MULE CROSSING: From Mules to Riches
By Meredith Hodges
Long before the Founding Fathers drafted our constitution, America began as a religious nation under God, and the mule has his roots in religion just as does the country he has helped to build. The mule of today’s ancestor is the donkey, mentioned in the Bible numerous times as an animal respected by God and blessed by Jesus Christ. The donkey was even chosen to bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and, later, acted as the mount Jesus himself used for his ride into the city of Jerusalem.
Here is an ancient story, quoted directly from the Bible, illustrating the mule’s wonderful sense of humor: “So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.” I Kings 1:38
“And Absolom met the servants of David. And Absolom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the Heavens and the earth, and the mule that was under him went away.” II Samuel 18:9.
Mules are the true professionals of slapstick humor and professional psychotherapy! When you get into an altercation with a mule, you will seldom get hurt, but you will surely be set straight in a most humiliating way.
In the early days of what was to become the United States of America, mules and horses perpetuated the expansion of the colonists into the Western territories of America. Since these early times, the American mule has acted not only as a pack animal for miners and fur traders penetrating the West, but it has also played an important part in our country’s defense, being able to cross terrain not accessible by any other means, and carrying and pulling heavier loads of weaponry than horses could even begin to carry.
When the fight for freedom from England’s rule was launched with the American Revolution, donkeys and horses were used in varying capacities to help win the battle for our country’s liberty.
Freedom was won as a result of the combined efforts of humans, animals and faith. One need only examine the humble traits and character of mules and donkeys to see that they indeed possessed the faith and the strong constitution to make some very important contributions to this country’s independence.
Drivers and mules, Gary, W. Va., Mine, where much of the mining and carrying is done by machinery. Location: Gary, West Virginia.
As they say, an army “marches on its stomach,” so it was a natural for Americans to progress further and delve into agriculture. Because of the extraordinary ability of mules to work for longer periods of time in sometimes harsh and unrelenting climates, their surefootedness and resistance to parasites and disease and with their ability to work long hours, the mule became the gem of agriculture. He learned his job quickly and put his heart and soul into every task.
When American coal mining was booming, the mule was such a valuable member of the mining process, that a good mining mule was considered to actually be more valuable than a human miner. Mining has always been a dangerous business, and the mining mule’s innate sense of self-preservation was well known. “Mules are very smart…They know what they can do and would never do anything they couldn’t or would not want to do. Mules were known to pull at least three full mine cars full of coal. If you hooked up a fourth car they would balk at any commands and just stand there. No way would they pull the fourth car!” 1
“Mules are the living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West. Mules were the pack animals of Spanish padres and grizzled prospectors. These animals have a dominant place in frontier history. From 1883 to 1889, the 20-mule teams moved 20 million pounds of borax out of Death Valley, California, to Mojave—165 miles away—traveling 15 to 18 miles a day. The 20-mule teams, the dramatic solution of a transportation problem, soon became a world-famous symbol, the trademark first of the Pacific Borax Company and, today, of the many products made by U.S. Borax.” 2 So began the mule’s vital contributions to industry and the economy.
Man and donkey out on Tanner Ledge, Grand Canyon, Arizona
In 1976, under the direction of the North American Trail Ride Conference, the Bicentennial Wagon train became a notable event in American history. Commemorating the trek West that was made so long ago by brave and adventurous pioneers, the Bicentennial journey went from California east to Valley Forge, retracing the steps of these first U.S. settlers. The outriders brought back scrolls of signatures signed by enthusiastic citizens to reaffirm their belief in the principles upon which America was founded. State by state, wagons met up with the main train and joined the trek. No doubt, many of these Bicentennial wagons were pulled by our beloved mules. “Going through my deceased folks’ stuff, I found an ‘Official Souvenir Program’ of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage. It’s interesting reading about the program in 1995–‘96, to have a Conestoga wagon or Prairie Schooner from each of the 50 states across the country on historic trails, ending up at Valley Forge on July third.” 3
Although some Americans have become concerned about the impact donkeys may have on the environment and, in particular, on our state parks, there is no evidence that the burro will reproduce at a rate that will threaten the ecosystem, especially that of the Grand Canyon. In fact, it is possible that the burros have already been in the Grand Canyon for centuries. There is evidence that the erosion attributed to the burros is more often due primarily to other invasive forces, such as humans and the natural erosion that occurs from geological forces and the canyon’s climate. There is also some concern that the donkeys pollute water holes, but the defecation of burros (and mules) has never actually been proven to pollute anything in their environment. Currently, there is an effort to prevent mules from being used in the Grand Canyon, but they are clearly the safest way to traverse and enjoy the beauty of this American natural wonder. Mules and donkeys learn their jobs well and cannot be dissuaded from their purpose of carrying inexperienced tourists to the bottom of the canyon and back up again—with a remarkable safety record. Their smaller hooves do little damage to the trails, and their handlers have the integrity to maintain the trails just as they maintain their precious mules. Cyclists, hikers and motorized vehicles in the parks have the potential to do much more irreparable damage to the environment than any mule or donkey. In truth, it is the human element, rather than mules and donkeys, which does most of the damage to our delicate ecosystem.
America’s journey has been one of courage, determination and great faith. It has been defined by its sequential growth phases of religion, defense, freedom, agriculture, economics, industry and ecology. We have worked alongside mules and donkeys for centuries and have often taken their generous contributions for granted in the course of our fast-paced growth. But the mule and donkey are likely to remain with us as long as they can find a way to make their contributions to society.
Those of us who attend Bishop Mule Days every year and many Longears lovers across this country are very well-acquainted with the incredible assets of the mule, and look forward to singing his praises every year on October 26th, when Mule Appreciation Day rolls around. Let us never forget to thank our trusted equine companions for all they have done to make possible this great country of ours!
