The Onaqui wild horses of the West Desert in Utah just gained a powerful voice in the battle to save the iconic herd from a brutal helicopter roundup planned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) this summer. What’s at stake: the fate of 300 of the 500 Onaqui wild horses targeted for removal by the BLM.
Actress Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy), is using her platform to join AWHC in speaking out for this beloved herd, known for its striking colors, unique social dynamics, and acclimation to photographers and other visitors from all over the world.
A growing chorus of celebrities and activists is speaking out against the BLM’s inhumane mass roundup and removal of thousands of wild horses and burros every year from the public lands they call home. As was revealed by our investigation and confirmed by a New York Times exposé — far too many captured wild horses and burros are adopted then dumped at slaughter auctions across the country.
Katherine makes a great point: Why are we spending so much time and money to round up the Onaqui wild horses, separating their family groups, terrorizing or even killing them, when there is already a humane fertility control program in place to control the population?
CATCHER CALLED – Can we take horses Sunday? I have 48 hours to let him know if we can take them. I know folks are stretched thin, but it is in your hands. I will do the work if we have the funds.
Sadly, Little Warrior came in with excruciating and deadly injuries from a coyote attack. Although it breaks my heart to lose them, I am grateful I could manage his pain, and give him a chance. Sadly Doc said his joint was septic and with the additional injuries he simply had no chance. I held him in my arms and we set our Little Warrior free. He fought and escaped the coyote, and also fought to live. I would have given anything to be able to save him. Seems like the tears just don’t stop.
I know the pictures are hard to look at, but imagine actually having to take care of them. Cleaning them is so hard. It is not only totally gross, but HAS to be done and is painful for the babies, even with pain medication. I just wanted y’all to know how badly he really was injured and have a tiny picture of what rescues deal with.
Our beautiful little Caramel Cookie had no chance either. Her ankle was NOT FUSED and I can’t even imagine the pain she was in. All that weight on that broken, shifting foot. Then add the injuries to her back leg. You could literally feel the pain leaving as she was sedated and then set free. EVEN KNOWING IT WAS THE RIGHT THING, MY HEART IS STILL ONCE AGAIN SHATTERED! The worst part is knowing someone deliberately left her like that.
It is killing me to have to clean up the mess left by uncaring owners and that I have to make the decisions they should have. However, I know God is putting them in front of me so they do get taken care of. So as long as we can afford to keep doing the work, I will continue to fight for these precious souls.
Even as I am once again reeling from the loss, I have 8 babies, 3 of which are struggling to survive, and Chica here to take care of.Now I am standing by for more on Sunday, and it is just starting.PLEASE HELP MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO SAY YES!
We so appreciate ALL YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT! There are more babies coming and it looks like it is going to be a really busy year. I cannot do this without you. Please say a prayer and let’s keep saving lives! It’s up to you!
If you would like to help with our ongoing vet bills,
HARRAH VETERINARY 509 848-2943
GOLDENDALE VET CLINIC 509 773-0369
If you would like to order FOAL LAC & send milk, (Or baby wipes, vaseline, gloves, Foal Response, Foal Lac Pellets, syringes, Probios etc.)
This is the link to our Chilly Pepper’s Wild Horse & Orphan Foal Adoption Page,where you can see the progress and new lives of the horses YOU HAVE HELPED SAVED! (I can’t believe I didn’t do this years ago, but it is so fun to see the horses, babies and critters that are enjoying and thriving in their new lives.)
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.
The New York Times article published last weekend has resulted in A LOT of buzz for wild horses. Thanks to our partners who helped us uncover the unethical operations that were happening through the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), we now have a means to fight against the AIP on Capitol Hill.
As we speak, we are working with members of Congress to put a halt to the AIP program, pass federal legislation to help keep wild horses wild, and we’re fighting back against a dangerous bill that would strip away federal protections for wild horses and burros.
Our Government Relations team is relentless in their legislative fight to protect wild horses and burros, but they have been working especially hard since the New York Times article came out. They’ve been working around the clock — holding meetings with legislators, mobilizing supporters to contact their elected officials, and working to help develop policies that will protect wild horses and burros.
Our Government Relations team has been integral in the legislative victories we’ve had to date. Just this year, AWHC helped put an end to SJR3, a Nevada bill that called on Congress to fund the removal of 40,000 of Nevada’s wild horses, and mobilized supporters like you to contact your legislators and push for Congress to support the confirmation of Secretary of the Interior Deb Halaand, who supported wild horse protection when she was in Congress.
