CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Hot to Trot: 6-30-20
It was a rainy day, so I decided to have Chasity and Wrangler’s workout take place in the indoor arena Round Pen. I had not planned to film this workout, but since the Round Pen was a lot further from the Tack Barn than my outdoor Round Pen, I decided to take my chances and try to lead Chasity and Wrangler together! I thought that would be film-worthy for sure. Those of you that have tried to lead ONE donkey around puddles in the road and other such “scary things” know that you cannot count on their compliance. All you can do is HOPE for it! As it turned out, Chasity and Wrangler were very good all the way to the Round Pen, but there were still surprises to come!
They both stood quietly while I unlatched the gate as they had done dozens of times before, then waited patiently as I opened it.
They executed the gate perfectly together. This is a testament to my belief that when these kinds of movements are consistently done exactly the same way, it eliminates confusion and promotes compliance. They happily received their rewards of crimped oats from my fanny pack.
I then tied Wrangler to the fence with the “Elbow Pull” where he would wait while I adjusted Chasity’s “Elbow Pull.” Chasity checked out the new work space.
First I adjusted Chasity’s “Elbow Pull” and then I adjusted Wrangler’s to keep them from raising their heads too high and inverting their neck and back.
They both walked casually with no pressure from the “Elbow Pull” at all. When asked to trot, Chasity was “up against” the “Elbow Pull” at first, but was still stepping well underneath her body and striking her hind feet directly under the center of balance.
It was after the reverse that I discovered that Chasity was in heat and Wrangler decided he would like to mount her! So, I deliberately and quietly took him from the Round Pen and tied him up outside the fence. Chasity resumed her workout alone. She did lovely at the walk and kept the “Elbow Pull” loose, even throughout the reverse!
When I finally asked for trot, she was hot to trot! Chasity was definitely improving her ability to maintain her self-carriage and good posture. When the “Elbow Pull” is properly adjusted, it will encourage each individual equine’s BEST posture. It should NOT force their head down.
When asked to “Whoa,” Chasity happily complied and then turned to me for her next command. I asked for the “Reverse” and she was prompt in her response.
Then Chasity resumed her calm forward motion at the working walk, maintaining a loose “Elbow Pull.”She has made marked improvement in just 4 short weeks of Round Pen work after 3 months of leading for core strength and balance in the “Hourglass Pattern.”
When I asked for trot, she showed me she was a bit tired and was back up against the “Elbow Pull,” but she was still tracking well underneath her body and holding an acceptable posture.
When my female equines are in heat, I lighten the pressure on them and quit when I see they are tiring. This keeps them from getting “grumpy” and helps them to maintain a happy attitude toward me and the training.
Chasity and I exited the Round Pen in perfect form and then went to get Wrangler. Building a good relationship with your equine makes EVERYTHING easier!
Wrangler was standing sideways to the fence, but moved over promptly upon command. I wanted him on my right. He was still mesmerized by Chasity in heat, but he was still a gentleman and complied with my wishes! I love it when they behave so well!
Chasity flirted with Wrangler and he reciprocated while I untied his “Elbow Pull” and released him. Then we all marched together to the Tack Barn where they were untacked, then returned to the barn yard for turnout and more intense flirtation! Love was in the air!
HALFWAY THERE – 11 BABIES & “THE REASON” – CAN WE SAVE 2 MORE PREGNANT MARES WITH BABIES ON THEIR SIDE?
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
THE CALLS WON’T QUIT!
2 MORE VERY WILD, PREGNANT MARES WITH WEANLINGS ON THEIR SIDE!
I HAVE TO GIVE AN ANSWER RIGHT AWAY! These mares AND THEIR BABIES NEED YOU NOW!
We have nearly enough funds to get the ones you just saved, vetted and to start heading home. However, I cannot bear the thought of the mares and weanlings loading onto a slaughter truck, especially as they are well into their pregnancies. Let’s add them to the mix and save their lives! WILL YOU HELP SAVE THE MAMA’S TOO? THEY NEED BAIL, FUNDS FOR VETTING AND TRANSPORT, AND THEY PROBABLY WANT TO BE FED AND CARED FOR AS WELL!
I need more funds to responsibly save them!
I was able to get all the babies/weanlings ( ended up with 11). However, once again there was a special “REASON” I COULDN’T LEAVE.
Below is “REASON’s” story. She is the sad mare at the top of the page. Her neck is permanently scarred from being roped and she is so terrified of being hurt. She is halter trained and stands calmly, although she is sure you will smack her if you get close to her head. She is the most odd looking little girl at this point, but with proper food and exercise who knows what she will end up looking like. Regardless, she deserves a safe place to land.
Her story is below if you enjoy reading.
As we drove into the lot to pick up the babies, I noticed another truck and trailer pulling in. My stomach dropped as I looked into the eyes of a very scared young(?) horse. I am the last one allowed to save babies out of this yard, and it is because I am professional and keep my mouth shut. Although my heart was breaking and my stomach churning even more than usual, we loaded up the babies and headed out. As we were leaving, they unloaded “REASON”. She was very quiet as she was led to the next step on the journey towards her death. Her eyes were white with terror and she was trembling from head to toe.
The closer we got to camp, the more I couldn’t breathe. Her face and eyes stayed with me and as I started to cry I made the call. She may never be ridable, but she did not deserve the horrible end she was headed to. Her face already had bites from the other horses and she was a sad mess when we got to her. She has permanent roping scars on her neck and has every expectation that she is going to be hurt when you walk up. She is the sweetest thing I have ever seen and her little heart and soul are broken. But there is a light deep in the back of her eyes. I have to think she was one of the main “REASON’s” I could not go home. If we had not pulled in at that exact moment in time, her fate would have been very different.
Sometimes God makes me wait to see “why”, and other times he makes it so clear.
