weeks will be crucial, as Congress decides between the House version (which would allow the BLM to kill as many as 90,000 wild horses and burros), and the Senate version (which continues to prohibit killing and slaughter).
We’ve got a number of fights on our hands, but the most pressing of all is the budget being debated in Congress right now. A proposed amendment would allow the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to destroy healthy wild horses and burros, putting the lives of up to 90,000 animals at risk.
That’s not a move toward sustainable management — that’s a massacre.
We’ve launched the Spring Protection Campaign to fuel all our work to protect wild horses — can you help?
We’re in the halls of Congress, fighting back against these disastrous, inhumane proposals. And, we’ve teamed up with over 80 other organizations to urge Congress to maintain protections for wild horses and burros against mass killing and slaughter. But we need to do even more to protect these iconic animals.
As Americans, the fate of 90,000 horses is in our hands. Help us prevent the passage of the BLM’s cruel and lethal budget plan before it’s too late.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) followed their recent meeting with AHC staff, a meeting in response to the AHC request for clarification , by releasing two documents on the existing Commercial Driver License (CDL) regulations and how those regulations impact the horse industry. The AHC is appreciative of the horse specific efforts that FMCSA have taken to quell the concerns of our recreational enthusiasts.
The guidance titled “Agricultural Exceptions and Exemptions to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service (HOS) and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Rules” and “Non-Business Related Transportation of Horses ” explain how published FMCSA guidance provides an exception for the transportation of horses when the transportation in question is not business related (neither for compensation, nor where the driver is engaged in an underlying business related to the move). In these cases, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations do not apply, even if prize or scholarship money is offered. This includes the Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations, requirements for Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and CDL regulations, unless required by the driver’s home state. Both documents contain example scenarios that may help horse owners better understand the regulations as they exist today.
The AHC will continue to pursue clarifications until the industry is satisfied that there are no unintended consequences from current CDL or ELD regulations. The AHC will take action where clarifications are not sufficient, including the continued collaboration with the entire livestock industry to get a delay in ELD enforcement.
AHC staff are still compiling the industry’s concerns and questions to forward to DOT and invite people to share their comments. Additionally, DOT has established a specific email address for agricultural specific questions at agricultural@dot.gov . This address will be used to generate a future F.A.Q. page.
The AHC encourages our members to share their questions to the DOT email as well to better highlight the existing concerns regarding the interpretation of CDL regulations. If clarifications and the F.A.Q. fail to address the concerns of our members, then the AHC will continue their efforts and pursue both legislative and regulatory solutions.
Picture dozens of terrified horses, lathered in sweat despite frigid temperatures, eyes wide with fear, running away from government helicopters. Exhausted and resigned, they are driven into traps, then trucked to packed holding pens where they languish for weeks, months, and even years.
That’s what our AWHC team witnessed in Nevada, Utah, and Oregon already this year, as we documented BLM roundups. I’m just back from the Triple B roundup in Nevada where I filmed hundreds of horses, including heavily pregnant mares and several tiny foals, stampeded by helicopters. The trauma of the roundups will cause many of the captured mares tol abort their foals.
These barbaric roundups will keep happening unless we fight back. That’s why AWHC has launched the Spring Protection Campaign to make sure that all of its vital work continues — from documenting BLM roundups, to advocating for a slaughter-free budget in Washington, to defending wild horses and burros in court.
The lives of every one of these horses are in danger as Congress decides whether or not to give the BLM permission to kill or slaughter as many as 90,000 of them.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Long-term, humane management via birth control is more than just possible; it’s the best option. But the BLM is committed to perpetuating its cruel, inhumane management practices. That’s why documenting the roundups is so important — to let all Americans know about the abuse that our government is perpetrating against our iconic wild horses and burros.
This is a tough fight, but AWHC is in it for the long haul. This week has been hard — but I’m more determined than ever to save these beautiful, wild creatures.
This article is written by Elke Stadler and from my friend, Josefine, editor of the Swiss Mule Bulletin in Switzerland! Since we share a love for Longears, we like to share each other’s respective mule historical experiences with our friends and fans. I hope you enjoy this article as much as I did! Thank you so much, Josefine! In the future, we look forward to more news from Switzerland in support of Longears:
The Theodul Pass
The name is derived from St. Theodul, the first known Valais bishop from the 4th century Walser German, it is called Theodul Yoke. From the 16th to the end of the 18th century it was called Augst Valley Pass (Augst = Aosta, Latin Augusta Praetoria), later, until the beginning of the 19th century, simply also called Valais Pass, then Matter Yoke. The special feature of the glaciated pass is its great height: 3,295 m above sea level (as of 2009). It is located in the Valais between the Matterhorn and the Breithorn. The pass, which crosses the border between Italy and Switzerland, connects Zermatt in the Matter Valley with Breuil-Cervinia in Valtournenche.