BABY UPDATE – I will be getting 9 or 10 either late tonight or tomorrow.
I am grateful the babies had a few more days with their Mama’s, and at the same time my heart breaks for what is happening today.
MEET CARAMEL COOKIE. This beautiful girl is killing me. She was horrendously injured. As you can see her face was clearly broken, and her front left ankle/leg was also clearly broken and appears to have fused.
Her rear leg is a hot mess, and she is THE SWEETEST little filly you could ever meet. Her little lungs are very congested and yet she has more heart and “want to be here” than most healthy horses have.
This morning, much to my surprise, she was running and bucking!!This little girl has heart. I need to get her to the vet and get x rays. I know her life will not be long, but I would love to give her a chance if the vet thinks she could have any amount of quality time.
OUR BEAUTIFUL CHICA is doing very well. Her leg is improving and we are making baby steps in alleviating her belief that she will be beaten and hurt every single time someone approaches.
We so appreciate ALL YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT! There are more babies coming and it looks like it is going to be a really busy year. I cannot do this without you. Please say a prayer and let’s keep saving lives! It’s up to you!
We finally are caught up on the vet bills, THANKS TO Y’ALL!However, I have to call Doc when these babies come in and *I need to take Caramel Cookie in to Goldendale Vet Clinic for X-rays to make sure it has fused and to see what is the best course of treatment for her.*
If you would like to HELP WITH upcoming VET COSTS,
Harrah Veterinary 509 848-2943
Goldendale Vet Clinic – 509 773-0369
If you would like to order FOAL LAC & send milk, (Or baby wipes, vaseline, gloves, Foal Response, Foal Lac Pellets, syringes, Probios etc.)
This is the link to our Chilly Pepper’s Wild Horse & Orphan Foal Adoption Page,where you can see the progress and new lives of the horses YOU HAVE HELPED SAVED! (I can’t believe I didn’t do this years ago, but it is so fun to see the horses, babies and critters that are enjoying and thriving in their new lives.)
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.
She went in for treatment last week for a large, deep ulcer her right eye. She has also been treated for uveitis in the left eye, and while at the clinic, they found a pinpoint-sized ulcer on the left eye. On Saturday morning, we got the call that the eye with the ulcer ruptured, and before long, Zena had surgery to remove her right eye. Fortunately, the ulcer in the left eye resolved quickly!
We’re happy she’s home, and we hope she’s happy to be back with her AAE family.
We’re not sure! Well, she’s her big, beasty self, but she seems a bit nervous and agitated. She’ll settle in and adapt soon. Losing vision is not something anyone wants to experience. Fortunately, horses can do very well with one eye. Many of you remember Ralphie, and some even remember Angus? Zena will get better, so continue to send more of your healing energies her way.
Heartfelt thanks to all that have donated and shared in support of her treatment and care costs, and now surgery costs.
Not only do we need your support, we need your help to spread the word.
Share our Posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
BOOTS IS BACK!!!
We are so excited our 8th Annual Boots and Bling event is scheduled (in-person), Saturday August 21st at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. This event will feature a BBQ dinner, DJ music, and live, silent, and dessert auctions. We hope you will be able to join us! Stay tuned for more information to come!
Would you like to help? We are looking for volunteers to help with event planning, decor, ticket sales, sponsorship, auction item donations, and more.
We got some not so good news this morning. Zena’s right eye, the good eye, lost the battle with the ulcer; her right eye ruptured. As a result, she needed surgery to remove the eye. Fortunately, everything went well, and she’ll be coming home soon.
We will be happy to have her back at the barn soon to help her adjust to a new world. Her left eye is doing much better and will likely require ongoing treatment for uveitis. Fortunately, uveitis can me managed long term if it doesn’t resolve.
Please send Zena some healing thoughts!
Need to catch up on Zena’s health situation? Read about it here.
Thank you to the supporters who have already donated towards her care. We are so grateful for our community!
If you’re able to help with her surgery and additional care costs, Zena and everyone at AAE would appreciate your support.
Not only do we need your support, we need your help to spread the word.
Share our Posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
BOOTS IS BACK!!!
We are so excited our 8th Annual Boots and Bling event is scheduled (in-person), Saturday August 21st at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. This event will feature a BBQ dinner, DJ music, and live, silent, and dessert auctions. We hope you will be able to join us! Stay tuned for more information to come!
Would you like to help? We are looking for volunteers to help with event planning, decor, ticket sales, sponsorship, auction item donations, and more.
NOT EVEN TIME TO GRIEVE the loss of my little Jackpot. It’s GO TIME!