To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com or call 1-800-816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
© 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022 Lucky Three Ranch, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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1Mine Stories, The No. 9 Mine & Museum,Lansford, PA
2Mr. Longears, Volume 6, Number 21, Summer 1979
3ruralheritage.com email thread
Washington Post sheds national light on horrific wild horse slayings
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
We’ve got a lot to share with you in this week’s eNews including: an opportunity to take action against the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) disastrous Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), a new Washington Post article shedding national light on the horrific killings of dozens of wild horses in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and an invitation to join AWHC Government Relations Director Holly Gann Bice and Congressman David Schweikert for a webinar on the progress of protecting wild horses and burros in Arizona.
Read on to learn more and speak up for our cherished wild herds! >>
Photo credit: Tandin Chapman
Since 2020, our Investigations Team has been looking into the deadly consequences of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), which pays individuals $1,000 to adopt a wild horse or burro. As shown in our updated 2022 report, we’ve uncovered a slaughter pipeline that has now landed over 1,000 innocent wild horses and burros in kill pens in less than two years.
The BLM has received these reports, yet senior agency officials went on record earlier this month at the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board meeting to say “there is no credible information” that shows horses or burros are being sent to slaughterhouses as a result of the AIP. We must keep the pressure on, and show BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning that we will NOT stand for one more federally-protected icon ending up in the slaughter pipeline. Tell the BLM to stop cash incentives for the AIP and make your voice heard!
| TAKE ACTION |
Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) will be hosting a ZOOM webinar on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 11 a.m. PDT/ 2 p.m. EDT on the progress of protecting wild horses and burros in Arizona!
The Congressman will be joined by AWHC Government Relations Director Holly Gann Bice to answer questions and provide key updates about the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act of 2022, legislation co-led by Rep. Schweikert. Register to attend TODAY!
| REGISTER |
SHARE: Washington Post Highlights Arizona Wild Horse Massacre
The Washington Post recently informed its millions of readers about the horrific killings of the Alpine wild horse herd in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This coverage is critical in continuing to get the word out, keeping pressure on the Forest Service, and bringing the killer(s) to justice.
Sharing this article will go a long way. Please help us spread the word to your friends and family.
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LTR Training Tip #74: Always use Good Horsemanship
Whenever you ride, always practice the elements of good Horsemanship.
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!
MULE CROSSING: Rock and Roll: Diary of a Rescue, Part 2
By Meredith Hodges
In Part 1 of Rock and Roll: Diary of a Rescue, we learned about the discovery and rescue of Belgian draft mules, Rock and Roll, by Meredith Hodges and her team of experts. As the pair’s rehabilitation continues, the road to recovery gets tougher. But for every health setback, there is a personality breakthrough with these courageous and now-trusting gentle giants—and always a reason to hope.
By May of 2011, both mules were beginning to bond well with me and I was able to separate them during workouts. I knew I would have to develop a strong bond with Roll in case Rock didn’t make it, and we all knew the odds were not in Rock’s favor. Being alone with me in the round pen helped Roll to concentrate on the tasks at hand. His way of going was markedly improving with each new lesson.
Both mules could now square up 
properly and move in a much more balanced frame, although holding that balance was intermittent. The personality of each mule began to emerge and they became more willing to play games and to be touched and kissed about their heads. Rock was much more overt about his pleasure during the massages, and we could finally tell that they were beginning to trust us.
By mid-June, we were able to take the pads off Rock’s back feet and reset the shoes without the pads. He had grown three-eighths of an inch of sole on both hind feet and the rotation began to improve in one back foot. Both mules were feeling much better and were actually engaging in play during turnout. Next, we discovered that due to the concussion to his rear feet from improper use during driving in the past, Roll had side bones in his right hind foot. This caused him to twist that foot as it grew out between trims, so we put shoes on his back feet as well.
Rock loved our newly acquired mini donkeys and, during turnout, he would stand by their pen for the better part of the day. Here they all are on the Fourth of July, 2011.
By that time, Rock and Roll both looked magnificent! Considering the extent of Rock’s past neglect and injuries, he had gained incredible muscle tone and balance. His eyes were bright and alert, his coat was shiny and his feet were much improved (although they still exhibited a hint of chronic founder).
Roll’s fat and lumpy body had changed dramatically. Now his body was more symmetrical and balanced, and he also sported a shiny coat and balanced feet. His eyes were alert and his appearance of laziness had completely vanished.
However, by the end of July, Rock once again began to lose muscle tone over his right hip and his front feet became very sore. We thought he and Roll may have been playing too hard, which could have caused Rock to injure himself again, so we separated them into adjoining pastures during daily turnout. At night they remained in their respective stalls and runs, side by side. Custom-made boots were ordered for Rock’s front feet to help alleviate the pressure, but unfortunately we had to wait until the first of November for delivery of the boots. By the time they arrived, they were of use for only about two weeks before the weather changed. The wet snow and mud became packed in the boots, causing Rock too much pain on the dropped soles of his feet.
While Rock was on three weeks of rest during August, he developed swelling in his sheath. He was treated with an anti-inflammatory for two weeks, but the swelling didn’t go down. Since his front feet seemed better, I decided to resume his physical therapy. Although the structured movement helped the swelling go down, it migrated to the midline of his abdomen. After two weeks of hot packing the abdomen twice a day, the swelling finally disappeared. Because Rock was becoming stronger and getting up and down more often, he was beginning to develop sores on his knees, fetlocks and hocks, and “shoe boils” on his underbelly (pressure sores caused by his hooves when lying down), all of which needed to be frequently tended to.