We also had Baby Boo, who only has 2 little, teeth top and bottom. She is going to a wonderful lady we work with. She, along with her vet, will give the mare 2 shots and Boo will have a real mommy. The other babies are just as precious.
YOUR MONEY ALWAYS GOES RIGHT WHERE IT SHOULD! THANK YOU FOR SAVING ALL OF THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
I DO NEED MORE HELP if I am going to be able to afford the 2 pregnant mares and their babies. THANK YOU FROM ALL OF THEM!!!
PLEASE REMEMBER, I NEVER want anyone to donate more than they can comfortably afford. Those who have already donated, LIFTED PRAYERS, SHARED THE INFORMATION, I THANK YOU, AND BLESS YOUR BEAUTIFUL HEARTS!
The DESPERATE DOZEN thank you for you saving their lives. They are all adorable! # 12 is REASON, shown above. I don’t know why there were only 11 babies on arrival, their could have simply been a miscount as all the horses were bunched together. I am praying that is the reason.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
You can go to gofundme
You can go to Paypal
if you would like to help these horses.
->You can donate via check at: (PLEASE NOTE NEW PO BOX #)
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang,
PO Box # 233
Golconda, NV 89414
You can also donate via credit card by calling Palomino at 530-339-1458.
NO MATTER HOW BIG OR HOW SMALL – WE SAVE THEM ALL!
SAVING GD’S CRITTERS – FOUR FEET AT A TIME
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang, WIN Project – Rescue & Rehab
We are now part of the WIN Organization
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.
ABSOLUTE 911 – URGENT PLEA FOR HELP! SHIPPER CALLED AND THERE ARE 12 MORE BABIES — DO I SAVE THEM OR LET THEM DIE?
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
911 FOR 12 OR MORE BABIES?!! (These are babies you saved prior, so imagine it was them – we have to save them.)
I WAS LITERALLY LOADED AND HEADING HOME WHEN I GOT THE 911!
CLOCK IS LITERALLY TICKING! I HAVE ONLY HOURS TO COMMIT!
Shipper called – ANOTHER DOZEN or so babies I have hours to commit to.
ALL of the last 18 from this current rescue are safe and adopted. PTL! I
ABSOLUTELY DID NOT WANT TO TURN AROUND. I literally have tears sneaking out of my eyes. I need to get back home. However, I know that God wanted me to save these, or I would have gotten the call an hour or more into the trip. The fact that I got it just as we were leaving makes it pretty clear that I am meant to save these!
The coffers are nearly empty, I still have 9 babies at home, along with the other 20 or so horses at the rescue, and I NEED YOUR HELP NOW IF I AM GOING TO BE ABLE TO SAVE THESE LAST PRECIOUS LIVES.
It’s simple, I literally cannot afford to save these babies without your help! I need funds to pay for Ranch Care, Bail for the Babies, Vetting and hauling to get them safely home. I need to buy winter hay and the list goes on. I have to be responsible, and I am having faith in y’all because I know this is God’s plan, and I know you don’t want these babies to die. I do have to be careful and make sure I can properly take care of every horse we save!
I never want anyone to donate more than they can afford, but I don’t mind if you skip your latte! lol
One happy baby :) says THANK YOU!!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
You can go to gofundme
You can go to Paypal
if you would like to help these horses.
->You can donate via check at: (PLEASE NOTE NEW PO BOX #)
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang,
PO Box # 233
Golconda, NV 89414
You can also donate via credit card by calling Palomino at 530-339-1458.
NO MATTER HOW BIG OR HOW SMALL – WE SAVE THEM ALL!
SAVING GD’S CRITTERS – FOUR FEET AT A TIME
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang, WIN Project – Rescue & Rehab
We are now part of the WIN Organization
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.
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Learning to Submit to the “Elbow Pull”: 6-23-20
Chasity has made marked improvement in the past two weeks with her work in the Round Pen with Wrangler. They really enjoy working together and always give me their very best effort! Their bodies are really improving with the work even though their lessons are only once a week! Chasity’s infection is completely gone, her Lordosis (sway back) is no longer there and the fat on her neck crest has shrunk significantly. It will still take a very long time to get it down to where it should be. There is simply no quick way to do this that would still be healthy for her, but she has come a LONG WAY already!
Although Wrangler is still sporting some belly hair that makes his torso look thick, both donkeys are at optimum health and weight. It is June so they have not yet shed their coats completely. Still, their hair coats are healthy and soft due to their diet and weekly grooming. I use a plastic human multi-bristled hair brush with a sprinkle of Johnson’s Baby Oil in the manes and tails for hair protection and to keep them from chewing on each other’s manes and tails. The weekly grooming with the hairbrush aerates the coat and keeps the hair healthy. They can then shed all the dead hair and not just what is on top. It also prevents breakage and uneven growth. I never body clip unless they are showing and never do the insides of the ears. Their hair coats insulate them from the heat and cold, and protect them from insects when the hair is properly maintained. They will be fully shded by August and grow their winter hair in September.
Wrangler is taken to the Round Pen first and executes the gate perfectly! I always do gates exactly the same way and reward so all my equines know what to expect and can behave accordingly with no fuss.
I tie Wrangler with the “Elbow Pull” and then go to get Chasity. She also executes the gate perfectly while Wrangler waits patiently! When you do things in a way that they always know what to expect next, there is no anxiety and therefore, no need for a “Patience Pole” to teach them to stand quietly.
I then adjusted Chasity’s “Elbow Pull” such that she has plenty of slack to raise her head, but not enough to raise it so high that she inverts her neck and back. If she tires during the lesson, she can lean against it without sacrificing her good equine posture until she can regain self-carriage again. It will put pressure on the poll, bit rings, forearms and back when she leans on and will be taut (but not tight) and when she is in total self-carriage, it will remain loose. It is a similar concept as a ballet dancer using their balance bar.