THIS MORNING’S CALL- ANOTHER 8 (YES EIGHT) BABIES NEED US TO SAVE THEM. WILL YOU HELP ME DO THAT?
Thank you SO MUCH for helping with these rescues. We have almost enough to pay off one of the smaller vet bills or to buy supplies. Like everything, the ENTIRE costs of rescue, fuel, bail, medical supplies, milk, etc. have gone up substantially.
I have a couple of days to let him know if I will be able to afford to save the babies. That means vet bills paid (or hopefully mostly paid), and much needed milk & supplies purchased and restocked.
THERE ARE MORE COMING AFTER THE 1ST GROUP! Let’s save these beautiful lives!
Off to sterilize the nursery and be ready for the new ones if we can afford to save them.
Quick update – The mare’s leg was much worse than I was told, although it wasn’t too surprising after seeing it. She is the ONLY horse out of 1000’s that I have ever seen “AIM” when she kicks. I know that is only because of prior handling and her fear. She has not one mean bone in her body.
It’s pretty clear it had to be painful when I was treating her. She is such a nice, although terrified, mare.
If you would like to HELP WITH VET COSTS,
Harrah Veterinary 509 848-2943
Goldenddale Vet Clinic – 509 773-0369
If you would like to order FOAL LAC & send milk, (Or baby wipes, vaseline, gloves, Foal Response, Foal Lac Pellets, syringes, Probios etc.)
This is the link to our Chilly Pepper’s Wild Horse & Orphan Foal Adoption Page,where you can see the progress and new lives of the horses YOU HAVE HELPED SAVED! (I can’t believe I didn’t do this years ago, but it is so fun to see the horses, babies and critters that are enjoying and thriving in their new lives.)
As of right now, Firefly, aka Stella – is still with us and fighting for her life. I can’t even believe she survived the wreck in the first place. Please say a prayer for our precious little girl.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
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.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the US Forest Service, and the National Park Service have long treated these long-eared equids with disregard and deliberate misinformation campaigns. Cattle grazing, road-building, big game hunting, gold and lithium mining and other commercial uses erode their habitat and damage their access to water.
With Deb Haaland as Secretary of Interior, there’s a chance to change this harmful pattern. But it may not save their skins unless awareness leads to concerted action — and pronto.
In the spirit of Burro Awareness Month, we would like to share with you a guest blog about these incredible animals written by advocate and burro-extraordinaire, Charlotte Roe. After you read it, follow the link at the bottom to support America’s burros.
You may be familiar with the Sand Wash Basin Herd Management Area (HMA) in Colorado because of the world famous stallion, Picasso who called this 157,000-acre public lands habitat home, and who died wild and free on this very land. Unfortunately, the surviving members of his herd may not be so lucky.
The BLM is currently planning to roundup and remove over 80% of the Sand Wash wild mustangs, leaving only a population 163 — about 1 horse per every 980 acres!
Adding insult to injury, the local organization, Sand Wash Advocate Team (SWAT) has worked tirelessly to implement a PZP program to humanely manage the Sand Wash mustangs — and it’s working. Instead of a costly and cruel helicopter roundup, the BLM should invest more time and resources to support SWAT’s efforts and expand the PZP program in the HMA. This would be more humane for the horses and more cost-effective for the American taxpayers.
It’s unfortunately more bad news for the wild horses and burros that reside within the Calico Complex in Nevada. The BLM is targeting the estimated 1,700 wild horses and 70 wild burros for removal in this nearly 600,000-acre area.
The agency is also considering extreme manipulation of the wild horse and burro population remaining on the range by implementing unproven IUDs over scientifically proven PZP fertility control, unnaturally skewing the sex ratio in favor of males, and managing a fourth of the population as non-reproducing, including by castrating stallions.
To recap, if you didn’t catch last week’s email, Zena, our 26-ish year old Percheron mare, has been experiencing eye issues. She’s been experiencing chronic uveitis in her left eye. It has been managed with meds/treatment, but not resolving. It is very painful!
A couple weeks ago, she developed a large and dangerously deep ulcer on her right eye, which is also very painful! Sadly, this put her vision at risk.
After several days of treatment, the ulcer was not improving, so she was hospitalized at Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center for a procedure to support her right eye and to provide treatment every two hours.
During an exam, a pinpoint-sized ulcer was also found on her left eye.