In September, once again there was swelling on Rock’s underside midline, which also seemed to cause him to get weaker musculature in the hips. The swelling was hot-packed, and it disappeared fairly quickly this time. By mid-October, Rock was lying down for prolonged periods of time—unhealthy for an equine—so his support team of three veterinarians, two equine chiropractors, his equine masseuse and I got together to assess his condition. All 2000 plus pounds of his weight was being shifted off his three bad feet and onto his left hind leg, causing it to track behind the right front when he walked. We decided on a regimen of phenylbutazone (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), minimal exercise, plenty of rest and icing of his feet for 15-20 minutes twice daily. Things were not looking good.
No matter what was asked of him, Rock always gave it his all. We babied him through turnout, chiropractics, trims, and massage, but it finally got to the point where we could barely get his back feet off the ground to apply the hoof dressing. We decided to remove his shoes. That day, he was so weak in the hindquarters we could not replace them and couldn’t even trim the feet without running the risk of him falling down. We waited a couple of weeks before we trimmed his heels with the aid of a custom-made, six-inch equine jack stand. That seemed to help through November and part of December, but Rock still needed the Thrush Buster and Rainmaker for hoof health. He was able to tip his hind feet forward and let us have the bottoms of his feet for a few seconds at a time so the medication could be applied. Finally, he just couldn’t manage having his feet elevated at all—the pain was too great. Around this time, we noticed that the swelling had again cropped up in his midline abdomen, which led to another week of hot packing it twice a day.
After Christmas, I decided to resume a modified version of his physical therapy. Trooper that he was, he tried with all his might, but his hips were listing terribly to the left, and the first time he went over the three one-inch ground poles, he crashed into every one of them. His third time over, he grazed just one. When I put him back in his pen, he immediately laid down. I then noticed the bulging in the coronet band of his left hind foot. He was “sinking!” We immediately called the vet and he confirmed my fear. The lamina was pulling away from the hoof wall and allowing the bones to “sink” through the sole of Rock’s hoof. It wouldn’t be long before the other feet would quickly follow suit. It was clear that he was in agony and would have to be put down, so our vet came out the ranch, loaded Rock up with anti-inflammatory and pain medications and said he would be back the next afternoon.
Every day for a year, I prayed for a miracle for Rock and each time I prayed, he got better. I now wondered if God would give us yet another miracle and let him live—but it wasn’t meant to be. On December 27th, 2011, surrounded by his Lucky Three family, our beautiful Rock took his last steps. We all knew it was time for us to let him go. Rock was euthanized at home and died peacefully, with his head resting in my hands.
My vet Greg Farrand informed me that the president of Colorado State University had pulled together a team for Rock’s necropsy and the preservation of his skeleton as a teaching aid for the CSU Veterinary Sciences department.
When the necropsy came back, it showed not a single fracture of Rock’s pelvis, but rather multiple old fractures in the socket of the hip joint. The bottom of the socket was almost completely gone and there was a hole the size of a dime at the top of the socket. The head of the femur had no cartilage left and there was fibrosis and cysts full of fluid the entire length of the femur stem.
I have come to realize that our courageous and noble Rock gave us more than one miracle. He had been able to live one more year of life with a severely shattered hip joint and compromised femur. He proved that our balance and core muscle therapy can work wonders! And he lived long enough to give his half-brother, Roll, the chance to bond with people who will love and care for him for the rest of his life. Thank you and God bless you, Rock. We will miss you.
To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com or call 1-800-816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
© 2012, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022 Lucky Three Ranch, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Chilly Pepper -HEARTBREAK & HOPE Please help now!
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
SPARKLES Update – As I write this, the tears are streaming once again. My heart is literally shattered and I am wondering if I can really keep doing this.
I was firing up the truck to go pick up Sparkles, and heard “Doc needs to talk to you 1st”. My heart felt like it was exploding. I knew it was not good news. Sparkles had crashed again and this time it was too much.
I rushed down to the vet and my heart broke. Her eyes were covered in a blue film and were almost vacant. She whinnied once, but then almost seemed catatonic. I wrapped my arms around her sobbing like a child. I was so angry, and I am still so angry. I prayed so hard and I still don’t know why God didn’t let me keep her. Sometimes it is just too much and I don’t know how to keep breathing. There is no justification for her condition. It is beyond comprehension.
All I know is our beautiful girl now knows no pain. She is not suffering and she died wrapped in love. The hurt is beyond words.
I do have some news regarding her that I will share later. It is important and no one will want to miss it.
Peanut is doing well,PTL! but my big concern at this moment is the vet bill. (Thank you everyone who donated for sparkles. She was buried with love and respect thanks to y’all).. It is at $3000 including all the donations but NOT her euthanasia or burial or tests that were needed.
As you can see, Mercedes is a whale, and she is showing small signs that she might actually deliver???? My concern is that the baby seems to be huge, and IF I NEED TO CALL DOC, The vet bill has to be paid down asap.
I don’t know anything else to do but ask folks to step up and help. I don’t want Mercedes to suffer because we tried so hard to help Sparkles.
I am praying she has an easy delivery, but I NEED to have access to emergency vet care if it is needed. Time will be of the essence. Hopefully she will be fine, but we need to be prepared.
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO has been helping save these lives, and for helping Sparkles know love and have a full tummy for a few weeks before passing on. She was a Mama’s girl and followed me everywhere. Her loss is devastating.
Please call 509-773-0369 if you would like to help with the vet bill.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES
Please check out our Adoption page!
https://www.facebook.com/
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_
Animal groups devastated by wild horse killings in national forest, call for action
When volunteers with a wild horse advocacy group went to check on a herd of wild horses in Arizona, they came across a horrifying sight. They found 10 horses that had been shot, another four were still alive but suffering gunshot wounds.
This is the second time this year that horses from that herd have been shot and killed. In this recent case, the dead and wounded horses were discovered on Wednesday.
“Based on the condition of the bodies, maybe they were killed on Monday,” said Lynda Logan with Advocates for Wild Equines. “It looks like they were shot through the lungs and once they were down they shot them in the head.”