We posed for a picture before I adjusted Wrangler’s “Elbow Pull.” I allow those who already have consistent self-carriage a lot more slack than I do those who are first starting out.
Wrangler is carrying his head and neck a bit low today, but I believe he is just stretching his back that probably got sore from his antics in the larger pen yesterday when he was first turned out with Chasity! Simply put, he played a bit too hard! Chasity is starting to carry her own good posture much better and is not leaning on the “Elbow Pull” as much as she did just two weeks ago!
They each took their turn and executed very nice reverses when asked…first Chasity and then Wrangler! People often have problems lunging their donkeys, but taking things slowly and in the right logical sequence seems to help a lot! I am also grateful that I have one senior donkey to help me teach the “newbie.” It saves a lot of running and encouragement with the whip. And, they enjoy working together a lot more than alone!
Chasity really has her good posture down nicely and is keeping the “Elbow Pull” loose during the five rotations at walk in each direction. This direction, she really got enthusiastically engaged at the trot and only slightly leaned on her “Elbow Pull.” I could have taken up the slack on Wrangler’s “Elbow Pull” for this trot rotation and he would have done better, but he wasn’t excessively bad so I opted no to do it.
I did one more extra lap at a good working walk and Chasity showed me her BEST posture! I am so pleased with her improvement and so is she!!! Wrangler waits patiently for his turn to go back to the work station in the Tack Barn. What great donkeys they are!
Help Give Ralphie A Chance!
The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:
Thank you for the love and compassion you give to all of our horses. Because of you, they have much of what they need.
We have a new guy that needs so much more…
Meet Ralphie!
Ralphie is scheduled for surgery TODAY!
Please help us help him
Ralphie is a handsome 17-year old American Cream Draft who recently came to AAE. He has some issues that need surgery to help improve his quality of life. Earlier this year, he developed a little mass on his lower right eyelid that continued to grow. He also has a lemon-sized mass on his left medial pastern. His family tried conservative treatment of the areas; they weren’t successful. They weren’t equipped for further treatment, especially with winter coming.
You can see graphic photos on Ralphie’s page.
The eye growth is likely a squamous cell carcinoma. It has grown and ulcerated. It’s painful, it oozes and drains down his cheek, it stinks to holy *#@#, and it’s a mecca for flies. It needs to be cleaned at least twice a day, and he wears a fly mask all the time. Fly spray helps, but flies still swarm around the smell and drainage that leaks through the mask. Nuisance, irritant…unbearable. The only way to help is to remove the mass.
(Photo is flies first thing in the morning before treatment.)
Sadly, it’s gotten so large, much of his eyelid is affected, and he’ll also need his eye removed. It’s also possible it’s affected the surrounding bone. There’s no easy way to know how much impact before removing it, but it will only continue to grow, if not removed.
The mass on his pastern is likely either granulation tissue (proud flesh) or a sarcoid. When he walks, he clips the area with his other hoof and irritates the area or reopens the wound preventing healing. We’ve kept it wrapped and use bell boots to minimize the contact, but it’s large and still interferes with his steps.
During intake exam, we also identified a small, suspect lesion on his sheath. While sedated, this spot will be removed, too.
Costs for surgery are beyond our typical intake budget, and we’re asking our horse-loving community to come together to support Ralphie. If everyone can help a little, it will make a big difference for him. We also have a very generous donor who offered to match funds to make sure we meet our $3500 goal to help with surgery and biopsy costs. Any excess will be used to help with additional hospitalization, medications, post-op care, and follow-ups or other veterinary needs.
We realize some of you may think because of the costs, that euthanasia is the better choice. If you feel that way, you are under no obligation to donate. Ralphie’s fundraiser is for all of you that believe every life counts. Let’s give him a chance!
We can’t do this without you!
Not only do we need your support, we need your help to spread the word.
Share our Posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Here are more ways you can help!
Our Sponsor a Horse program is a monthly donation for a specific horse. You can sponsor at any level or any amount you choose. Choose a horse to sponsor today!
Doing some fall cleaning? Donate gently used tack to AAE’s Used Tack Store in Shingle Springs. We very much appreciate tack donations delivered to the store in sale ready condition (e.g.clean, conditioned, oiled). Please email tack@allaboutequine.org for information about donating or to schedule a delivery. Proceeds from used tack sales helps pay for feed, veterinary expenses, and other operational needs.
Have you considered adopting a rescue horse? If you are interested in adopting one of our beautiful animals, please take time to complete the Adoption Inquiry Form.
Thank you for being a part of the All About Equine Animal Rescue team.
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: First Turnout with Chasity: 6-10-20
We tore down the quarantine panels and made one big area for Wrangler’s and Chasity’s turnout. Today would be their first time together in an open area by themselves. Chasity spent two months in quarantine with a double fence between them, then two weeks with a single fence between them. For those two weeks, they were introduced to the round pen and lunged together with no problems. Wrangler has finally found his “LADY LOVE!” But, for the time being, Wrangler is more interested in this GREAT BIG NEW PEN! Chasity watches him with interest while he inspects every square inch of the area.
Wrangler suddenly bolts and runs with joy!!! Chasity goes to the corner and pretends she doesn’t notice his exuberance and obvious male flirtation!
Chasity then meanders over to talk with our miniature gelding horse, Mirage. Wrangler gallops over to flirt with our miniature mule, Francis, to make her jealous, but Chasity is not moved, so Wrangler goes after her to break up the tryst!
Chasity just moved down the fence line and Mirage followed her. Wrangler went after her and herded her to the other side of the pen where Chasity stopped and Wrangler patrolled the perimeter to keep her from returning to Mirage. Chasity is slightly incensed.