No other Alpine pass of comparable importance is higher than 2,900 m above sea level. The Theodul Pass has always been an important crossing point in the Valais Alps. A stone axe found in 1895 comes from Brittany and dates back to the Neolithic period (4000 to 3500 BC). It suggests that the pass was already in use at that time. Near the top of the pass, a Roman coin treasure dating from the 1st to 4th century AD was found. You can see it today at the Alpine Museum in Zermatt.
The Mule and the Theodul Pass
The Theodul Pass was probably commemorated with mules from the Roman period, possibly as early as the end of the late Iron Age. The oldest evidence for the use of mules in the Theodul Pass region can be found in late-medieval text sources that report on trade relations between the Matter Valley and the Aosta Valley. The “horses” repeatedly mentioned in this article can only be mules. From the early 20th century onwards, the use of the mule for the transport of goods over the Theodul Pass, represented only a rarity in view of increasingly difficult climatic conditions and the emergence of a modern transport network.
Dangerous conditions at the glacier pass
The historic pass consists of two sections: From Zermatt to the edge of the glacier a path on the grown soil; from there to the pass, as a rule, a track across the glacier. As a glacier pass, the transition to those altitudes in which passability is highly dependent on climatic conditions is sufficient. Daily fluctuations (hard snow, soft snow), seasonal influences (summer, winter, avalanches) as well as climatic changes over the centuries have an impact here.
The crossing of such a high pass was not safe for humans and animals. In the oral tradition of the Matter Valley there are numerous stories and legends that tell of mishaps of traders or farmers accompanied by their mule. In Zeneggen, for example, it is said that a farmer who went out with two mules to get wine in Italy got caught in a storm. The mules, who are known for keeping calm in all situations, came back to the village on their own and vice versa, while the owner, who was believed dead, followed a few days later.
Mule bone finds and a whole skeleton
The mules whose bones have been found in the pass region since 1985 did not have that luck. However, its skeletal parts are direct witnesses to the important role played by the animal, which is important for Alpine culture, in the regional economy. Even though the mules are known to us as indispensable human helpers until the transport connections of the mountains, little is known about the beginning of mule maintenance in Valais.
Until the discovery of a complete skeleton on the ice surface in the eastern area of the Upper Theodul glacier in autumn 2013, bone remains, i. e. individual fragments, were salvaged exclusively from the areas cleared of the ice. Most of the pieces come from the eastern edge of the Upper Theodul Glacier. From 1985 to 2013, 247 equine bones were collected, including 122 pieces belonging to the same individual.
At archaeological sites, remains of the bones of equidae are a rarity, and their identification also fails due to the extreme difficulty of distinguishing donkeys, horses and their hybrids (mules) from skeletal parts, which are usually isolated and fragmented. With the exception of the fully preserved mule skeleton discovered in 2013, every single piece of bone remains discovered in Valais was definitely assigned to a hybrid. The discovery of the complete skeleton can therefore be regarded as the first reliable evidence of mules in Valais. The Upper Theodul Glacier, was systematically prospected for the first time in 2010. This is part of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation for the archaeological study of glaciated pass crossings between Valais and Italy.
In autumn 2015, the youngest find, belonging to a mule, was found in the interesting search area like a brown jellyfish on the ice: woven cords of a mule saddle sewn into a fine piece of leather. What will the melting glacier release in the coming years?
The archaeological discovery of the Theodul Pass is inseparable from the retreat of the Upper Theodul Glacier and the alpine, and tourist development of the Zermatt Alps from the second half of the 19th century onwards. Many objects were accidental findings of tourists. The oldest finds date back to Roman times. The numerous mule bone finds bear witness to the movement of goods and persons, which is regularly mentioned in textual sources. Up to 10,000 year old finds, in the immediate vicinity of the Theodul Pass and the Upper Theodul Glacier, indicate a prehistoric ascent of the pass. In the future, a more targeted archaeological investigation of the Theodulpass area will be possible thanks to the research project of the University of Freiburg i. Ue., which was completed in 2014 and calculates archaeological suspected find areas.
An ice free mule saddle made of cords and leather.