Imagine a wild horse in the courtroom
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Suzanne here — I wanted to give you an update about the important work of AWHC’s legal team right now and the looming legal battles ahead to protect wild horses and burros.
From a legal perspective, the situation surrounding wild horses and burros is very unique. These equines are legally protected as living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West and as an integral part of public lands they inhabit. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the agency tasked with managing most of these beloved animals, but sadly as you and I both know, Meredith, wild horses and burros are threatened by the outdated and unscientific management practices the agency implements.
For years, our legal team has worked to build a strong firewall of protection around wild horses and burros, but we’re not done yet. We have a few key upcoming legal battles that will decide the fate of thousands of wild horses and burros.
We are:
- Continuing our litigation against the implementation of the BLM’s disastrous Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) that’s sending hundreds — if not thousands — of wild horses into the slaughter pipeline;
- Taking legal action to hold the agency accountable when it fails to release critical records we request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA);
- Tracking the BLM’s rulemaking process to “clarify its authorities” under the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act and pursuing a rulemaking petition to strengthen the agency’s Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program Guidelines and make them enforceable.
As we take on these fights in the courts, we are gearing up for the final legal showdown in our decade-long battle to stop the BLM from removing two million acres of federally protected habitat and eradicating the beloved wild horses who live in the Checkerboard region of Wyoming. The final decision has been made by the BLM and its release is imminent, but with your help, we will be ready to go to court to defend Wyoming’s iconic Checkerboard herds.
These legal battles could not be more important — the fate of thousands of wild horses and burros are on the line. So today, I’m here to ask if you’ll make a donation to help build up our Legal Fund as we fight to protect wild horses and burros across the West. Will you make a donation today to support this important work, Meredith?
| DONATE |
Thank you for helping us to be a voice in the courtroom for these innocent animals.
Suzanne Roy
Executive Director
American Wild Horse Campaign
LTR Training Tip #73: Follow the Leader
Following a seasoned animal through the hourglass pattern for their first time in the open arena will give your equine more confidence and decrease the incidence of resistance.
AWHC Offers Reward To Find Perpetrator of Arizona Wild Horse Slayings >>
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
We wanted to share a critical opportunity for you to help us advance legislation that would protect wild horses and burros, a look at how we’ve teamed up with other organizations to find and arrest the perpetrator in brutal Arizona horse slayings, and the display of AWHC’s very own Scott Wilson’s award-winning stallion portrait now in San Diego, CA! Read on to learn more and speak up for our cherished wild herds. >>
ACT NOW: Tell Congress to Pass the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act of 2022
Photo by Tandin Chapman
Just last week, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D, AZ-03) and U.S. Representatives David Schweikert (R, AZ-06), Joe Neguse (D, CO-02), Steve Cohen (D, TN-09), Dina Titus (D, NV-01), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01) introduced a comprehensive bipartisan bill, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act of 2022 that would protect wild horses and burros from slaughter, prioritize their humane management, restore Western habitat, promote partnerships with American veterans and nonprofit organizations, and increase transparency within the Bureau of Land Management’s and U.S. Forest Service’s Wild Horse and Burro Programs.
This bill promotes much-needed humane, commonsense, and fiscally responsible reforms that would stop the endless cycle of removals and keep these beloved symbols of freedom in the wild where they belong. So please, take a moment to ask your U.S. Representative to cosponsor the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act of 2022.
| TAKE ACTION |
Reward Offered in Arizona Wild Horse Slaying
Photo by Alpine Wild Horse Advocates
Last week, volunteers with the Alpine Wild Horse Advocates came upon a bloody scene during a routine observation of a herd of wild horses in the Apache National Forest in Arizona in which horses were dead and dying from bullet wounds.
The American Wild Horse Campaign joined forces with other organizations to offer a $25,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of this brutal horse killing.
| READ MORE |
Wild Horse Statement Piece Center Stage at World Photography Awards Exhibition
‘Anger Management’ by Scott Wilson, Axpe Wilson Photography
San Diego’s Museum of Photographic Arts has opened the U.S. leg of the 2022 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition with a winning image of a Colorado stallion depicting the beauty and the plight of wild horses.
Wildlife photographer and AWHC team member, Scott Wilson’s striking black and white image of a wild Colorado stallion kicking up a dust storm at Sand Wash Basin took first place in the Natural World & Wildlife category and earned overall 2022 Open Photographer of the Year honors. Wilson said Anger Management is symbolic of the challenges facing wild horses in the American West.
| LEARN MORE |
Thanks for reading, Meredith. And thank you for continuing to stand up for our cherished wild horses and burros!
— AWHC Team
Updates, Happy and Sad
The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc
Our gratitude for our donors, volunteers, and supporters is immense. Your contributions make a difference in the lives of horses each and every day!
Thank you for making possible the work we each day.
Gabby Update!
Though Gabby looks like a completely different horse than the emaciated, sickly mare that came in earlier this year, this beautiful red head has had challenge after challenge. If you aren’t familiar, Gabby came to AAE through law enforcement. She arrived with chronic eye and sinus infections. She had a space (diastema) between two teeth and an opening in her gums that extended into her sinus. When she chewed, food packed into the space and ultimately pushed into the sinus. She went in for surgery to extract a tooth to prevent ongoing food packing and to allow the fistula to close. Once sedated and preparing to extract the first tooth, the fistula was much larger than anticipated, and the tooth on the opposite side of the fistula needed to be removed, as well. As a result, she had an extended hospitalization so her sinus could be flushed regularly to eliminate food collecting again in her sinus while the fistula healed/closed.
Since surgery, Gabby has continued to battle the chronic eye infection which was likely a result of the chronic sinus infection. Ultimately, the long term infection caused a dry eye and recurrent ulcers despite ongoing treatment and various medications. Thankfully, the fistula closed, and the sinus infection has resolved, but the eye irritation/infection continues, though it is slowly improving.