Wrangler made an approach and Chasity promptly chastised him and sent him to his corner. Then she trotted down to her corner and they pretended not to notice each other!
Chasity walked back up to Wrangler to try to make up and he galloped off in a huff! She then decided to play hard-to-get and returned to her corner where he promptly approached her again…this time, much more cautiously!
After they had stood still for a while, I called Chasity and Wrangler over for a reward of crimped oats. They came obediently and stood politely next to each other to receive their “goodies!” They then watched me leave with acute interest… “Well, aren’t you going to give us MORE?!!!”
Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: WE ARE NOT AFRAID! 10-5-20
“I wonder where we are off to today, Augie?”
“It’s down the road to another adventure, Spuds!”
“Hi, Guys! How are you all doing?”
“I know they want to go with us, Augie!”
“It’s another meet-the-heavy-equipment day, Spuds!”
“Yeah, first the backhoe and now the skidsteer, Spuds!”
“Oh, check this out, Spuds, SUPER FUN!”
“Hey, Augie, wait for me! Yee Haw!”
“Don’t we all look like another statue, Spuds?!”
“YUP, but it’s time to go, Augie! Whoopee!”
“You take the high road and I’ll take the low road, and I’ll get there before you, Augie!”
“You can’t be King of the Mountain without going HIGH, Spuds!”
“AND, you learn to pick your way CAREFULLY, Spuds!”
“I’d rather be jumping, Augie! It’s MUCH MORE FUN!”
“I can jump, too, Spuds, and HIGHER than you!”
“Each to his own… knock yourself out, Augie!”
“I am a true energy-conserver, Augie!”
“And maybe a bit lazy, eh Spuds! Come on! This one’s easy, Spuds!”
“I was just waiting for you to get out of the way… so I could jump!”
“Yeah! Yeah! Sure you were, Spuds! “I’m not afraid, Augie!”
“Walking in sync is harder than people might think, eh, Spuds?!”
“Yeah… and so is posing for the pictures she wants!”
“It’s easy when you have core strength and flexibility, Spuds! Then you can BOTH get what you want!”
“Sure is smoky out here from the fires, Augie!”
“Yeah, but it’s nice to be out for another adventure!”
“OH, what’s she doing now, Augie?!”
“I think we are supposed to follow, Spuds… IN SYNC!”
“Isn’t SHE being lazy now, Augie?!”
“Not really, Spuds… she’s getting older! So, we need to be cooperative… so we can have more ADVENTURES!”
My view from the field
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
You’ve seen and heard a lot about this year’s brutal wild horse and burro roundups from us — but have you ever wondered what it would be like to observe one for yourself?
I used to, and that’s why I headed out to Utah to the Sulphur HMA. I wanted to observe for myself, but more importantly, I wanted to share the experience with you to give the full picture of exactly what we’re fighting to end — and why.
Watching this video isn’t easy. But it’s important to understand what’s at stake — and why we’re calling for a moratorium on roundups and an investigation into the BLM’s rampant animal welfare violations and failure to implement fertility control as a humane alternative to brutal roundups. I’m personally asking that, after you watch the video, you consider chipping in $15 to our Roundup Fund so we can put an end to these brutal practices as quickly as possible.
Please note: this video contains upsetting images of violence against wild horses.
AWHC’s roundup program — observing, documenting, reporting and holding BLM accountable — is a top priority for us. Often, we’re the ONLY ones in the field speaking up for those who cannot.
The freedoms, lives, health and well-being of the iconic wild horse and burro herds we love so dearly depend on our continued vigilance and effort, and we won’t let them down. Are you with me?
Watch our video first to see what a day at a roundup entails, and then please chip in to help us keep up this important work.
Thank you,
Brieanah Schwartz
URGENT 911 FOR 3 PREGNANT MARES – AND 16 NEW ORPHANS – ALL SLATED FOR THE SLAUGHTER TRUCK – WILL YOU HELP SAVE THEM?
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
911 FOR 19 MORE LIVES!!
ANOTHER CALL FROM THE SHIPPER AND THE CATCHERS!
16 MORE BABIES AND A RARE CHANCE TO SAVE 3 PREGNANT MARES! (We are still in the middle of rescuing the 27, and I NEED MORE HELP TO SAVE ALL OF THESE LIVES!
Thankfully we have had some wonderful adoptions and I am down to 6 babies with me now, as well as the 9 babies in Golconda with the rest of the kids. Both Strawberry and the abused TB are safe and sound in their new homes. PTL!
We have had some significant injuries in the last group, and the vet bills take a huge chunk of the donations. One of the HIDDEN COSTS of rescue are Brand Inspections. I spent over $660 in the last few weeks for a simple piece of paper that is required for every horse. But most people have no idea that we spend so much money on these. Legally it is required, and it hurts badly as it eats into the budget.
__
As you can see in the photo, this mare was desperate to escape. They are terrified and cannot understand why they are suddenly trapped. (Not to mention what they have been through during the roundups.)
It is supposed to be the end of the catching season. Today, I was sent pictures of these mares. PLEASE DO NOT LET THEIR FACES HAUNT ME FOREVER!
I truly need a break, but these lives were put in front of me for a reason. Obviously it is God’s plan for us to try and save them. I cannot do it without you. Please make this happen! The clock is ticking…..
I NEED YOUR HELP TO SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES! The mares are very thin and very pregnant. I cannot stand the thought of them on the slaughter truck. I know it is easy to run on “faith” when things are a bit difficult, but it is even more important to trust in the really hard times, or it doesn’t mean anything.
So I am trusting we can raise the funds we need to purchase all 19 OF THE NEW GROUP OF horses AND to get them vetted, hauled home to safety and fed and cared for until they have found their forever homes. I HAVE TO RAISE ENOUGH FUNDS TO RESPONSIBLY RESCUE THESE lives. They all need to be fed and cared for after they are saved.