Sources: Mules and rock horses: animal bone remains, In: Providoli S., Curdy P. and Elsig P. (2015) 400 years in glacial ice. The Theodul Pass at Zermatt and his “mercenary”; NZZ: Glacier archaeology, stories from the freezer, Caroline Fink; www.ivs.admin.ch ; https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodulpass
National Forest Service Identifies “Priority Areas” for Trail Repair, Lawmakers to Expand Scope of RNR Act
On February 16, the Department of Agriculture’s National Forest Service (NFS) unveiled a list of 15 trail areas that the agency is targeting for priority maintenance projects. As you recall, the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act (PL 114-245, aka, “Trails Act”), signed into law in late 2016, directs the NFS to take steps to reduce the backlog of federal maintenance projects by identifying those that are in most need of repair. The Trails Act outlines a detailed program including goals and timetables by which the Department of Agriculture (USDA) will leverage private partners to clear trails long overdue for maintenance. USDA Secretary Perdue underscored the importance of public/private partnerships supported by the horse industry by stating that the “partners and volunteers” will “address needed infrastructure work,” amounting to about $300 million in backlog maintenance.
Jim McGarvey, who leads the American Horse Council’s Recreation, Trails and Land-Use Committee, applauds the agency’s follow-through on the Trails Act directives. He states that “AHC was a proud supporter of the Trails Act, and we thank the Forest Service for its continued work in saving these trails for America’s horse riders.” By beginning work on “priority areas,” the agency is focusing on trails that were “impassable” and otherwise posed safety hazards to horsemen and other outdoor enthusiasts. On February 13, NFS personnel informed AHC members and staff that the agency will continue to explore ways to leverage public/private partnerships to maintain public trails. To view a copy of the NFS announcement, please click here: https://www.fs.fed.us/news/releases/usda-secretary-announces-infrastructure-improvements-forest-system-trails.
On the congressional front, lawmakers continue to review provisions that would expand the scope of the Recreation-Not-Red-Tape (RNR) Act (H.R. 3400), one of Congress’ most ambitious public lands initiatives. The legislation would build on the success of the Trails Act by authorizing the Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to enter into cooperative agreements with private parties to continue to expand the role of volunteers in trail maintenance. The House Natural Resources Committee is planning to move forward with a mark-up of H.R. 3400, possibly as early as March, to incorporate provisions of the Guide Outfitters (GO) Act into H.R. 3400. The expanded bill would establish a variety of regulatory efficiencies, including creation of joint permits for activities that take place on lands administered by the National Park Service, NFS and BLM. The House Natural Resources Committee postponed a mark-up planned for Wednesday, February 14, to continue to explore ways to expand the scope of the RNR Act.
With a shattered heart I bring you Tana’s update. As we were so far away, (in NV), when I got the call, and Tana had been found abandoned by the side of the road in Yakima, WA, I knew that she would be needing IV fluids if she was to have a chance to survive, and she needed them right away, well before I would get there.
So we called the vet and she went out to Mel’s to assess the baby, give fluids, check her leg and do her Coggins if all went well. Unfortunately the news was beyond grim. The below photo shows the broken bones in her leg. Even with an unlimited budget, this would have had nearly zero chance and it would have put Tana through more horrific and unconscionable pain. As I looked at her x-ray, I could only think of how much my broken femur still hurts. I could not put her through more pain. So sadly, we made the decision that was right for her; we set her free from this world of horrible pain that she lived in.
So now we have a very hefty vet bill, as well as the cost of her burial and our trip to WA. HOWEVER, we were able to SAVE FIVE (5) more horses from a horrible fate at the slaughter plant. The cost for the two vet visits, (one for Coggins on the Fabulous Five, and one for Tana), as well as the cost to bail these kids and get them vetted is going to be close to $3500? not including fuel.
NOW COMES THE KICKER! Just hours ago I received a call about a newborn(orphan???). Matt and I will be picking up the baby next week. However, this time we have a POSSIBLE CHANCE to save Mom too.I have to let them know by Monday if I am picking up a 4 day old orphan or a Mare and Foal pair.
Unfortunately, I have no more room at Chilly Pepper for adult horses until we fence more of the property and get more shelter. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS – I FOUND A PROBABLE HOME FOR MOM AND BABY, IF we can raise enough funds. I have to pay the vet bills before we even think about another horse. It is hard, because you never want to say no, knowing full well that means a horse will face slaughter. HOWEVER, I cannot be the rescue that just says yes, yes and does not face the fact that it costs money to feed and care for these horses after they are “SAVED”.
