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A helicopter rounds up five horses in the Great Divide HMA. Photo credit: Erik Molvar.

WBF Condemns BLM’s FY25 Wild Horse Roundup Schedule

Wild Beauty Foundation September 17, 2024

BLM Targets Over 4,000 Wild Horses for Removal in 2025: The Wild Beauty Foundation Sounds the Alarm on Inhumane and Unnecessary Roundups

NEVADA (Sept. 16, 2024) — The Wild Beauty Foundation (WBF) today expressed strong opposition to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recently announced Fiscal Year 2025 roundup schedule, which targets the removal of more than 4,000 wild horses and burros. These planned actions, which will take place between September 30, 2024, and February 2025, will impact herds across Nevada, California, Oregon, and Colorado, primarily through helicopter-driven roundups. The majority of the captured animals will be confined in government holding facilities, where over 65,000 wild horses and burros already reside.

Ashley Avis, founder of WBF and director of the documentary Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West, condemned the proposed roundups, calling them unnecessary, inhumane, and a calculated move to benefit private livestock interests at the expense of these federally protected animals.

“These brutal roundups are both cruel and unnecessary,” said Avis. “The BLM is systematically displacing wild horses from their rightful public lands to accommodate livestock grazing. This not only wastes taxpayer dollars but also betrays the wild horses and burros that are meant to be protected under federal law.”

Among the herds slated for removal is the Triple B Complex in Nevada, where Avis witnessed a devastating helicopter roundup during the filming of her award-winning documentary Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West. Footage from the film reveals the trauma inflicted on the wild horses as they were chased for miles by low-flying helicopters. During that operation, Avis adopted a mare and foal pair from the very herd targeted, who had been tragically separated in the chaos. In 2022, the last roundup in this area resulted in the deaths of 23 horses.

“I saw the cruelty of these roundups firsthand—horses driven to exhaustion, families torn apart, and lives lost senselessly,” Avis continued. “The roundups just continue every year—all the while they destroy the lives of these iconic animals while burdening taxpayers with millions of dollars in costs.”

In 2023, Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV), David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Steve Cohen (D-TN) introduced legislation, the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act (HR 3656) which would prohibit the use of helicopters. The legislation was introduced following horrific video footage was released of a young foal being pursued by a government-contracted helicopter after suffering a broken leg.

For decades, wild horse roundups have removed over 50,000 wild horses and burros from public lands. The BLM argues that these roundups are necessary to manage populations and prevent overgrazing. However, public lands are overwhelmingly leased to private ranchers for livestock grazing, which has been shown to cause far more damage to land health than wild horses. A 2024 report by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) revealed that wild horses were responsible for land degradation in just 1% of land health assessments conducted by the BLM, while livestock were found to be the largest contributor to land degradation in the vast majority of cases.

Concerned citizens of all ages can raise their voices, by contacting their Members of Congress and urging them to oppose the roundups, and to halt the use of antiquated helicopters by visiting www.istandwithwildhorses.org.

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Coalition Urges PBS to Correct Wild Horse Misinformation

Wild Beauty Foundation August 21, 2024

For Immediate Release

September 4, 2024

Hollywood filmmaker, enviros and journalists urge PBS to correct wild horse errors in “Human Footprint” series

A coalition of organizations and journalists has submitted a comprehensive 16-page report to PBS, urging the network to correct significant factual errors in the first episode of its Human Footprint series. The episode, titled Strangers in Paradise, aired in July 2023 and has been criticized for its slanted portrayal of America’s wild horses. The episode incorporated numerous instances of misrepresentation and erroneous reporting, including more than quadrupling the number of wild horses on western public lands and mischaracterizing wild horses as an invasive species causing ecological destruction that is properly attributable to the more numerous cattle and sheep that are permitted to graze on public lands.

Ashley Avis, Director of the award-winning documentary, Wild Beauty, Mustang Spirit of the West; the executive director of Western Watersheds Project and two journalists initially alerted PBS executives and the production team to these inaccuracies prior to the episode’s airing on July 5, 2023. Despite their outreach, the episode was broadcast without any corrections, and further communication from the coalition was dismissed as “harassment” by the production company.