This mare is extremely thin, and very pregnant. Let’s get her to safety so she can get her groceries and have her baby in peace, not have it ripped out and thrown onto the slaughter floor. She needs your help now!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
You can go to gofundme
You can go to Paypal
if you would like to help these horses.
->You can donate via check at: (PLEASE NOTE NEW PO BOX #)
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang,
PO Box # 233
Golconda, NV 89414
You can also donate via credit card by calling Palomino at 530-339-1458.
NO MATTER HOW BIG OR HOW SMALL – WE SAVE THEM ALL!
SAVING GD’S CRITTERS – FOUR FEET AT A TIME
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang, WIN Project – Rescue & Rehab
We are now part of the WIN Organization
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’ve NEVER seen a roundup like this
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
News & Alerts
The Red Desert Complex roundup is set to break all the wrong records.
The majestic wild horses and burros who call 705,500 acres of public land in the Red Desert Area of southern Wyoming home are firmly in the BLM’s crosshairs, now running in fear instead of free.
Five herds — and more than 2,400 wild horses – are, as of this week, being brutally chased down, separated, terrorized and rounded up in the largest wild horse helicopter roundup in the program’s history.
We must speak up, show up, and take action, Meredith. Will you sign and then share our emergency petition — now at 13,000 individual voices — demanding an immediate moratorium on roundups and a Congressional investigation into the BLM’s rampant animal welfare violations and failure to heed Congress’ directives to implement fertility control as a humane alternative to brutal roundups?
Photos by Lynn Hanson for AWHC
We’re doing EVERYTHING in our power to intervene when and where we can to protect our wild horses. In the field, in the courts, on Capitol Hill and online with emails like this and the launch of nationwide petitions and ads shared and seen by tens of thousands of people.
We’re also demanding that Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt retract the wild horse policy decisions made during the unlawful tenure of William Perry Pendley as head of the BLM. These include a shocking plan to round up 90,000 wild horses and burros over the next five years — virtually every one of these animals living free today — and efforts to codify the agency’s ability to subject wild horses to dangerous and invasive sterilization surgeries and sell them without limitation on slaughter.
Progress cannot come soon enough for our imperiled wild horses and burros but it IS being made, every day, by people like you. By all of us.
The BLM’s plan to roundup approximately 2,400 wild horses from the Antelope Hills, Crooks Mountain, Green Mountain, Lost Creek, and Stewart Creek Herd Management Areas (HMAs) is a stark reminder of who this public agency is working for. It’s not the American people, who overwhelmingly support wild horse protection. It’s the livestock industry: At the same time as BLM helicopters bear down on the wild horses in these five iconic Wyoming herds that have called the Red Desert Complex home for CENTURIES, the agency is permitting 20,995 privately-owned sheep and 9,753 cows to graze in this same public lands habitat.
The BLM plans to reduce the wild horse population to the “Appropriate” Management Level (AML) of just 480-724 within the complex, leaving just 1 horse per every 1,500+ acres. Three of the HMAs will have just 65 or fewer horses remaining when the roundup is over.
On the heels of the most aggressive roundup season we’ve ever seen, we can’t let this continue.
For the love of wild horses —
The whole team at AWHC
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: SHARING THE EXPERIENCE: 6-10-20
Wrangler was introduced to our new donkey jennet, Chasity, with a double fence between them and has seen me working with her for two months now. After being alone in turnout for three years, he will finally have a turnout buddy once she is out of quarantine. This will happen in just a few days. However, I could sense that Wrangler was jealous of the time I was spending with Chasity, so I decided to surprise him! He obediently came to the stall door and waited patiently to be haltered, but it had been such a long time since he had seen the Tack Barn work station that he needed to PAUSE…
…and take a good look at the metal drainage grating before entering. He was rewarded at the hitch rail for being brave and was somewhat curious about what would be happening next.
Wrangler was so pleased when I walked through the door with his new love, Chasity! They both looked expectantly as I walked from the Tack Room with the familiar towel. I cleaned their eyes, ears and nostrils.
Wrangler showed Chasity that the “monster vac” was nothing to be afraid of. He stood quietly while I put on his Passier All Purpose English saddle. With the girth four inches back on the swell of his barrel, so as not to chafe the sensitive skin right behind his forearms, I adjusted his crupper to hold it firmly in place.
They both watched me intently as I returned to the Tack Room for the bridles. Wrangler politely lowered his head to make bridling much easier. I always return the favor by being VERY CAREFUL about pushing their ears through the headstall by protecting them with my hand as I slide the crown piece over them.
I took Wrangler to the Round Pen. Then I went back to the Tack Barn, got Chasity and tied her outside so she could watch him being lunged. I hoped this would help her to “get it” when it became her turn!
Wrangler was in pretty good shape when I got him three years ago. He’s always kept himself balanced and in good shape, so he was able to go straight to lunging for core strength in his “Elbow Pull.” He only had two lessons two years ago, but his good posture and core strength has endured. The “Elbow Pull” remained loose throughout his entire workout in the Round Pen.
He planted his pivot foot, easily executed his reverse and continued the same way in the other direction. I was so proud of him! Wrangler reminds me a lot of my super champion jack from 1980-2014, Little Jack Horner! What a classy guy!
Since Wrangler was doing so well, I decided to go ahead and let him try lunging with Chasity. They had not yet been in the same pen together, but I trusted he would behave himself and he surely did! He encouraged her to go forward and then did his reverse promptly on command. She took a bit more persuading to reverse, but he patiently walked until she caught up with him.
With Wrangler in the lead, they did five more rotations and Wrangler never swayed from his good equine posture. When we were done, I tied Chasity to a post in the Round Pen and returned to the Tack Barn with Wrangler. He was so happy to finally be able to spend some time with me and to share his experience with Chasity!