So this is my question to our Chilly Pepper Family. What do y’all want to fund? What is your priority? We will be picking up baby for sure next week. I am hoping and praying we can raise enough funds to save Mama. Most of the time we do not even have an option to try and save Mom, but by the Grace of God we do this time.
As much as I want to run out and save all the horses, we have to be responsible. Hopefully we will be getting lots of kids adopted soon, but still being on crutches is slowing everything down. Having a $1000 hay bill every 3 weeks or so is going to limit how many horses we can save.
Number 5, who is not shown clearly in the photos, is currently at our vet as he was colicking earlier today. So there is a lot going on.
I am hoping and praying that folks still want us to try and save as many grown horses as we can, and not just let mom ship to slaughter while we save the baby. Again, most of the time it won’t even be an option. If y’all are with me, lets get these bills paid, some funds for hay and save this mom and her baby.
If we raise enough funds in the next two days she will be going to CA with her baby instead of being loaded on the slaughter truck. It’s up to everyone to decide if she lives or dies a horrible death. This is from the heart, and I simply don’t know what else to do but be honest.
Thank you to everyone who donated to help save Tana. She was a beautiful little girl and thankfully did not die alone, scared and cold on the side of the road. Let’s make her proud and keep on saving lives. THANK YOU!
If you want to help You can go to You Caring – to help us keep saving lives..
AHC Meets with Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The American Horse Council met with Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Deputy Administrator and leadership team this week in response to a letter sent to Secretary Chao on January 28th, 2018. AHC staff went to DOT headquarters to raise the industry’s concerns and solicit clarification on how the existing regulations should be interpreted, and how those interpretations are affecting the horse industry.
The AHC expressed the industry’s interest in an increased level of stakeholder outreach, the lack of uniform interpretations nationwide, the applicability of various exemptions already in place, and the appropriate avenues for future legislative and regulatory efforts. AHC shared specific situations where rodeo, racing, competition and recreational sectors have interacted with law enforcement concerning commercial regulations.
The DOT informed the AHC that a new website specifically tailored to the agricultural industry will be unveiled in the next week, with a dedicated contact for agricultural questions, and they will begin to develop a F.A.Q. to more clearly address the questions which they receive.
The DOT members present did clarify that trailer drivers not engaged in business are not subject to Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) regulations, specifically where additional licensing is concerned. Regardless of weight, it was the interpretation of those present that going to an event that may issue prizes does not necessarily constitute commercial activity. As long as participation in the competition itself is not a component of the business with which that driver or the vehicle are regularly engaged, and expenses for said trip are not deducted for tax purposes, a CDL is not required to operate the CMV in question. Those interpretations, as are all CMV regulations, are specific to federal regulations, and state regulations may be less forgiving.
The AHC is excited about the opportunity to develop this relationship with DOT-FMCSA. The equine community should look forward to utilizing these lines of communication in the future to assure industry wide compliance and protection of individuals driving both commercially and recreationally. The AHC encourages the industry to reach out to state law enforcement to determine how best to comply with the state regulations. As additional information on this subject becomes available, the AHC will share that with our members as quickly as possible.
As a member of the AHC, we know want you to stay up to date and informed of the issues that could impact the industry you love.
That’s why we created our Member’s Only group on Facebook- a place where we can post information and updates and get our members immediate feedback.* In addition to the Washington Updates you receive, this is just one more way the AHC is working to keep our members informed and up-to date!
Click below to join the group today!
*Only current AHC members are eligible to join. All requests to join will be subject to verification by the AHC.
TANA’S life is at stake. She was found injured and alone on the side of the road!
I just received the call for a 3-4 day old orphaned baby mustang found on the side of the road. The folks were going to put it down as there is an injury to the back leg, but decided to give it every chance and called for help. In the meantime they gave it some colostrum and said it is drinking.
We want to thank them for feeding the baby and bringing it in out of the weather.
So Matt and I are in the process of heading up to Yakima momentarily.
We need your help now please, if you can. We have tried to keep the fundraising to a minimum, but now that baby season is here we are going to need your help now more than ever. Due to my broken leg we are sitting on more horses than we normally would be, as I have been unable to train and get them ready for adoption. So our hay bill is $1000 every 3 weeks or so.
We so appreciate everyone who has helped save so many lives in the past and are hoping and praying that y’all are going to be with us again this year. Babies are expensive, but when God puts them in front of us, well we need to step up no matter what. We don’t know why this baby was left behind, whether it is because it is injured, or it could also have other issues.