“As a journalist and filmmaker deeply vested in protecting wild horses, and other species critical to our ecosystem, I was startled to see such flippant inaccuracies in this production,” said Avis. “Airing false, inadequately researched, and damaging information only reinforces the narrative of the commercial livestock industry, as we watch our public lands fade away.”

In response, the coalition sought intervention from PBS’s Public Editor, initiating a detailed ten-month investigation into the segment’s production. This investigation included examining research and government data, as well as filing four Freedom of Information Act requests. The findings have been compiled into a detailed report, which has been shared with PBS executives.

Despite the Public Editor’s April 4th column, titled Wild, Wild Horses, which highlighted the segment’s errors and omissions and stated that it “failed the audience,” the program remains available for viewing on PBS’s website and social media platforms.

“The Public Editor’s column is a rare and powerful example of media accountability, but without removing the wild horse segment, the errors will live on,” said Vickery Eckhoff, an investigative journalist. “We urge PBS to edit out the nearly 12-minute wild horse segment from the episode and make a public statement about the corrective action taken.”

In July, paradoxically, the “Human Footprint” series was nominated for a national Emmy in the Outstanding Science and Technology category.

“The fact that our group of experts alerted PBS before this episode even aired — and that “Strangers in Paradise” still stands erroneously and shockingly unaltered for public consumption today — is profoundly disappointing,” adds Avis. “Misinforming not only adults, but children who watch this content, is wholly unacceptable, and we are calling on PBS to a better ethical standard.”

The coalition believes that viewer trust, a cornerstone of PBS’s reputation, is at stake. “Viewer trust is earned. We’re counting on PBS’s board and executives to restore that trust and do the right thing,” added Eckhoff.

“There is a lot of deliberate misinformation about wild horses being promoted by the livestock industry, and it is disheartening to see PBS drawn into this through their airing and promotion of the Human Footprint series,” said Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project, a West-wide conservation nonprofit. “The American public relies on fact-based journalism to inform public policy, and while the wild horse segment in Human Footprint is a major stumble in this regard, PBS has an important and ongoing responsibility to provide objective reporting on this issue.”

The coalition hopes that PBS will recognize that Strangers in Paradise not only failed its audience but also failed to uphold PBS’s standards of editorial integrity.

A copy of the show storyboard can be viewed here.

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The Wild Beauty Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to illuminating key issues wild horses, wolves, and wildlife are facing today — while bringing the natural world and the importance of its protection to people of all ages. Through the power of our unique entertainment platform, WBF is devoted to launching films, educational programs, advocacy campaigns, and protecting animals in need.

Western Watersheds Project is a nonprofit conservation group with over 14,000 members and supporters, as well as field offices across the western U.S. WWP works to influence and improve public lands management throughout the West with a primary focus on the negative impacts of livestock grazing on 250 million acres of western public lands.

A CRY FOR THE WILD: Wildlife Advocates Take to Capitol Hill

WIld Beauty July 23, 2024

Protestors and Advocates Hold Signs at A Cry for the Wild Event

Photo Credit: Sherri Holdridge

On the morning of June 26th, 2024 wildlife advocates and compassionate members of the public gathered on Capitol Hill for “A CRY FOR THE WILD”, a day of events aimed to inspire awareness and drive change against the senseless torture and killing of wolves and other wildlife.

After photographs depicting the brutal torture and eventual death of a young wolf pup at the hands of Cody Roberts in a Wyoming bar sparked international outrage on social media, those who care deeply about the treatment of wildlife knew they had to speak out on behalf of the voiceless creatures who cannot defend themselves.

The Wild Beauty Foundation, in cooperation with over a dozen leading wildlife protection groups, including from Western Watersheds Project, Sierra Club, Wyoming Wildlife Advocates, Endangered Species Coalition, Wolves of the Rockies, Wolf Connection, and Wyoming Untrapped, united to advocate for better protection of American wolves. As it stands, several states in the western U.S.,have little to no regulations to prevent their maiming or killing. This must change, which is why we are raising our voices to help.

Ashley Avis, Founder, The Wild Beauty Foundation | Photo by Sherri Holdridge

WBF and numerous other groups who gathered on Capitol Hill last month disagree with these legislations and urge lawmakers to relist the gray wolf on the Endangered Species Act and make the the torture and killing of wolves and wildlife punishable by law.