I AM AT 27 AND MORE TO COME??? DO I SAY YES TO THE REST? IT’S UP TO YOU. THEY NEED YOUR HELP NOW!
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
STILL MORE BABIES NEED YOUR HELP!! This rescue is at 27 so far, and still growing. Catchers are running like crazy before the bad weather hits. Do I tell them, YES or No? It’s up to you!
THE NUMBERS RIGHT NOW ARE AT 27 – 23 BABIES, 1 Pregnant wild mare, the other abused wild TB mare, and still working on the pony. 5 of those are still at the Shipper’s, which pretty much guarantees by the time they are “ready to go”, there will be more. So far, there has NEVER been a pickup that didn’t have more babies.
I appreciate every penny that has been donated. Sadly, if I am going to be able to save ALL these precious lives, the horses simply need more help. It is kind of terrifying to think about so many mouths to feed etc. However, our wonderful adoption coordinator has found homes for 6 of the babies and I have both mares adopted out as well. I still have 9 babies in Golconda, and winter is coming.
I am willing do the work, but I need your help for the funding.
I want to send out a big thank you to Matt. He came up from Texas to fix my water lines and decided to come and help me on this rescue before heading to CA. He has been a big blessing and it was nice to not be here on my own this time.
For the folks who feel like reading, I wanted to share a day in the life of a rescue with y’all. It is pretty much the reality of what it is like to do this work.
This morning I woke up, ran to town for supplies, spent a couple hours with an amazing adopter, picked up more orphaned foals, fed, watered and vetted the ones with injuries and finally sat down. As I write this, the reality sets in.
I have a beautiful camp site where I have my “temporary corrals” set up.
My veggies are simmering in butter over the fire, and it is so beautiful out. The air is soft and clear, and as the music plays, my heart swells thinking of how beautiful everything is. I try to enjoy as much as I can each, and every day and appreciate what is in front of me.
Reality is the knife that comes deep in my heart. The beauty tonight is pierced by the horrors that brought me here. Although I have made this the absolute best “home away from home” I possibly can, the night is pierced by the screams of babies torn away from their Mamas and their families. Their anguished, wailing cries, hanging heads and beat up bodies show the horrors of what just happened. The absolutely, bewildered look in the eyes of these broken babies rips out your heart. At this very moment, their moms, brothers, sisters, and dads are crushed in a slaughter truck, able to make no sense of what happened. Days ago, they were running free, and tonight they are kicked and bitten as too many of them are crammed together in the truck of death.
I am so grateful to have a place to set up and take care of these broken souls, and as most of you know I spend weeks living in “camp” in my horse trailer so I can save these babies, pregnant mares, old stallions and anyone else God throws into the mix. But listening to these babies scream for their mama’s all night long, is ripping my heart out. As the tears stream down my face, the pain is so physical it nearly makes me ill.
This was NOT my dream, to be buried in the sewer that is the slaughter world. But God puts it in front of me, so this IS my world. It isn’t bad enough that only yesterday as I drove here, I was up to 16 weanlings, not including the pregnant mare, the other crazed, injured and abused wild mare, and the bratty pony. TODAY, I picked up 6 instead of 4, and there are ANOTHER 5 at the Shipper’s. So today’s number is 23, NOT 16, and that is just the babies. Every day it seems to grow……
When I think about trying to explain the need for help, it is simply overwhelming. I so say “no” all the time, but when I am the only thing standing between death and these babies, I have to give it my all. Honestly, I am beyond tired. I want to cry I am so tired. Emotionally, physically I am exhausted. But I cannot have that negative energy with these babies. They need to feel safe and like they are loved. So I sit here wondering how much more I can take. I know God won’t give us more than we can handle, but sometimes I wonder how tough He thinks I really am.
_This is my evening. Trying to make the best of the situation put in front of me.
Wondering how soon everyone would quit reading the sad news that I spout as I try to save these precious lives. So many 911’s and emergencies. THIS IS MY LIFE ON THE FRONT LINE!_
Listening to the heartbreaking screams of the babies. Knowing their families are rattling around in a slaughter bound trailer, terrified, and missing their babies. Yet I have to struggle on, because if I quit, all of these lives will be lost, and not in a humane fashion.
Once again saving ALL of these souls depends on you, my Chilly Pepper Family. YOU are the Angels that make it happen. The chance of it only being 27 is nearly impossible, but one can hope.
Thank you for saving so many lives!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
You can go to gofundme
You can go to Paypal
if you would like to help these horses.
->You can donate via check at: (PLEASE NOTE NEW PO BOX #)
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang,
PO Box # 233
Golconda, NV 89414
You can also donate via credit card by calling Palomino at 530-339-1458.
NO MATTER HOW BIG OR HOW SMALL – WE SAVE THEM ALL!
SAVING GD’S CRITTERS – FOUR FEET AT A TIME
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang, WIN Project – Rescue & Rehab
We are now part of the WIN Organization
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.
URGENT: Save mares from surgical sterilization
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
News & Alerts
We recently learned some truly shocking news, and we’re emailing you now so together we can take swift, collective action to protect Utah’s wild mares before it’s too late.
Against public and congressional opinion, common sense, science, and multiple lawsuits and federal injunctions, the BLM is planning to move ahead with implementing the barbaric surgical procedure, ovariectomy via colpotomy, on wild mares, this time targeting the federally-protected wild horse herds of Utah’s Confusion Herd Management Area (HMA), 90 miles northwest of Delta.
This marks the FOURTH time the agency has tried to get this cruel procedure off the ground, at the urging of the livestock industry. We’ve been fighting this tooth and nail from day one – with legal efforts, congressional pressure and modeling safer, more scientific alternatives for sterilization. We cannot give up now.