However, all we can do is get the baby and start critical care immediately. So please help us give this little one a chance. There is a reason it didn’t lay there and die alone. Hopefully the reason is that we can save it.
In addition to foal lac powder, pellets, milk and meds, we will need help with expenses for fuel, Coggins, vet care and special groceries for this baby. We are not sure if he/she will be ok but we are going to give it our all.
The above photo of Hope is most likely very similar to the age and size of the little one we are picking up. Hope is thriving at her new Mom’s at Wendi Clark’s.
Racoon has improved so much. Her coat is much healthier, she has grown 5 or 6 inches taller (it seems like anyway), and she and Belafonte, her goat buddy are best friends. THANK YOU for saving her! She is on her way towards being a healthy youngster!
Below photo is of Tana’s leg
Thank you for all the love and support and all the lives you’ve saved! We could not do this without you!
If you want to help You can go to You Caring – to help us keep saving lives..
While registration filled up quickly for the AHC’s First Quarter 2018 webinar on the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) and Commercial Drivers License (CDL) requirements, the AHC recorded the webinar in order to share with our members.
This is a multifactorial issue, with requirements for a CDL varying from state to state. The AHC is planning on hosting a second webinar on this topic in the coming weeks, and will be meeting with the Department of Transportation this coming Friday to further address how to best communicate the complexities of the requirements to the equine industry.
The AHC recommends contacting your state Department of Transportation for specific questions on the CDL regulations for your state. To view a list of state by state contacts, please click here.
Just a little note to say thank you for all the love you show our horses and AAE throughout the year. We are so grateful for You!!
Marshy sends lots of love and hearts to say
“Thank you for being there for all of the horses and lil’ ol’ me”!!
Get your tickets now!
Tickets for AAE’s 5th Annual Boots and Bling fundraising event on May 5th are now on sale. You don’t want to miss this! Get your tickets early before they sell out!
Many thanks to our past sponsors for helping make this a successful event.
Lees’ Feed & Western Wear
We also need LIVE and SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS!
For more information or to make a donation, please contact dani@allaboutequine.org. All donation are needed by 4/8/18
Most importantly, we need VOLUNTEERS to help with the event. If you can help with set-up, clean-up, dinner prep or service, auction support, or anywhere needed, please contact wendy@allaboutequine.org.
We can’t wait for our fun-filled night raising funds to support horses and AAE ! We hope you’ll join us!!
AAE’s 2018-19 Calendars are Here!
These are high quality, 16-month calendars that feature AAE horses, volunteers, and even a few adopters. The calendars can be purchased at All About Equine Used Tack Store for $20. We also have a few available at the barn. Purchasing one is a great way to show your support for AAE.
(Please note in “special instructions” that you are purchasing a calendar, and
if you need us to mail yours, kindly add $3 for shipping.)
Daily Horse Care, especially pm shifts
Used Tack Store Support, all areas
Barn/Facility Maintenance
Foster Homes, Long-Term Foster/Sanctuary Homes
Capital Campaign Support
Board Members
Fundraising/Events
Grants – Writing and Research
Volunteer, Project, and Activity Coordinators
Outreach Activities
Youth Programs
Therapy Programs
Veteran Programs
Special Projects
Admin Support
Marketing
Graphics
Social Media
Bloggers
Photographers
Media and/or Photo Librarian
Thanks to YOUR input in 2017, AAE is once again a Top-Rate nonprofit!
If you love our work, then tell the world! Stories about us from people like you will help us make an even bigger impact in our community in the future.
GreatNonprofits is the #1 source of nonprofit stories and feedback, and it honors highly regarded nonprofits each year with their Top-Rated List.
Won’t you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a brief story of your experience with us? All content will be visible to potential donors and volunteers.
Did you know YOU could earn grant money for AAE from your employer just by volunteering?
Many Employers offer money when their employees volunteer. Here are a few examples:
Intel provides a $10 grant to a nonprofit per every volunteer hour by an employee, and matches funds dollar for dollar up to $5,000 per employee or retiree.
Microsoft provides a $17 grant to a nonprofit per every hour volunteered by an employee.
Apple provides a $25 grant to a nonprofit per every volunteer hour by an employee, and matches funds dollar for dollar up to $10,000 per employee.
Verizon provides a $750 grant to a nonprofit when an employee volunteers for 50+ hours.
State Farm provides a $500 grant nonprofit when an employee volunteers for+ 40 hours.