More frequent treatment did not improve the right (good) eye, so on Friday, Zena had a procedure called a Tarsorrhaphy. I can’t say it, but it’s a surgical procedure in which the eyelids are partially sewn together to narrow the eyelid opening to protect the cornea and keep it moist. (If you zoom in on the photo of Zena above and look closely, you can see her sutures) However, it’s not without risk! The dilemma is, it provides good protection, but the ulcer is covered and not visible to monitor. The sutures will be removed in a few days to see how the eye is progressing, but thankfully so far, so good.
The other good news, the ulcer on the left eye has resolved, but sadly, the uveitis flared again, so she’ll continue with treatment of the left eye, too.
Zena is expected to stay at LBEMC for at least a few more days.
Thank you to the generous donors that have helped support some of the costs for her care. As you can imagine, the costs for hospitalization and treatment continue to grow.
If you’re able to help, Zena would appreciate your support. If everyone that can will help a little, it will make a big difference for this sweet, big gal.
Not only do we need your support, we need your help to spread the word.
Share our Posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
BOOTS IS BACK!!!
We are so excited our 8th Annual Boots and Bling event is scheduled (in-person), Saturday August 21st at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. This event will feature a BBQ dinner, DJ music, and live, silent, and dessert auctions. We hope you will be able to join us! Stay tuned for more information to come!
Would you like to help? We are looking for volunteers to help with event planning, decor, ticket sales, sponsorship, auction item donations, and more.
Because of your generous donations, opens, shares, positive thoughts, and simple kindness, you raised over $22,000 to help make a better world for horses.
“Thank You”, those two little words that mean so very, VERY much!
ZENA UPDATE!
Zena is undergoing another procedure today to protect her eye while she tries to heal. The ulcer in her right eye is dangerously deep. Vision in her left eye is already at risk due to uveitis, so we need to do what we can to make sure the “good” eye is able to heal. One of the surgeon’s at Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center will suture her eyelids partially closed to protect her eye and keep it moist. As with all procedures, there are risks, so this big girl needs some healing thoughts her way.
Thank you all for making this possible for Zena.
If you missed the opportunity to give big yesterday, you can still help Zena by giving today.
We are so excited our 8th Annual Boots and Bling event is scheduled (in-person), Saturday August 21st at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. This event will feature a BBQ dinner, DJ music, and live, silent, and dessert auctions. We hope you will be able to join us! Stay tuned for more information to come!
Would you like to help? We are looking for volunteers to help with event planning, decor, ticket sales, sponsorship, auction item donations, and more.
Let’s keep the momentum going! There are a few hours left to Give!! The horses at AAE are counting on you!!! It is with your support that AAE is able to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome these beautiful animals! Do it for the horses!
Help us raise critical funds for the horses at AAE! EVERY DONATION COUNTS!
Thank you for your support, you are helping horses each and every day!
Your donations, volunteering, adopting, shopping, sharing, & liking
saves horses, one life at a time!
We are so excited our 8th Annual Boots and Bling event is scheduled (in-person), Saturday August 21st at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. This event will feature a BBQ dinner, DJ music, and live, silent, and dessert auctions. We hope you will be able to join us! Stay tuned for more information to come!
Would you like to help? We are looking for volunteers to help with event planning, decor, ticket sales, sponsorship, auction item donations, and more.
In 2013 we started “Burro Awareness Month” to promote awareness and appreciation for the amazing and unique burros of America’s Southwest. Now, it’s time that we make it a national holiday!
Wild burros have the same rich history and are as culturally significant as wild horses, but unfortunately, they receive far less attention.
Burros were first introduced to the Desert Southwest by the Spaniards in the 1500’s, and served as reliable companions to explorers and pioneers on their treks throughout the West in the years thereafter.
They worked tirelessly to carry supplies and machinery to mining camps, and became indispensable to the workers. At the end of the mining boom many burros escaped or were turned loose, and with their innate ability to survive under the harshest conditions—wild herds eventually formed and flourished.
America’s burros are protected under federal law, but they are in crisis due to government mismanagement which has caused dwindling numbers and a lack of genetic diversity. Our goal is to keep burros wild and free on the range through humane management programs and initiatives to ensure healthy populations of wild burros living on our public lands.
Fewer than 15,000 burros are estimated to remain on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands across the U.S. Like wild horses, these agencies have historically managed burros by rounding them up and removing large numbers of them from the range.
13 Orphans (NOT including the 1st 13) & I am standing by for more.
Thank you for all the milk and supplies. Sadly I am blowing through them like crazy.
_Not sure if everyone will survive. Some have bad injuries, many of them internal _
Lots of Prayers n much help needed. Doc is here almost every day. Our vet bills are high with all the sick and injured.