Gabby initially tested negative for Cushing’s disease at intake. With the chronic infection, she was tested again. This time, she was positive and started daily medication. She has also experienced multiple hoof abscesses, the worst coming during the Mosquito fire evacuation. Radiographs of her front hooves identified not one, but two old fractures. One at the tip of her left coffin bone, the other at a wing of her right front coffin bone. Corrective shoes were placed to support her. Needless to say, this sweet girl is having a heck of a time overcoming all of her issues.
Please send some healing energies her way.
Of course, Gabby’s extended hospital stay and ongoing issues have been a big hit to our vet budget. If you are able to help Gabby’s costs, we’d greatly appreciate it.
Here’s the latest on Elliott!
Elliot is doing well, healing and growing! In case you don’t know, Elliott is a ~19 month old captive bred mustang. He came to AAE because he couldn’t urinate normally and needed surgery to reconfigure his sheath. His prior family didn’t know he had congenital issues causing his sheath and penis to develop abnormally. He also has no palpable testicles.
Elliott had a condition called preputial stenosis, which caused his penis to be trapped inside his sheath. When he urinated, urine was also trapped in his sheath so he would dribble urine causing scalding of his sheath, belly, and legs. Sadly, his breeder could have had this easily repaired when he was a foal. Instead, he passed him on to an unsuspecting family that wanted to help him. Another vet suggested he was possibly a hermaphrodite and there was no penis.
Fast forward, AAE was contacted for help, and Elliott had surgery to reconfigure his sheath and free Willy. Turns out, Elliott’s penis is about half the size of a normal horse, and it is partially attached inside his sheath. However, surgery went well, and Elliott is healing now. Because AAE evacuated during the Mosquito Fire (just to be safe), Elliott had an extended stay at the hospital to minimize stress (his and our) and to assure he got needed care and treatment. Ell is back in Pilot Hill and starting to act like a young, playful colt (good and bad, lol). Once his sheath heals, we need to go searching for the jewels, bloodwork indicates there is still some hiding going on…at least one undescended testicle. A follow up surgery will be scheduled once he’s healed and ready to go.
Due to Elliott’s extended hospital stay, we’re just a little bit short on his fundraising for his initial surgery, and he has a follow up surgery in the near future. We’ll update costs as soon as we schedule.
Remembering Sweet Danny
Sadly, our Danny-boy left us last month. We’ve all got empty spots in our hearts from missing this sweet ol’ man. Danny came to AAE in 2017 when his family was experiencing a health crisis. He was 27 and had been with his human mom his entire life. Unfortunately, she was unable to continue providing care for him and had to make a painful decision in his best interest. Fortunately for AAE, we got to spend the next five years enjoying this guy’s big heart. Danny was a favorite to many volunteers and visitors. He wooed them all with his shoulder hug. Danny would greet everyone at every opportunity by putting his head upon their shoulder. It was the warmest, fuzziest feeling. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body, and he could stand at anyone’s shoulder 24-hours. Danny’s hugs were endless, and as was everyone’s love for him.
Danny had more than his share of ups and downs the last couple years. He battled with an unknown intestinal issue. None of the many diagnostics and vet visits we utilized were able to pinpoint the issue, but it was akin to IBS or maybe some type of cancer. He overcame a few bouts of laminitis, and he had several skin infections. Regardless, Danny has been a valiant fighter, and he always rebounded with great spirit. Never did we question his will to live, and thankfully, his time here in Pilot Hill has been very good. Most recently, Danny’s appetite was waning, and he lost considerable weight the past few months. That said, he was happy, full of energy, and full of life. He loved his turnouts in the corner pasture with the “special” herd. He frolicked, he ran, he raced. Though his 32 years were catching up to him, nothing suggested he was ready to go. Maybe he knew. My last check in with him was only hours before he passed. He was his normal full of pep Danny. He smiled, he gave me a little “what for”, and we said good night. I never imagined that would be the last time. He left us in the night; he chose the time and way he would go. All indications suggest he passed quick and easy. For all of that, I am beyond grateful. At 32 and his body weight waning, we all knew the time was coming, but his life was good through the very end. Thank you, Danny, you made this world very special for all you touched and you will be missed greatly. Run free ol’ boy, run free.
Like many of our resident horses, Danny was cremated so we could bring him home to rest with AAE and all of our volunteers. If you’d like to help with Danny’s cremation costs or make a donation in memory of his hugs, we always appreciate the love.
Red Hot Filly Peppers Adopted!
We asked for a caption for this photo, and Red Hot Filly Peppers was the best caption ever! These three lucky girls, Chesney, Clare, and Teea, were adopted as a trio last month. This might well be one of the best adoptions ever! These three captive born mustangs came to AAE from a distressed mustang sanctuary back in summer/fall 2020. They had been living in small paddocks for years, and hadn’t had much handling in years. Their hooves were overgrown, and they had various issues. Shortly after intake, the work began. Handling, haltering, and hoof care, then deworming, dentals, vaccines, and microchips. In time, all were done, and they were learning to trust humans again. It didn’t take long before all three were turned out together. After moving to Pilot Hill, it became very clear the bond among these three was very tight, and we realized we needed to find them a home together. That was no easy task. It’s hard enough to find a home for two bonded horses, let alone three middle-aged mustangs that haven’t been saddle trained! The best we can do is plant the seed, and hope it grows. It did!!! These girls now share five acres on a larger vineyard property. They are a dream come true for their new mom. They will be trained to their potential, and they will help with vegetation management on the vineyard. These three amigas got so lucky!!
The One Eyed Medicine Hat Horse
The following is from Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue:
Ears the latest from SYA
First we would like to thank you all for your outpouring of kind responses to our last email in regards to our non profit status being lost. We have met some of the best people through the donkeys and mules and it is definitely one of the biggest perks of what we do. So from the bottoms of our hearts, thank you!