Photo Credit: Sherri Holdridge

During the rally, around 100 members of the public gathered in front of the nation’s capitol to protest our country’s current inadequate legislation regarding the protection of wolves. Many held handmade signs and posters or passed out flyers to those interested in learning more about the cause.

Jonas Black | Photo by Sherri Holdridge

In addition to the organizations in attendance, world renowned dog-trainer and influencer, Jonas Black joined us from Texas and gave an impassioned speech.

Josselyn Wolf | Photo by Sherri Holdridge

Several young advocates gave passionate talks at the rally, igniting the flame within everyone to fight for the protection of these beautiful animals.

Erik Molvar, Western Watersheds Project | Photo by Sherri Holdridge

Following the rally, WBF and dedicated advocates met privately with Members of Congress to discuss future protection laws and regulations that can be implemented in order to prevent senseless killing of wildlife. By meeting with the members of congress directly, critical conversations were able to be held about why protecting wolves is important to our ecosystems as well as the benefits of prioritizing their conservation.

A CRY FOR THE WILD brought animal advocates from across the country together to rally for legislative reform in wildlife protection. Without people willing to use their voices for good, our wild world would quickly disintegrate, taking important keystone species like the American wolf down with it. We at The Wild Beauty Foundation are proud to have had the opportunity to host such an impactful event and are grateful for those who were able to join us in D.C. Thank you for standing with wolves and wildlife.

A Cry for the Wild

Wild Beauty Foundation June 14, 2024

By Ashley Avis

RSVP Today: #ACryfortheWILD

(June 14, 2024) As many of you know, my journey as a filmmaker led me down a path of advocacy for wild horses, culminating in the creation of this foundation and our five-year documentary journey, Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West. Now, the wild horses have called me to another noble cause: The Wild Beauty Foundation will be stepping into the arena—and realm—of wolves.

For the past year, I have been quietly working on a major project: a feature film adaptation of Nate Blakeslee’s New York Times bestselling book, American Wolf. This movie will be produced by Appian Way and the incomparable Leonardo DiCaprio. Not only will this be an extraordinary project, but it also has the potential to bring about significant change for wolves and other wild species.

Storytelling carries great power in educating people about what is really happening in our natural world—just as we did, and continue to do, with Wild Beauty. Our work on behalf of wild horses is only gaining more momentum, and we are deeply honored to enter this new space advocating for wolves. The timing could not be more critical for these animals.

The world was shocked and disgusted when Cody Roberts of Daniel, Wyoming intentionally ran over a young female wolf pup with a snowmobile, duct-taped her mouth shut, dragged her into a bar to show her off, and then took her out back and killed her.

He was only fined $250 because predators are not protected from animal cruelty. We are going to change that. This young wolf was in unimaginable pain, and this kind of heinous torture and killing has no place in our world.

We’re kicking off our first event for wolves with a rally on Capitol Hill on June 26, 2024. We will be joined by a coalition of wildlife organizations, impassioned advocates, and members of Congress who are answering the #CryfortheWild. Even if you cannot attend, there are still ways that you can help.

Thank you for standing with wild horses, wolves and our greater wild world. We must answer when it calls.

RSVP & TAKE ACTION

Advocating for Wild Horses: A Momentous Week in Washington D.C.

Wild Beauty Foundation June 14, 2024

(June 14, 2024) A few weeks ago the Wild Beauty team headed to Washington, DC to meet with decision makers. Our mission was clear: to educate Members of Congress about the plight of wild horses, the abuse they suffer, and to garner signatures for H.R. 3656, the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act.

From left: Ashley Avis, Diane Lane, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

This vital bi-partisan bill, led by Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN), and David Schweikert (R-AZ) aims to end the use of helicopters in cruel and outdated roundups, thereby preventing the needless deaths of so many wild horses each year. In 2024, there is no justification for human beings to chase highly intelligent, federally protected flight animals with low-flying machines.