The season is barely starting and I am BEYOND inundated.I need lots more help to care for these and be ready for the next ones if I am going to be able to keep saving them. THANK YOU!!
Harrah Veterinary 509 848-2943 if you’d like to help with vetting.
THANK YOU for everything we have received. I Used the last 2 Foal Responses on my 2 new tinies last night. We are going through milk like crazy!
We are also having to get blood drawn to check IGG levels on the littles. $$$
These babies will be posted for adoption when they are ready.
This is the link to our Chilly Pepper’s Wild Horse & Orphan Foal Adoption Page,where you can see the progress and new lives of the horses YOU HAVE HELPED SAVED! (I can’t believe I didn’t do this years ago, but it is so fun to see the horses, babies and critters that are enjoying and thriving in their new lives.)
As of right now, Firefly, aka Stella – is still with us and fighting for her life. I can’t even believe she survived the wreck in the first place. Please say a prayer for our precious little girl.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
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.
This week there are four important Action Alert deadlines for comments on mass roundup plans targeting wild horses and burros in Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado and California!
So, please take a moment to weigh in for meaningful change for wild horses and burros by taking the actions below:
Burros are incredible animals and evolving science is documenting the important role they play in the desert ecosystem. But a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plan for wild burros in the Lake Mead Complex outside Las Vegas would zero out wild burros from two of three habitat areas, and leave behind a minuscule number of burros in the third. For good measure, the BLM also wants to capture and remove every wild horse living in the area. Take action to oppose this by Friday.
The BLM is targeting the famed Sand Wash Basin wild horses in Colorado for mass roundup and removals. The HMA covers roughly 157,700 acres of public land and is currently home to an estimated 935 wild horses. The BLM’s proposed plan calls for the removal of 772 wild horses, leaving a mere 163 horses in this HMA!
The Sand Wash Advocate Team (SWAT) has worked tirelessly to implement a PZP program in this HMA, yet these horses are still targeted for mass removal. The BLM’s current plan calls for continued use of PZP, but would also allow for the use of unstudied IUDs as an alternative form of population control. Submit your comments by Saturday and oppose the BLM’s plan!
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) wants taxpayers to spend as much as $18 million to fund 6-8 years of wild horse helicopter roundups in the Devil’s Garden Wild Horse Territory in the northeast corner of California. The USFS wants to reduce the wild horse population to a fraction of its current size in order to maximize commercial livestock grazing on public lands where the horses live.
Worse, even though they’re asking you to pay for it, the Forest Service doesn’t want your comments on the plan! However, as one of a handful of designated “stakeholders,” AWHC is committed to making your voice heard in this process. Sign our petition by Friday.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is again targeting the wild horses of the Wyoming Checkerboard for a massive helicopter roundup that will remove a shocking 3,500 wild horses — or 40% of the state’s wild horse population — from 3.5 million acres of habitat in the southern part of the state.
The plan calls for drastically reducing the population to just 1,550 wild horses roaming free. Under this proposal, the BLM plans to treat and release 290 mares with PZP and use unproven IUDs. The BLM is also considering an alternative plan that calls for the surgical sterilization of 100 mares, the castratation of 100 stallions, and would skew the sex ratio of the population to 60% stallions and 40% mares. Submit your comments by Friday to oppose the BLM’s plan!
The calls just keep coming. As of last night I now have THREE more babies and am on standby for more this evening.
Every baby that as come in is severely dehydrated, has injuries and the vet is here almost on a daily basis.
Please help so I can say yes when the call comes this evening.
We lost our beautiful Tessa. She was so banged up when she came in. Sadly we thought she was our healthiest, but her internal injuries proved to be too much. Doc explained that a tiny tear or injury can turn into a deadly one once the foals start moving around. Sadly, in spite of being under vet care, she lost her fight. She was such a Mama’s girl, and was so loved by all.
Firefly is in critical shape. Her internal injuries from being trampled and catapulted into a building (right in front of my horrified eyes) appear to be causing immense issues. The more she started moving and playing, the more stress she put on her injured body. She is losing her will to fight, so she needs your prayers. Sometimes God just gives us these babies to love and comfort before they pass, but the pain is overwhelming and it makes me want to quit.
Donations have been hit hard by Covid, but I do have to keep fighting for these precious lives. I so appreciate each and every penny y’all donate to help these little ones. They do not deserve the life they have been handed. I can’t change the world, but together we can change the world for one life at a time.
Thank you for always being part of this heartbreaking journey. Hopefully the lives that flourish will keep our hearts fed so we can continue the fight. Prayers are so appreciated.