Others top 20 matching gift and/or volunteer grant companies include
Starbucks
CarMax
Home Depot
JP Morgan
Chevron
Soros Fund Management
BP (British Petroleum)
Gap Corporation
State Street Corporation
ExxonMobil
Johnson & Johnson
Boeing
Disney
Google
Merck
Aetna
Dell
Outerwall (CoinStar and RedBox)
ConocoPhillips
RealNetworks
Time Warner and subsidiaries
AllState
and more
Check with your employer. You could help purchase our next load of hay!
Roll has been off for quite some time during this crazy winter weather that we have been having and due to the extra office work that I have taken on. Today we had an opportunity with warm temperatures, but avoided the mud from the snow by working indoors. First, I groomed Roll with a curry and then the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner is a great tool to promote circulation to the muscles over the body.
Johnson’s Baby Oil in the mane and tail help to protect the hair from the harsh winter weather, drying mud and prevents other equines from chewing on them.
Today we used my Kieffer dressage saddle that seems to fit most of my mules and Roll included with a girth extender. Then I put on the “Elbow Pull” and adjust it so that it helps him to keep his good posture throughout his lesson.
The “Elbow Pull” only prevents him from raising his head so high that he inverts his neck and hollows his back. Otherwise, it affords him full range of motion upward (to that point), downward to the ground and as far as he can stretch his head and neck to both sides.
We went to the indoor arena and he stood like a soldier while I closed the gate and prepped for our lesson in the hourglass pattern. It is extraordinary how core strength stays with these guys even when they are off work for long periods of time.
This is not true with bulk muscle or an animal that has not had the benefit of core strength postural development. The core strength that we develop in good posture is sustained by the equines themselves in their daily routines even when they do not receive forced exercise as long as they continue to move in good posture and rest four-square. Equines that rest with uneven foot placement, or cock a hind foot and drop a hip are not balanced in good posture with a strong core.
When saddling, we do it from the left side (near side) as done normally, but to keep things balanced, we unsaddle from the right side (off side) and pull the saddle back onto the rear end to loosen the crupper and make it easy to remove. When the equine is routinely handled like this, they learn to relax and stand quietly because they know what to expect.
It is amazing to see how much Roll’s attitude has changed in the eight years he has been with us. When he first arrived, he would snort at everything and hide behind Rock. He is now a happy, confident and affectionate 26 year old, 18 hand draft mule. He enjoys his lessons and never forgets a thing!
Trying new things is now done with much less effort and thus, much less drama! Yes, Roll is a bit obese with atrophied bulk muscle right now, but with routine lessons, he will be back to peak condition in no time. An equine that possesses a good foundation built with core strength in mind will be in a position to excel in all kinds of equine activities…because they are never over-whelmed.
The Trump Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget is out, and it again asks Congress for permission to slaughter federally protected mustangs and burros in holding facilities and on the range. The budget calls for slashing $14 million from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program budget by selling as many as 90,000 wild horses and burros for slaughter to supply foreign horsemeat markets. The lethal plan tramples the wishes of the vast majority Americans – including 86% of Trump voters — and is contrary to the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences. We now have two fights on our hands as Congress finalizes 2018 spending legislation and begins the 2019 appropriations process. Please take one moment to take a stand against mass mustang slaughter by clicking below.
Late last week, AWHC sent Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and his Department of Agriculture a legal letter demanding that they rescind the Request for Proposals to transfer ownership of the historic Virginia Range mustangs to a private party. The new owner would then have “property” rights to do what it wants with the horses, including sell them for slaughter. The proposed giveaway is not only illegal, but also would prevent the public from having any say in the protection and management of this locally cherished mustang population. Join us in standing up for the Virginia Range horses by clicking below.
AWHC is pleased to join with more than 80 other organizations and businesses in calling on Congress to maintain prohibitions on mass killing and slaughter of wild horses and burros, and to compel the BLM to implement a humane, scientific and politically viable management program for the nation’s iconic mustang and burro herds. The “Unified Statement “on the Humane, Sustainable, and Cost-Effective On-Range Management of America’s Wild Horses and Burros” lays out a set of principles and recommendations on which such a plan can be based. Please click below to read and share the Unified Statement – the more we stand together, the better our chances of prevailing for the mustangs!
I don’t know about you folks but January presented enough challenges to do me just fine for the rest of the winter. I am enjoying looking out at the falling snow as I write this, but enough already with the ice and subzero temperatures. It’s wonderful having the light changing and lasting longer day by day. I need the encouragement from Mother Nature!