TAKE ACTION FOR WILD HORSES

We are thrilled to share that we met with over twenty Members of Congress, and several of them agreed to co-sponsor the bill during our meetings. We are particularly appreciative Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Representative Maria Salazar (R-FL) for officially co-sponsoring H.R. 3656! Actor Diane Lane (Inside Out 2, Justice League, Secretariat) and filmmaker and WBF founder, Ashley Avis visited Congresswoman Salazar’s office on April 29th to discuss the cruelty of helicopter roundups and the urgent need for change. The Congresswoman was not only moved by their presentation but took immediate action to support the bill.

From left: Diane Lane, Ashley Avis, Congresswoman Salazar (R-FL)

We are incredibly thankful to Diane Lane and singer-songwriter Dewey Bunnell (America the Band) for their invaluable support in this mission. We also extend our gratitude to Western Watersheds Project for their continued work with WBF in dispelling myths about wild horses and revealing the truth about the livestock industry on public lands.

In the evening, during a private event within the Capitol, we had the honor of showcasing a five-minute video that starkly illustrated the outdated and cruel practice of helicopter roundups. The reactions from Congress were overwhelmingly ones of disgust and shock upon learning that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is subjecting our federally protected wild horses to such inhumane treatment. All of this to shed light on the critical importance of passing H.R. 3656, The Wild Horse & Burro Protection Act.

Meaningful change can take time, and we are committed to this cause for the long haul. Thank you for being part of this journey and for standing with wild horses. Together, we can make a difference!

TAKE ACTION FOR WILD HORSES

Congress Stands With Wild Horses

WIld Beauty May 26, 2023

CONGRESS STANDS WITH WILD HORSES

MEMBERS REINTRODUCE NEW BILL BANNING CRUEL HELICOPTER ROUNDUPS

A still from Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

The Wild Beauty Foundation applauds Representatives Dina Titus, Steve Cohen, and David Shweikert for reintroducing the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act to Congress. The bill aims to amend the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 by prohibiting the use of cruel aircraft during the roundups of wild horses.

During the five years WBF spent creating the documentary WILD BEAUTY: MUSTANG SPIRIT OF THE WEST, traversing over 20,000 miles to film not only the beauty of wild horses in their natural habitat, but the roundups; it became instantly clear that the use of low-flying helicopters to chase horses into trap sites was unnecessary and inhumane.

Horses are run for miles, many to the point of exhaustion, by menacing aircraft that fly at dangerously low altitudes. The exhaustion and overcrowding of trap sites during a helicopter roundup oftentimes results in injury or even death, in addition to severe, lasting psychological stress in the horses from enduring the experience. WBF questions the integrity and ethics of The Bureau of Land Management, given its repeated characterization of helicopter roundups as “humane.”

This bill cites the devastating roundup of the Pancake Complex wild horses in central Nevada, which inspired the rage of the public; where a young colt was chased by helicopter for miles, until eventually sustaining a major injury that forced BLM authorities to euthanize him. In young horses, exhaustion can be fatal; during the summer months when most roundups are conducted, there are still many young foals on the ground who can be at high risk of fatal injuries due to helicopter roundups. WBF documented numerous instances of this in WILD BEAUTY.

Captured wild horses are incarcerated after roundups stripped them of their freedom as seen in WILD BEAUTY

Additionally, the BLM conducts helicopter roundups at enormous taxpayer expense, and pays contractors $500-$800 per captured horse. It has been determined that the BLM has spent an estimated $36 million in taxpayer funding on three private helicopter contractors since 2011, with $5.3 million spent just within the past two years. Given the unacceptable animal abuse and the enormous financial costs that accompany the roundup operations, WBF feels it is beyond time that we put an end to the devastation caused by the BLM’s roundups and stand with our nation’s wild horses.

“Having been on the ground to witness and document the shocking mistreatment of our wild horses and burros for WILD BEAUTY: MUSTANG SPIRIT OF THE WEST,” stated Ashley Avis, Founder & President of The Wild Beauty Foundation, and the director behind Disney’s BLACK BEAUTY. “I find it unfathomable that in our modern day, a government agency could possibly consider the use of a low flying helicopter a “humane” way to treat wild horses. These are highly intelligent flight animals; and the harrowing experience to me is barbaric. I sincerely hope that the bill shall pass, and we will do everything we can to support the efforts of these admirable representatives with our film.”