Thank you for ALL the donations of supplies, milk, milk money etc. I was going through 80 pounds of milk powder every 3 days with so many babies.
This is the link to our Chilly Pepper’s Wild Horse & Orphan Foal Adoption Page,where you can see the progress and new lives of the horses YOU HAVE HELPED SAVED! (I can’t believe I didn’t do this years ago, but it is so fun to see the horses, babies and critters that are enjoying and thriving in their new lives.)
As of right now, Firefly, aka Stella – is still with us and fighting for her life. I can’t even believe she survived the wreck in the first place. Please say a prayer for our precious little girl.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP HELPING US SAVE MORE LIVES, YOU CAN GO TO:
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.
The phone keeps ringing.In the middle of one emergency, we get another.
Sadly, my beautiful boy “Trooper”, who came with a dry mare, arrived too late to help. (It was the wrong mare). He lost his life due to starvation and a lack of Colostrum. By the time I got him, there was no hope, although I didn’t know it right away. I knew he was fragile, but have to say it was still shocking how quickly he crashed. The internal damage was already done, and he never stood a chance.We got him late afternoon, gave him his colostrum, got him stabilized, he drank his milk and he seemed to be resting quietly. No fever, and by 3 a.m. we were at WSU Emergency Vet Hospital, (3.5 hours away). His short life on this earth was full of pain and sickness. Thankfully once we got him he at least had some pain relief and a full belly. Never ever give anything prior to Colostrum, and it has to be soon, without delay, after being born.
I had not even arrived back at camp when the phone rang. Another new orphan, this time 2 or 3 days old? Brian was dehydrated and horribly constipated. We made it through the night and he is doing better than when he came in. He will see the vet today.
Hours later – (today) – ANOTHER call. 2 more day old babies needed our help.
Vet was just here. Two of the boys are hanging in there; however the 3rd little colt is very fragile, and needs so many prayers. He is on antibiotics and will be monitored 24.7 Like Doc said, they can be fine one minute and crashed the next. So many folks don’t realize that they can look “good”, but inside it’s a different story. These babies are ULTRA fragile, especially when they are only days old.
These critical cases are not only hard, but very expensive. We are still not caught up from the last few rescues and all the vet bills those babies incurred.
These precious boys are going through our supplies quickly. We really appreciate any help. I am currently on stand by for more babies, and right now the focus is to keep these boys alive and get them stable.
Lucky is coming home. Sadly he did not bond with his new Mommy. She adored him, but he simply wasn’t interested. We have done hundreds and hundreds of foals, and seen this quite often. When a baby is pushed out by the band, it is usually a terrifying experience, and they often take a long time to see adult horses as safe. He plays horsey games with Tyler, (our mini), and he and the baby Brian will be keeping each other company.
One of these precious babies will get the Mama that would have been Lucky’s. She was ultra patient and loving. It will just be a matter of time until Lucky can be comfortable with the big guys.
I couldn’t say no to these precious boys. Please help if you will.
Want to say thank you to the folks who helped with Trooper. Such heartbreak, but so grateful his last hours were as they should be. Peace full, a full belly and knowing so much love.
It looks like “the season is HERE!” I can’t do it without you. Please help me keep on doing this work God puts in front of me.
So appreciate all of our Chilly Pepper Family!
This is the link to our Chilly Pepper’s Wild Horse & Orphan Foal Adoption Page,where you can see the progress and new lives of the horses YOU HAVE HELPED SAVED! (I can’t believe I didn’t do this years ago, but it is so fun to see the horses, babies and critters that are enjoying and thriving in their new lives.)
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.
Today marks 2 years since we relaunched our PZP fertility control program in the Virginia Range in Nevada. We can’t believe it’s been 2 years already!
Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP) is a scientifically-proven fertility control vaccine given to female horses on the range through an injection via remote darting with an air rifle. It’s administered in a two shot process — the first is a primer, which is then followed by a booster approximately two weeks later. The vaccine prevents fertilization and pregnancy via an immune response that does not affect the horse’s hormonal system.
The result is a humane and cost efficient way to control wild horse populations, rather than subjecting wild horses to brutal helicopter roundups!
We signed our Virginia Range Fertility Control Cooperative Agreement with the Nevada Department of Agriculture 2 years ago, today, with support from Nevada Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, Blockchains CEO Jeff Berns and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak. And Erica, we’re happy to report that we’ve celebrated some pretty big successes since then!