Its a.. GELDING!
Some of you may remember the little intact Jack, Apollo that came to us July of this year. The end of September was the big day he’s been waiting for…ok ok that we have been waiting for. 
We brought Apollo to a gelding clinic at that was hosted at Gerdas Equine Rescue Inc. The procedure went smoothly. It will take between one and two months for his hormones to settle down and for him to be safe to be in with other donkeys. After that Apollo can finally have donkey friends! It was quite an adventure of a day and we are very grateful to GER for hosting and to the vets, vet students and vet techs from Tufts University who did all the castrations today and took such great care of our spunky little boy! Congrats Apollo, onto a better happier life with many donkey friends in your future!
Athena
Athena came to the rescue as Apollo’s companion. She was in need of some groceries in addition to vet and farrier care. She is feeling like a new mare now thanks to all of you. We do not usually take in horses, however sometimes they do come with donkey friends. We try to take them in with their ‘ear challenged friends’ to ease everyone’s stress, the owners and the animals peace of mind are what is most important to us. We also took a blood test to make sure there was not a mule baby brewing in her belly, and thankfully there was not. 
Galdalf and Wichahpi
Gandalf and Whichahpi are part of the 4 equines we took in from a neglect case in NJ. They went from an auction to a sanctuary that was supposed to give them refuge. But instead they were yet again neglected and watched more of their friends die of neglect. We are very thankful they are with us now and will never know mistreatment like that ever again.
Wichahpi had started becoming progressively more lame as his time went on with us. He’s been gaining weight but loosing muscle mass and was increasingly sore and stiff on one of his back legs.
Wichahpi was seen by our vet to have radiographs done of his leg and back. The consensus is not the good news we were all hoping for unfortunately. Wichahpi has an old injury on his spine that now resembles kissing spine. In addition to this there is severe arthritis in his leg, and an eye issue that is most likely cancer. These are most likely the ‘reasons’ he was originally dumped into the slaughter auction pipeline years ago.
Right now our boy is on some heavy pain killers to help him to stay comfortable. But there are also two other major factors that need to be taken into consideration. His other leg has been bearing all/ most of his weight to compensate for the other injured leg. His “good” leg is breaking down and failing now as well. In addition to that a New England winter would not be kind to put him through with these kind of injuries.
It is only a matter of time before he will not have the chance for a peaceful goodbye, that we beleive all animals deserve.
We will be letting sweet Wichahpi go at the end of October, he will be surrounded by people who love him very much.
Thank you all so much for donating to my Birthday fundraiser last week for Wichahpi. You all made it possible to get the X-rays and blood work done that he needed and a few rounds of his pain meds.
ICYMI: Groundbreaking legislation to protect wild horses was just introduced in Congress >>
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Last Friday, our wild horse champions in Congress introduced MAJOR legislation to reform the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) Wild Horse and Burro Programs.
The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act of 2022 will enact sweeping changes to the way the BLM and USFS manage our wild herds. This includes putting an end to the disastrous cash incentives fueling the Adoption Incentive Program’s (AIP) slaughter pipeline, prioritizing humane methods of population management like fertility control vaccine programs as an alternative to cruel helicopter roundups, and much more.
This legislation is a huge step forward in protecting wild horses and burros from federal mismanagement, but it would not have been possible without the support of people like you, Meredith. Your contributions are what fuels our legislative team’s work to partner with our allies in Congress and craft critical bills like this one, secure historic funding in the yearly appropriations bill to reallocate spending away from helicopter roundups and towards humane management, and work towards holding the BLM accountable through Congressional action.
We are so grateful for all you’ve done in the fight to save our wild herds, but there is still a lot more work to be done to power wild horse-friendly bills like this one to become law. Can you make a donation today to help us have the resources to keep our staff on the Hill and continue our legislative efforts to protect wild horses and burros?
| DONATE |
The introduction of this bill is certainly a huge victory, but we don’t have time to waste celebrating. The BLM is preparing for its Fiscal Year 2023 roundups as we speak, and if we don’t pass this legislation ASAP, even more wild horses and burros will be subjected to deadly helicopter chases and lose their freedom as they are packed into dangerously overcrowded holding facilities.
We know there is a long road ahead to get this bill signed into law, and it starts with getting it passed through the House. Our government relations team is already at work to try and make that happen, but they need your support to see it through. Will you make a donation today to power our continued fight on Capitol Hill?
| DONATE |
Thank you,
Holly Gann Bice
Director of Government Relations
American Wild Horse Campaign
MULE CROSSING: LTR Training Principles and Philosophy
By Meredith Hodges
No training series would be complete without examination of the principles and philosophy behind the training techniques. The philosophy of my training techniques is based on the principle that we are not, in fact, training our equines. In fact, we are cultivating relationships with them by assigning meaning to our own body language that they can understand.
Since our own level of understanding changes and grows over time, we must assume that so does that of our animals, and we must gauge our explanations accordingly. In the beginning, the emotional needs of the young equine are quite different from that of an older animal. They need to overcome a lot of instincts that would protect them in the wild, but are inappropriate in a domestic situation. In this case, our focus must be on developing friendship and confidence in the young animal, while establishing our own dominance in a non-threatening manner.
We do this through a lot of positive reinforcement in the beginning, with gentle touch, reassuring voice, and lots of rewards for good behavior. Our expressions of disapproval are kept at a minimum. As he grows with us, the equine will realize that we do not wish to harm him, and will next develop a rather pushy attitude in an attempt to assert his own dominance – once that he is confident that his behavior is acceptable. When this occurs, we must re-evaluate our reward system and save excessive praise for the new things as he learns them and allow the learned behavior to be treated as the norm, praised more passively, yet appreciated. This is the cultivation of a delicate concept of give and take in a relationship from the emotional standpoint. As in any good relationship, we must learn to be polite, considerate and respectful of our mules, donkeys, horses, ponies and hybrids. After all, as my grandmother used to say, “You can catch more flies with sugar that you can with vinegar!”