We have a lot to look forward to at Save Your Ass…the birth of Zelda’s foal for one thing. No, she has still not had it! We have no idea of when she was bred, but to the best of our knowledge her baby “should” come this month. I sleep with my iPad under my pillow so every time she moves the barn camera sends me a message letting me know. No, I haven’t been getting much sleep for the last month or so, but hopefully I will be aware of the foaling when the time does finally come. We are still accepting name suggestions in our “Help Zelda Name Her Foal!!” contest…
For each $5. donation to SYA, please make a name suggestion. We will keep the boy’s names and gril’s names separate and after birth Zelda will pull an entry from whichever collection is appropriate. If your name suggestion is chosen, Zelda will be sending you a plush “Borden” from our merchandise herd.
If you choose to make your donation by check, please note your name suggestion in the memo field and mail the check to:
Ann Firestone
Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue
Broomtail Farm 23 Saw Mill Road
South Acworth, NH 03607
If you choose to make your donation by PayPal, use our donate button below, and just note your name suggestion in the comments area.
Zelda thanks you in advance for your participation!!
Annie & Zelda
We are excited to announce that the 2018 Cabin Fever online auction is scheduled for the end of March, dates to be announced soon!
Would you please consider supporting the rescue with a donation of an item or service? Past donations (which do not have to be donkey or animal related) have included gift certificates of all kinds, antiques, hand-made items, vacations, food, farm produce, jewelry, books, art, animal training, musical instruments, tack, and much more. They all add to the fun and excitement of the bidding, and the proceeds help to cover the rehabilitation, medical, and nutritional needs of the mules and donkeys that are in our care. The value of your donation plus shipping costs is tax deductible, and we will send a receipt for your tax records.
If you are interested in donating an auction item or service this year–thank you! All you need to do is send us the following info by March 5, to syaauction2018@gmail.com
1. Item Name
2. Item Description
3. Photo or logo
4. Link to URL, if you’d like.
5. Value (include estimated shipping, please)
6. Suggested Starting Price
7. Contact information
We ask that you be willing to ship your item to the winning bidder.
If you have any questions you can also call Joan at 413-559-8414.
Thank you so very much for your support of our auction and the SYA rescue!
We all need something to look forward to in order to keep our wits about us while making it through the winter so mark your calendars for the auction and our Clicker Training Clinic with Jessica Gonzalez of Empowered Equines on April 14th, rain date April 15th. This promises to be a great day. See more info on SYA’s facebook page and on the website. Please send me an email to register:awfirestone@gmail.com
Please keep the up-dates on the animals you have adopted coming, as well as photos and testimonials. I love hearing from you all.
Tickets for AAE’s 5th Annual Boots and Bling fundraising event are now on sale. Get your tickets early before they sell out! We are expecting over 350 guests. Don’t miss out!!!
Please join us in celebrating nine years of helping horses.
Saturday, May 5
This is a super fun event that includes
a BBQ dinner, Live and Silent Auctions, Music and Dancing!
This is our biggest, most important (and most exciting) fundraiser of the year. This event funds a large portion of our annual budget that keeps us saving and serving horses and humans throughout the year.
WE LOVE WHEN YOUR GROUP JOINS US FOR BOOTS!! PLEASE BUY TOGETHER TO SIT TOGETHER
Boots & Bling tickets are on sale for $35 per person. Get them before the price goes up to $40 on April 1st!
Many thanks to our past sponsors for helping make this a successful event.
Lees’ Feed & Western Wear
We also need LIVE and SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS!
For more information or to make a donation, please contact dani@allaboutequine.org. All donation are needed by 4/8/18
Most importantly, we need VOLUNTEERS to help with the event. If you can help with set-up, clean-up, dinner prep or service, auction support, or anywhere needed, please contact wendy@allaboutequine.org.
We can’t wait for our fun-filled night raising funds to support horses and AAE ! We hope you’ll join us!!
AAE’s 2018-19 Calendars are Here!
These are high quality, 16-month calendars that feature AAE horses, volunteers, and even a few adopters. The calendars can be purchased at All About Equine Used Tack Store for $20. We also have a few available at the barn. Purchasing one is a great way to show your support for AAE.
(Please note in “special instructions” that you are purchasing a calendar, and
if you need us to mail yours, kindly add $3 for shipping.)