Take a look below at some of our PZP program’s successes to date:
Right now, we are early into foaling season, Erica, but so far we are trending with 62% fewer foals born on the Range compared to this time last year. Even better, the current numbers reflect a zero population growth, which is fantastic given our goal of humane population reduction in this herd whose habitat has been dramatically reduced by development! These numbers will continue to fluctuate and change as we get further into foaling season, but it is a very promising start.
We’ve got some exciting news! Patrick Sullivan of Modern Day Horsemanship will be visiting AAE April 8-12.
Patrick and his beloved horse, Gamilah (or Gami), are kicking off an epic adventure across America in pursuit of LIBERTY! It starts TODAY! Patrick and Gami have an incredibly special bond, and he wants to share it with you in his journey of a lifetime, Gamilah Unbridled. Their journey will take them 2500 miles across Highway 50, from California to Kentucky, as they promote the art of liberty, connecting with horses without the use of ropes or control devices. The most remarkable part their journey is Patrick will be riding Gami bareback AND bridleless the entire way.
As much as we’d like to invite everyone to participate, due to COVID-19 and other circumstances, this is a private training activity at AAE. However, Patrick’s journey will be shared via livestream and video on his Facebook Page, Gamilah Unbridled.
Because Patrick’s love of horses was molded by his experience working as a trainer at WindyHill Equine Rescue and Rehoming, Patrick wants to feature the work rescues do. Patrick selected one rescue in each state to stop and spend five days working with five horses to share what he and Gami have learned about the liberty training. All education and work along the way will be FREE of charge to the organizations, and donations during these events will go to each individual non-profit!
The deep connection between horses and humans is what inspires our every day work at AAE, and we are honored to be part of Patrick and Gami’s journey. The five lucky AAE horses selected to participate with Patrick are Diesel, Jack, Clare, Chesney, and Teea. Patrick’s team will document each day, and by the end of the five days, we’ll see incredible results with each of the horses. Patrick and Gami’s adventure is dedicated to those who Dare to Dream. If you have a passion and love for horses, and you want to develop a deeper connection and stronger bond with your horse(s), be sure to follow their journey through social media. Feel free to send him a message, a word of encouragement, or a donation to help cover their expenses. You can even bring your horse out for a ride to join them for part of their trip, but be sure to contact Patrick directly.
Boots and Bling 2021, It’s BACK!!
We are so excited to announce that our 8th Annual Boots and Bling event will be Saturday August 21st! We are currently planning for this event to be in-person at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. This event will feature a BBQ dinner, live and silent auctions, and stories from our barn including horses, volunteers and forever homes. We hope you will be able to join us!
We are looking for volunteers to help with event planning. Do you have experience with event planning, sponsorship and auction solicitation, event decor, ticket sales, and/or volunteer coordinating? If you are interested in helping please email BandB@allaboutequine.org
If you are interested in donating to our live and/or silent auctions, please email Dani@allaboutequine.org
Adoption Story: Ralphie
Ralphie arrived at AAE last October after his family could no longer manage his health issues. Thanks to your support, he was able to have life-saving surgery to remove his eye due to a cancerous mass on his lower right eyelid. He also had a mass removed from on his hind pastern. He seemed to be doing well post-op; unfortunately, complications arose only a few days after surgery. His eye orbit developed a hematoma and subsequently excessive drainage. He returned to the hospital for nine days. Once back at AAE, thanks to the outpouring of support he received from all of you, he adapted very well to his new life with “univision”. His leg healed very nicely, too.
As best we knew, Ralphie didn’t have much training, so we sent him to work with one of our trainers, Ashley, who was one of our youth adopters from about 10 years ago. She started her training career with her adopted horse, Takela – her heart horse – and she did an amazing job! Sadly, she recently lost Takela to a very bad colic. Ralphie made great progress from the get-go. Much to their surprise, she and her family were so smitten with this big fella, they wanted make him part of their family, and so it was! The universe has such an incredible way of bringing us just what we need, exactly when we need it!
NEED A LITTLE MORE IN YOUR LIFE?
These beauties are all lookin’ for their lifelong LOVE!
Learn more about each horse by clicking on its name.
Here at the American Wild Horse Campaign, we run a Foal Rescue Fund to provide vet and critical care, safe transportation for baby foals in need of medical attention, and the creation of field kits to provide immediate treatment to foals while volunteers are on the range.
We have also provided funds to help build a critical foal care nursery, and to retrofit a retired ambulance to ensure that foals can be safely transported to get the care they need.
On the Virginia Range, saving foals is a real community effort and we are proud to play a key role in it. On March 22, two AWHC fertility control volunteers came across a wild horse band with a tiny baby foal named Hazel.