A still photograph by Marcelo Araujo of the Triple B Roundup in Nevada, 2019

“The solution to the West’s land health crisis is restoring a natural balance, by reducing or eliminating commercial livestock and restoring native predators,” said Erik Molvar, a wildlife biologist and Executive Director with Western Watersheds Project. “Helicopter roundups of wild horses do nothing to improve land health or native ecosystems; federal agencies replace the horses with increased cattle and sheep numbers, and native ecosystems suffer as a result.”

“We applaud Rep. Titus and the other cosponsors for their leadership to help end the horrific helicopter roundups that continue to plague our iconic American wild horses and burros on federal lands,” said Marty Irby, Senior Advisor at the Animal Wellness Foundation. “Congress should move swiftly to enact this legislation and ensure the very horses whose backs this country was built upon are protected.”

“We have been watching the archaic practice of brutally rounding up our wild horses and burros by helicopter for far too long,” stated Kimerlee Curyl, a fine artist and wild horse photographer. “It is time to get out of the dark ages and actually protect these icons of the West. It is time to do better for our majestic wild world. Thank you to Rep. Titus and the members of Congress who recognize this in support of this bill.”

A helicopter descends on a herd of wild horses during the Triple B roundup in 2019 from WILD BEAUTY

“Taxpayer dollars are being spent by the tens of millions to hire helicopter contractors to chase down wild horses and burros, and tens of millions more to incarcerate them en masse in deplorable government corrals,” said Scott Beckstead, director of campaigns for Animal Wellness Action. “There is nothing responsible or humane about the helicopter roundups, and Rep Titus’s legislation is an important step to restoring some sanity to the BLM’s wild horse and burro program.”

The Wild Beauty Foundation had the honor of being recognized by Congresswoman Titus in Las Vegas this past March. Her consistent efforts in bringing public awareness to the plight of wild horses is evident, and we are encouraged to see her, along with representatives Cohen and Shweikert being stewards of the beauty and continued freedom of wild horses everywhere.

A Still from WILD BEAUTY

WBF urges you to contact your local lawmakers and ask for their support in standing with wild horses by considering cosponsoring this impactful bill. For it is only with collaboration and teamwork, that we as wild horse advocates can make a difference in the lives of generations of wild horses in our western states.

Learn more at www.wbf.tempurl.host

Watch the “Investigation” Trailer Here

This Month in Wild Beauty: April into May 2023

WIld Beauty May 10, 2023

THIS MONTH IN WILD BEAUTY: April into May 2023

The Wild Beauty Foundation welcomes you to the thirty fourth edition of our newsletter!

Read the newest horse and burro focused headlines for April into May 2023.

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

Available May 12th, 2023

Our highly anticipated documentary, Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West is hours away from becoming available worldwide! Soon, the beauty and plight of our wild horses will be seen in homes and theaters across the globe. We cannot be more proud of the film’s impact thus far, and are hopeful for what is to come after its official world debut this week.

At long last, admirers of our wild world will have full access to Wild Beauty’s immersive journey into the world of wild horses. The film can be found on a variety of leading streaming platforms including Apple, iTunes, Amazon Prime, and more . It is time to raise our voices like never before; please order on iTunes before May 11th to help us get Wild Beauty placed higher on Apple’s platform.

CALL TO ACTION:

Leading up to the premiere, we encourage you to share the trailer, poster, or an official still from the movie to social media (as many times as you’d like) with the hashtag #istandwithwildhorses. Tag your lawmakers, and major press outlets. As more voices share this film with others, more people are inspired to help and protect our wild world.

We are hoping to create an absolute wave of awareness in May, ahead of our screening for Congress in Washington D.C.

Do you, or your company, want to sponsor our Washington D.C. premiere this spring? Reach out directly to edward@wbf.tempurl.host

You can help support the grassroots efforts of our passionate team by making a donation.

Please be sure to order WILD BEAUTY on a streaming platform of your choice before its official world premiere! Thank you to everyone who has followed this journey over the years. We appreciate every single one of you, and your #wildhorseteamwork

Photograph by Kimerlee Curyl

Lawsuit Against the U.S. Forest Service Puts Salt River Wild Horses at Risk

The iconic wild horses of Salt River in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest have been targeted by conservation groups in a recent lawsuit filed in the Phoenix U.S. District Court. The lawsuit claims that the current population of horses is too high and is causing severe overgrazing, despite diligent management by wild horse nonprofit, Salt River Wild Horse Management Group.