It’s unacceptable for the BLM to once again attempt to proceed with this gruesome sterilization procedure that involves a veterinarian cutting into a mare’s vaginal wall, placing a hand and arm through the vagina in the abdominal cavity, manually (and blindly) locating the ovaries before severing and removing them with a rod-like chain tool called an ecraseur. It’s not only cruel and inhumane, it’s also an unnecessary waste of our taxpayer dollars, particularly when a more cost-effective and humane control alternative exists with the PZP birth control vaccine. In fact it’s ready RIGHT NOW to deploy on the range.
We already have champions in Congress speaking up against this abuse. Last summer, Senator Cory Booker spearheaded a sign-on letter to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, expressing concerns over the proposed surgical sterilization experiments planned by the agency. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) quickly followed suit in the House and sent a bipartisan letter to the Secretary signed by 30 members.
AWHC — backed by tens of thousands of supporters like you — worked with Congress and partners this year to win a historic legislative victory in the House of Representative with the passage of an amendment that would direct at least $11 million of its annual operating budget for its Wild Horse and Burro Program to implementation of the humane and proven PZP vaccine. We have momentum on our side and we know we can stop this — we’ve done it before — but it’s going to take all of us speaking up right now.
Will you join us?
Grace Kuhn
Communications Director
American Wild Horses Campaign
Boots and Bling is TONIGHT!!
The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:
Don’t Forget Boots and Bling is Tonight!
Boots and Bling is VIRTUAL this year! JOIN US TONIGHT for our live stream event of Boots and Bling! Don’t forget to log on and watch live starting 7:00pm
Did you know the auctions for Boots and Bling are open now! So click here to register and start bidding today!! Tonight’s live event will feature the live auction items and a fund-a-need.
We hope you will all join. Although this event will be different from the past, we are excited for this opportunity to come together virtually and help the horses!
The event is FREE Register Today!
Changing lives…One Horse at a Time
Our Fund A Need this year is focused at supporting our general fund for operational costs including feed and vet care/supplies. It’s been a challenging year for all, and we want to be sure we are well funded to continue operations into 2021. Any amount is very much appreciated.
Donate to Boots and Bling Fund-a-need!
SILENT AND LIVE AUCTIONS ARE OPEN
Check out the Auction Now!! Keep checking back for available items and to update your bids!
Sponsor A Horse Today!
Did you know you can sponsor a horse at AAE?
If you like the work we are doing to help horses in need, our Sponsor A Horse program is a way you can invest in our program by making a monthly donation in honor of a specific horse (“your” horse). Just like the herd at AAE, our sponsorship levels vary. You may sponsor any horse at any level or any amount you choose, or we can design a sponsorship that works for you.
Typically, the monthly cost of care for a specific horse exceeds sponsor levels. However, if the actual cost of care for your horse is less than sponsor amounts, any excess will carry over to fund costs of care for other horses not sponsored. No donation is too small; every dollar counts!
Join our Team and SPONSOR A HORSE, or visit our website for more information about sponsoring.
P.S. All of the new intakes need sponsors to help support their ongoing costs of care! You can help!
ON MY WAY AND YES, ANOTHER CALL
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
Another call – still MORE BABIES.
As of this point there are at least 2 more babies and possibly more.
Thank you to everyone who is helping. We were getting close, but still need more help, especially with 16 + babies in addition to the others we are saving.
I so appreciate every penny that is donated. I am hoping and praying we can pull this off and LEAVE NO HORSE BEHIND!
I will update as more come in.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
You can go to gofundme
You can go to Paypal
if you would like to help these horses.
->You can donate via check at: (PLEASE NOTE NEW PO BOX #)
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang,
PO Box # 233
Golconda, NV 89414
You can also donate via credit card by calling Palomino at 530-339-1458.
NO MATTER HOW BIG OR HOW SMALL – WE SAVE THEM ALL!
SAVING GD’S CRITTERS – FOUR FEET AT A TIME
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang, WIN Project – Rescue & Rehab
We are now part of the WIN Organization
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.
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Lunging Together: 6-10-20
Chasity had no way of knowing that she was about to graduate from the Hourglass Pattern to the Round Pen today, nor did she really care! She knows that every experience with me is happy and rewarding! So, she was waiting patiently at the stall door for me to come get her after I had already gotten Wrangler, her beau, from his stall! She put on her “happy face” and proceeded to the Tack Barn with a spring in her step!!!
She was particularly happy to see Wrangler standing at the work station! I cleaned both of their eyes, ears and nostrils with no problem at all! They were both eager to find out what was coming next!
After her initial introduction to the “monster vac,” this time she did not even bat an eyelash! It was of no consequence to her anymore…she was BRAVE now! I rewarded her and marveled at how her neck was improving! The fat was disappearing and her neckline was becoming straighter. Hallelujah!
I asked Chasity to do her stretches first to the right and then to the left. Her response was becoming much more flexible and symmetrical on both sides.
The Courbette (on Chasity) and the Passier (on Wrangler) are two used All Purpose English saddles that I bought over 35 years ago, that fit all my mules and donkeys, and are in as good condition today as the day that I bought them! I centered them on their backs and adjusted the crupper to keep them in place!
I bridled them both and took Wrangler to the Round Pen first. Then I tied Chasity on the outside of the Round Pen and she watched while I lunged Wrangler.
Then it was her turn! I adjusted the “Elbow Pull” self-correcting restraint to the right tension and asked Chasity to flex at the poll. Then we began lunging. She leaned on the “Elbow Pull,” but it kept her from hollowing her back and neck while still allowing her to reach well underneath her body with her hind legs.
After five rotations in one direction, I stopped her and asked for a reverse. She hesitated, but eventually understood what I was asking of her and happily trotted off. She did make me work a bit to keep her going, but she was beginning to relieve a bit of the tension on the “Elbow Pull.”