From the physical standpoint, there are also a lot of things to consider of both mule and trainer. In the beginning, unless you are a professional trainer with years of proper schooling, you are not likely to be the most balanced and coordinated of riders, lacking absolute control over your own body language. By the same token, the untrained equine will be lacking in the muscle coordination and strength to respond correctly to your cues that guide him to perform certain movements. For these reasons, we must modify our approach to fit each new situation and modify again to perfect it, keeping in mind that our main goal is to establish a good relationship with our equine and not just to train him! It is up to the trainer to decide the cause of any resistance, and to modify techniques to temper that resistance – be it mental or physical.
For instance, we had a 3-year-old mule learning to lunge without the benefit of the round pen. The problem was that she refused to go around you more than a couple of times without running off. Assess the situation first by brainstorming all the probable reasons she might keep doing such an annoying thing. Is she frightened? Is she bored? Is she mischievous? Has she been calm and accepting of most things until now? And most important, is my own body language causing this to occur?
Animals are all quite different, as are humans, and each individual will learn in his own way, as do humans. Once in a while, you meet an animal that is not able to learn things in a conventional manner. He perceives things just differently enough to make it extremely difficult. In the case of the mule that would not lunge independently on the line, we found that she needed additional learning aids. You can either put a round pen around the animal to “force” him to comply, or you can wait until he is broke to saddle before you try to lunge him again with just the line. If you only have an arena, you can lunge the equine in the corner and the two fenced sides will help him to stay on the circle. This certainly helped her!
I have worked with many mules that wouldn’t lunge first, but would ground-drive and accept a saddle and rider with no problem. After this they seem to lunge quite easily! Learn to be fair and flexible in your approach to problems as you would for anyone you were interested in getting to know. Be firm in your own convictions, but be sensitive to things that can change and be willing to make those changes as the occasion arises!
As mental changes occur, so do physical changes. As muscles develop and coordination gets better, the animal will gain confidence. As a trainer, you will need to do less and less to cause certain movements. For example, in the case of the leg yield, you may have to turn your mule’s head a little in the opposite direction to get him to step sideways and forward. As he becomes stronger, more coordinated, and understands your request, you can then begin to straighten his body more with less effort. Granted, we have begun by doing this the wrong way, yet we have put our mule “on the road” to the right way. We have assimilated an action in response to our leg that can now be perfected over time. In essence, you have simply said, “First you learn to move away from my leg, then you can learn to do it gracefully!”
The same concept works in the case of the trainer, or rider. Sometimes you must do things that are not quite right in the beginning to get your own body to assimilate correctness. As I have said, we all perceive things a little differently and it depends on how we are introduced to something whether or not we can understand or perform it. It is nearly impossible for the inexperienced horseman to perceive and control unused seat bones as a viable means of control of the equine. In the beginning, reins and legs are much easier to use to complete such a task.
In training horses and mules, there is really little difference in one’s techniques or approach, provided we maintain patience and understanding and a good rewards system. The major difference between these two equines is their ability to tolerate negative reinforcement, or punishment. The mule, being part donkey, does not tolerate punitive action very well unless he is fully aware that the fault was his own and the punishment is fair. For instance, you ask for a canter lead and your mule keeps trotting, one good smack with the whip, or one good gig with the spurs, is negative reinforcement that will bring about the desired response, but be careful of an over-reaction from an overdone cue. More than one good smack or gig could cause either a runaway or an extremely balky animal. This kind of resistance comes from the donkey and requires a much different approach when training donkeys. The horse part of the mule allows us an easier time of overcoming this type of resistance in mules, making them different and easier to train than donkeys.
It is the innate desire of all humans to control their own lives both emotional and environmental. When we cannot, we become panicked and confused about our situation. We doubt ourselves, our abilities, and our self-worth. If we do not maintain a sense of humor about those things that we cannot control and learn to accept that which we cannot change, we are doomed to a life of depression and failure. Horses can be controlled and even some mules can be controlled for the most part, but it is my experience that donkeys are only controlled when they so desire.
Donkeys are affectionate, amicable characters, and possess such a sensitive nature that one would think punishment a real deterrent from bad behavior – but when you punish a donkey, you will be met with a tough hide and unbelievable avoidance behaviors which often cause more resistance than it’s worth! As if this isn’t enough, if you do punish your donkey for something, the next time he even comes close to the same action, he may anticipate your punishment and go straight to the avoidance behavior before he actually makes the mistake. For this reason, it is better to try to ignore the mistakes, focus on the successes and reward the equine with lots of praise. If something in your training isn’t really necessary to your final objectives and you encounter this resistance, such as I did during lunging training, then just drop it and go on to something else that they can do easily. There is plenty of time to learn it at a later date.
To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com or call 1-800-816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
© 1989, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022 Lucky Three Ranch, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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!
BREAKING: Major wild horse legislation was just introduced in Congress >>
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
BREAKING: Today, a bipartisan group of wild horse champions in Congress, Reps. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced major reform legislation.
The bill introduced, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act of 2022, is a monumental step forward in protecting wild horses and burros from federal mismanagement. Help us pass it by urging your member of Congress to cosponsor the bill now. →
This bill calls for MAJOR reform to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) Wild Horse and Burro Programs including:
As the Fiscal Year 2023 roundup targets will be announced any day now, it’s clear that we need to pass this bill and FAST as more and more horses face uncertain futures in holding facilities, or worse, are killed during a helicopter capture operation. We need your help to do this. Act now by sending a message to your U.S. Representative and ask them to cosponsor this important piece of legislation. →
Since its passage in 1971, the original Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act has been weakened by amendments meant to benefit private interests. It’s time to take back control of the legislative agenda for wild horses and pass a bill that addresses the most pressing crises facing wild horses and burros right now.