They quickly realized the foal wasn’t with her mother and instead was with a guardian mare who wasn’t able to feed her. The team tried but was unable to locate her family. That’s when the community coalition sprung into action. The range management team at Wild Horse Connection (WHC) was contacted. WHC secured permission to help the foal, then dispatched the Technical Large Animal Rescue Team (TLAR) to execute the rescue mission.
The filly went to LBL Equine Rescue to receive care while the local groups tried to locate her family. Hazel perked up with the loving care she received all night! Using their field knowledge and AWHC’s extensive wild horse identification database, the TLAR team tried to find Hazel’s mother the next morning — but a reunion was ultimately unsuccessful.
Foals are so delicate, and any seemingly healthy one can crash quickly. That was the case with Hazel.
She had to be rushed to the vet clinic, where they put her on an IV and antibiotics after discovering she had intestinal inflammation and four different bacterial infections. Hazel also needed a plasma infusion to fight the infections, but she was quite the little fighter and the vets made sure she received the best care possible!
We’re happy to say, Hazel was released back to the rescue on March 30th!
Our Foal Rescue Fund is helping to cover Hazel’s mounting vet bills. This is why our Rescue Fund is so important — we’ve helped fund the local nursery where Hazel is being cared for, we’re purchasing kits that help provide immediate medical care in the field for quickly crashing foals, and we’ve provided resources to help retrofit a retired ambulance that is used by the TLAR rescue team to transport critical care foals to safety.
The more funds we raise for our Foal Rescue Fund, the more we can help tiny, vulnerable foals like Hazel and support the wonderful local volunteers and groups who work night and day to protect the Virginia Range horses in Nevada.
Lucky was found wandering alone on the range just hours after his birth. We have no idea whether he was abandoned on purpose due to his health issues, or his band was scared away or something happen to Mama.
He came in with some gurgling sounds and was twitching and shaking off and on. He was given Colostrum immediately, and thus started the journey of Foal # 5.
Lil Red is finally at a point you could call “stable”. He crashed so many times it seemed like he had no chance. He went down after he was tubed, nearly into a coma. Then he had to have Doc come out again. He is still having some gut issues, but doing very well overall.
Hunter is also doing pretty well, and the little lamb was adopted out to a wonderful home.
Nicholas, was the 1st baby on this last, very long trip. He went to a very special adopter and is thriving. You can follow him on our adoption page. He and Lucky look like twins except Nicholas is much larger and older.
So now we come to # 5. LUCKY is still absolutely touch and go. He is on all sorts of medications and is making all my hair fall out from worrying about him so much. We had his blood work done, and it is not bad. His IGG levels are good, which means giving him the Colostrum was most likely exactly what he needed. Thank you to everyone who donated so we could afford to have it on hand.
Please keep him in your prayers. Lucky is having all sorts of random issues and his waste still smells like death. I am hoping and praying this is not why he was left alone hours after being born.
We have incurred lots of vet bills, and the babies are loving their milk. They are going through mass amounts and I want to thank the folks who sent it. None of this would happen if it wasn’t for y’all.
Our beautiful Appy mare, now know as Lady, went to a wonderful new home this weekend. Today, Hawk, Hidalgo and Bailey (aka CC) arrived at their new homes. So adoptions are going well, although my poor lil heart keeps breaking. It stinks to not be the “best home” for a horse you are in love with LOL.
I have “baby brain”, from not sleeping much for the last 4? weeks. I am up all night, every night with these kids, so hopefully this all makes sense. Just wanted to stop between making milk etc. and giving Lucky his meds to say THANK YOU! We couldn’t do it without you, and yes, we still need help. Look how much you have accomplished. I cannot even believe what magic happens when we all come together.
God bless and please keep these babies in your prayers!
The babies are going through milk like crazy. ANY help is much appreciated. Anyone who wants to donate directly to vet bills can simply call Harrah Veterinary at 509-848-2943 and donate ANY amount towards our ongoing bills. Just tell them it’s for Palomino – Chilly Pepper.
As always, YOU are the ones who keep this going. We are just hitting the busy time and I am praying I get to go home for a couple of weeks. These last 3 babies have already gone through hundreds of dollars of milk, enemas, meds and supplies.
This is the link to our Chilly Pepper’s Wild Horse & Orphan Foal Adoption Page,where you can see the progress and new lives of the horses YOU HAVE HELPED SAVED! (I can’t believe I didn’t do this years ago, but it is so fun to see the horses, babies and critters that are enjoying and thriving in their new lives.)
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.