Since things were going so well, I rewarded Chasity and flexed her neck again. I decided to allow Wrangler to help show her how it is done for five more rotations in each direction. That would be all I would need to do on a 85+ degree day with their shedding not quite completed. Wrangler was amazing! They had not been turned out together yet, so I thought he might be silly with her, but he was all business!
Of course, Wrangler did the reverse quickly and perfectly while Chasity took a little persuading. Wrangler just walked confidently and patiently, keeping his good posture with the “Elbow Pull” loose, while he waited for her to catch up. For two thirteen year olds, they were awesome!
Although Wrangler has been with me for three years, and Chasity for only three months, I find it amazing how quickly they happily come to their ideal equine posture. They exit their lessons renewed and refreshed!
Last night was unforgettable
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Last night’s third annual — and first time virtual — STAY WILD benefit event for wild horses and burros was truly a night to remember. We rocked out, we laughed, we cried, we cheered, we celebrated … and today we’re straight back to work because our wild horses need, and deserve, us now more than ever.
While I’m still energized from the excitement of last night, I just found out we’re JUST short of closing-out some of our critical “Fund a Need” campaigns that our wild horses and burros rely on all year. We’re SO close to meeting these important goals, and — with your help right now — we can check-off the rest of these urgent wild horse needs by the end of the weekend:
I have some very exciting news: We have received generous matching gifts from AWHC totalling $15,000 that we have until MIDNIGHT on Sunday to reach. Many thanks to long-time AWHC supporters Jennifer and Hec Leeds-Delgado and our AWHC board member Bill Hake and his wife Laurie for jump-starting our effort to meet our Fund-A-Need goal.
We have 48 hours to double our impact, and fully fund these critical programs.
From the dart guns we use to carry out our world class PZP fertility control program, to the camera and video equipment we use to document each roundup, to the legal funds we need to continue to defend wild horses and burros in court — we are SO close to being able to meet the needs of our wild horse protection programs around the West. Can you help?
Our journey across the American West last night provided a stunning — and never before seen — visual preview of our work to prevent the decimation of the wild horses and burros we hold so close to our hearts. From amazing musical guest performances to a sobering behind-the-scenes film premiere of what it’s really like to attend a wild horse roundup, I won’t be forgetting last night anytime soon. If you weren’t able to attend, you can experience this magical evening for yourself by watching this just-uploaded video!
To our sponsors and silent auction participants, to our staff and board, to the amazing talent and our wonderful host committee: thank you … we couldn’t have done it without you! THANK YOU also to everyone who attended and donated – you made our very first virtual event a huge success. Now let’s keep up the good work!
ANOTHER PHONE CALL AS I TYPE THIS – EVEN MORE BABIES – 14 total!! ANOTHER 911 FOR A SAD LITTLE PONY, AN INJURED, POSSIBLY BRED BACK MARE AND 6 MORE BABIES!
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
STRAWBERRY, the pregnant roan mare has been saved, along with 8 of the babies. THANK YOU to each and every one of you who helped save them!
THERE ARE STILL 4 MORE BABIES PLUS THE 2 that I JUST GOT CALLED ON (while I was typing this). I need to commit to the babies, and we now have this sad little pony and the injured mare on the “URGENT – CLOCK HAS RUN OUT” list.
WILL YOU HELP SAVE THE REST OF THEM?
I am hoping and praying this is NOT the time I have to leave horses behind.
I know I cannot save the world, and I say “no” constantly, but this rescue is drawing out and I need to know if we can come up with enough funds to save ALL OF THEM!
This poor mare has been given a bum rap. She was mishandled, horribly abused and now is simply terrified if too much pressure is put on her.
Her baby was just stripped away and now she is being thrown away. She was also injured. She does not deserve to die!
So many times people only want the baby, and somehow there is an excuse to throw away Mama.
Let’s show her that HER LIFE MATTERS!
These are some of the kids you have saved already during this ongoing rescue! Thank you so much for each and every one of their lives.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
You can go to gofundme
You can go to Paypal
if you would like to help these horses.
->You can donate via check at: (PLEASE NOTE NEW PO BOX #)
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang,
PO Box # 233
Golconda, NV 89414
You can also donate via credit card by calling Palomino at 530-339-1458.
NO MATTER HOW BIG OR HOW SMALL – WE SAVE THEM ALL!
SAVING GD’S CRITTERS – FOUR FEET AT A TIME
Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang, WIN Project – Rescue & Rehab
We are now part of the WIN Organization
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.
LAST CHANCE: Get your Stay Wild Tickets NOW
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
DON’T MISS THIS LAST CHANCE TO STAY WILD TONIGHT!!
It’s here! Our Annual Stay Wild Benefit is TONIGHT and we would absolutely love for you — and your friends, and family — to join us before it’s too late.
We, along with our very special guests, like Lukas Nelson and LP have been hard at work putting together a VERY special night to remember and you won’t want to miss it.
Your ticket to Stay Wild will bring you across the West to see our programs in action and meet real wild horses living free, while entertaining you along the way with fantastic musical performances, celebrity appearances and insights from wild horse advocates in America — we’re SO excited to kick off October on such a high note!
Can you join us tonight?
WHEN: Oct 1, 2020, Pre-Show with DJ Amara: 4:45 PM, PDT, Main Event: 5:00 – 6:00 PM PDT
WHERE: Online — you can even join us in your PJs!
WHY: To raise funds for AWHC and our ongoing work to Keep Wild Horses Wild
We hope to celebrate with you tonight.
— Team AWHC
PS — Can’t make it? That’s OK, you can still support wild horses tonight — and gain something wonderful for yourself! — by checking out our truly amazing silent auction. Don’t just take it from us… see for yourself by watching this message from our special guest this evening:
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