Daily Horse Care, especially pm shifts
Used Tack Store Support, all areas
Barn/Facility Maintenance
Foster Homes, Long-Term Foster/Sanctuary Homes
Capital Campaign Support
Board Members
Fundraising/Events
Grants – Writing and Research
Volunteer, Project, and Activity Coordinators
Outreach Activities
Youth Programs
Therapy Programs
Veteran Programs
Special Projects
Admin Support
Marketing
Graphics
Social Media
Bloggers
Photographers
Media and/or Photo Librarian
Thanks to YOUR input in 2017, AAE is once again a Top-Rate nonprofit!
If you love our work, then tell the world! Stories about us from people like you will help us make an even bigger impact in our community in the future.
GreatNonprofits is the #1 source of nonprofit stories and feedback, and it honors highly regarded nonprofits each year with their Top-Rated List.
Won’t you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a brief story of your experience with us? All content will be visible to potential donors and volunteers.
Did you know YOU could earn grant money for AAE from your employer just by volunteering?
Many Employers offer money when their employees volunteer. Here are a few examples:
Intel provides a $10 grant to a nonprofit per every volunteer hour by an employee, and matches funds dollar for dollar up to $5,000 per employee or retiree.
Microsoft provides a $17 grant to a nonprofit per every hour volunteered by an employee.
Apple provides a $25 grant to a nonprofit per every volunteer hour by an employee, and matches funds dollar for dollar up to $10,000 per employee.
Verizon provides a $750 grant to a nonprofit when an employee volunteers for 50+ hours.
State Farm provides a $500 grant nonprofit when an employee volunteers for+ 40 hours.
Others top 20 matching gift and/or volunteer grant companies include
Starbucks
CarMax
Home Depot
JP Morgan
Chevron
Soros Fund Management
BP (British Petroleum)
Gap Corporation
State Street Corporation
ExxonMobil
Johnson & Johnson
Boeing
Disney
Google
Merck
Aetna
Dell
Outerwall (CoinStar and RedBox)
ConocoPhillips
RealNetworks
Time Warner and subsidiaries
AllState
and more
Check with your employer. You could help purchase our next load of hay!
Congress Strikes Budget Deal in Wake of Brief Funding Lapse
Renews 3-Year Depreciation for Race Horses for FY2017
Following a procedural roadblock in the Senate that initiated a five-hour government shutdown early Friday – the briefest lapse on record and second in three weeks – Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, legislation that will fund government operations through March 23 and remove budgetary obstacles to allow longer-term FY2018 appropriations talks to move forward. Fortunately for the horse industry, lawmakers approved an important tax incentive to restore three-year depreciation of racehorses for FY2017, allowing race horse owners to take advantage of the incentive within their FY2017 tax submission. This will allow racehorse owners to capture tax benefits that expired in FY2016. As you recall, the new tax law includes 100% depreciation for racehorses. The industry will continue to advocate for the 3-year depreciation provision for 2018 and beyond.
In addition to enacting an important capital cost recovery tool for the horse industry, the budget agreement also removes spending caps until March 2019 and authorizes nearly $300 billion in additional federal spending for the next two years. Lawmakers hope that addressing the funding caps, effectively ending the “sequester” for the next year, will pave the way for smoother and more long-term budget negotiations through the remainder of 2018.
To view a summary of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, please click here.
For more information related to the nation’s rapidly changing tax policies, please contact Bryan Brendle, AHC’s Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs at bbrendle@horsecouncil.orgor 202-296-4031.
There’s another mad scramble on Capitol Hill as Congress works to pass a spending measure to keep the government running beyond today’s deadline. As has been the case since last year, the fate of America’s wild horses and burros remains on the line. Although the expected short-term spending measure is not likely to impact mustangs, the longer-term budget deal that will be negotiated over the next month will. Read the latest update from AWHC’s lobbyists below.
It’s been a busy week for AWHC’s legal team. In addition to filing a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for its massive roundup plan in Nevada’s Antelope and Triple B Complexes, we also filed a motion in federal court in California to intervene in a lawsuit filed by ranchers who graze cattle in the Devil’s Garden Wild Horse Territory. Last year, we won a federal lawsuit that stopped the U.S. Forest Service from reducing the size of the habitat for the Devil’s Garden horses. Now we’re defending them from this attempt to compel the Forest Service to remove more than 2,000 of these federally-protected mustangs from their homes on the range in the Modoc National Forest. Read more below.
Last week, AWHC staff was onsite at the Bible Springs Complex roundup in Utah where 350 wild horses are being targeted for removal. We will head to Nevada next week to document the final weeks of the on-going roundup of wild horses from the Triple B Complex where there have already been 8 deaths. Read more about the operations and watch our daily videos at the link below.