Thanks! — AWHC Team |
Chilly Pepper – SPARKLES Update
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
SPARKLES Update
Sparkles is still with us PTL! She needs to stay one more night at the Goldendale Veterinary Clinic.
God willing, I will bring her home tomorrow.
Please call 509-773-0369 if you would like to help Sparkles with her VET bill.
We will be putting her back on her mash as part of the issue may be from not absorbing enough of her ingested nutrients.
Basin Feed has bags of Alfalfa PELLETS. If you would like to sponsor a couple dinners, call them at
509-773-4648
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES
Please check out our Adoption page!
https://www.facebook.com/
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_
Chilly Pepper – SPARKLES needs your help now. Currently at the vet and we need another miracle.
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
SPARKLES 911!
I called Doc this morning as Sparkles was crashing. She could hardly walk as her back legs were buckling, and her head was down and her eyes were dull. She was exhausted!
I was so scared it was over. Doc said to give her a Vitamin Shot and bring her in. She literally couldn’t step up into the trailer and kept trying to drop her back end. We had to find/make a ramp to get her in.
She seemed much more alert and active when we arrived at the vet. The shot was kicking in. Doc and I both want to give her every chance, so we are running blood and hoping for another miracle.
Doc said she looks so much better and they do have bad days.
Our vet bill is huge and we need help asap. I want to be able to give her whatever treatment might help her. She is admitted right now, but I need to get the bill down substantially. Doc has been out here numerous times checking Mercedes, gelding Tarzan and drawing blood for Coggins.
We need SPECIAL HAY and feed for Sparkles and Peanut and I simply am running short on funds.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN HELPING SAVE THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!
Please check out our Adoption page!
https://www.facebook.com/
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_
UPDATE: Our new report on the AIP’s slaughter pipeline is grabbing the media’s attention >>
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Over the past two years, we’ve been working diligently to raise awareness about the deadly consequences of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Adoption Incentive Program (AIP) – and that work is paying off:
The Las Vegas Review-Journal published an article last month highlighting the findings of our newest report on the slaughter pipeline resulting from the AIP. This program is meant to incentivize the adoption of wild horses and burros and to provide them with a new home, but in reality it has led to over 1,000 of these innocent animals being funneled to slaughter auctions where if not rescued, they are shipped to foreign slaughter plants.
It’s bad enough that these precious horses and burros are subjected to the BLM’s inhumane helicopter roundups and removals, but the agency’s continued operation of a program that is funneling federally-protected animals into the slaughter pipeline is unacceptable. That’s why we are doing everything we can to alert the public to the plight of wild horses → Enter: Our national awareness campaign and our homepage takeover of the Review-Journal!
Last month, we launched our first ever nationwide advertising campaign to ramp up the pressure on the BLM to end cruel helicopter roundups and keep wild horses in the wild where they belong. From Colorado to Oregon, we’ve been hitting the airwaves and engaging folks to urge their members of Congress to stand up for these innocent animals.
And so far, our campaign has been a HUGE success. When Americans learn about the brutal tactics the BLM uses to “manage” our wild horses and burros, they’re shocked, they’re angry, and they are ready to take action. We are so excited that our efforts to raise awareness about the BLM’s mistreatment of wild horses are working, but raising awareness is only one piece of the puzzle.
| POWER OUR WORK → DONATE TODAY! |
Thank you,
AWHC Team
The FY23 roundup season has begun >> Act NOW to protect wild horses and burros
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Any day now, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will announce the wild horse and burro herds it is targeting for roundup and removal in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). These helicopter roundups are brutal and traumatizing operations that often result in injury or death.
But the danger does not end there. Once these animals are captured, they become one of the nearly 64,000 wild horses and burros held in the BLM’s holding system — a system that is at its breaking point.
Just this year, the BLM conducted assessments of some of its facilities and Meredith, the results were shocking. On the heels of the deadliest disease outbreak in BLM holding facility history, these assessments showed underfeeding, lack of basic care, and poorly maintained facilities that put animals at a higher risk for injury.
AWHC is taking action to address this crisis and break the silence surrounding the beginning of the BLM’s next roundup season. But we cannot do it alone! Here are three actions you can take NOW to help us change this broken system and support the safety and freedom of our cherished wild horses and burros in FY23:
1) DEMAND BLM ACCOUNTABILITY ON CAWP VIOLATIONS
The BLM has its own assessment standards for holding facilities called the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program (CAWP). Even with this program in place, many holding facilities have been found in violation of these standards. Send a message to the Department of the Interior to demand the BLM actively enforce its own CAWP standards. →
| SEND A MESSAGE |
2) SUPPORT THE WILD HORSE AND BURRO PROTECTION ACT
One of our wild horse champions in Congress, Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced legislation this year that would take a stand against the brutality of the BLM’s helicopter roundups: The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act (H.R. 6635). This bill would ban the use of helicopters for capture once and for all. Send a message to your representatives in Congress letting them know you support this legislation and ask them to sign on as a cosponsor. →
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3) CALL ON THE BLM TO MANDATE CAMERA INSTALLATIONS
Often wild horses and burros are chased for miles before our field representatives see them. And even when the helicopter comes into view, the BLM places the observers as far as a mile away from the operation, making it nearly impossible to really see what’s happening. We’re fighting for the passage of Rep. Titus’ legislation to ban the use of helicopters, but so long as these roundups continue, we’re advocating for the installation of cameras on all helicopters used for these operations! Mandating helicopter cameras to record and document roundups will help the public hold the BLM accountable and establish a record of activities most Americans never see. Send a message to the BLM to advocate for camera installations on helicopters. →
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There is a better way to manage wild horses and burros and brutal helicopter roundups are not it. Thanks for taking action.
— AWHC Team
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