The lawsuit is supported by the Center for Biological Diversity, Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation, and Arizona Wildlife Federation which all consider the Salt River wild horses as the leading cause of habitat degradation. With these false claims, the organizations are convincing the U.S. Forest Service to overturn the 2016 Arizona State Law, A.R.S 3-1491, that protects these horses and allows SRWHMG to manage their health and safety.

Simone Netherlands, president of SRWHMG, has expressed her concerns and stated that if the law is overturned and the horses management is no longer controlled by her group, the population will boom to numbers that would constitute a roundup of all horses within the forest.

We as wild horse advocates cannot allow groups seemingly supporting conservation to scapegoat our wild horses. Without appropriate education on wild horse management and the work of groups like SRWHMG, lawsuits like these could wreak havoc on the wild horse population and see them into extinction.

If you are interested in reading more about the Salt River Wild Horses and their most recent tribulation, please visit Salt River Wild Horse Management Group’s website.

A Still from Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

New Study Supports that Wild Horses Roamed American West Before Spanish Settlers

A new study published March 30, 2023 likely proves that horses roamed the plains of western America long before they were previously believed to have been brought over by Spanish colonists. These significant findings suggest that perhaps the species did not die out on this continent during the last ice age and were instead thriving by the early 1600s. As mentioned in the study, oral history passed down through generations of indigenous people told of their partnership with horses before the first Europeans stepped foot in the Americas. Now, more than 80 scientists have confirmed that these stories hold accurate historical timelines for the horse’s presence in North America.

Numerous scientists in diverse fields of study examined roughly 24 sets of remains from multiple sites spanning across the western U.S. According to the study’s findings, horses were present here several decades before the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, which historians previously used as a marker for the migration of horses back into the Americas. This is significantly important to indigenous people who have debated the timeline of their groups’ first interactions with horses, as it proves that the stories passed down through their generations are in fact accurate chronologically. In an article published last week, Yvette Running Horse Collins, a scientist and friend of WBF told PBS, “Our cultures have been so misrepresented for so long. Too often history has been told around us, without us.”

Not only have these findings pieced together disputed historical records, they will also allow for further steps to be taken in order to better protect our wild horse species for future generations. We at WBF are encouraged to see that the science continues to support the voices of indigenous people that have urged for the protection of wild horses as a native species for so many years and are hopeful that this research will aid in their continued freedom on our public lands.

Take the “I Stand with Wild Horses” Pledge

Do you stand with wild horses? JOIN US!

Take the Wild Beauty #IStandWithWildHorses Pledge.

Add your name to the WBF petition that we are bringing to Congress as WILD BEAUTY the documentary debuts. It is time to protect the wild beauty of our world.

#istandwithwildhorses

Add your name to the pledge!

Photograph by Erin Phillips

Listen to More Winning Stories from WBF’s 2nd Annual Short Story Contest

We are continuing to release our winning stories from our 2nd Annual Short Story Contest, read aloud by our equine loving celebrity partners, for all to enjoy! We at WBF are incredibly proud of the high school and middle grade students who used their creative voices to stand with wild horses. Each winning story will be read aloud by an equine-loving celebrity, and will be posted to our social media to spread awareness and bring light to the beauty of our wild world. The voices of the next generation of equine advocates and brilliant storytellers have touched our judges hearts and we know that their words will bring change to the future of our wild ones.

This month, we released five more winning stories on our social media accounts. We are so proud of our young writers for sharing their beautifully composed stories with us and thank our readers for lending their talents to narrate them. You can find the text versions of each story by visiting our Facebook page. Congratulations Kayleigh, Gretchen, Faith, Zahara, and Reegan!

“Wichapi“

Written by eleven-year-old Kayleigh O.

Read by Alisha Newton

https://fb.watch/knU8IZVjG6/

“Building Trust“

written by twelve-year-old Gretchen M.

Read by Graham Wardle

https://fb.watch/knUeStM03W/

“Tale of the Runner“

Written by twelve-year-old Faith W.!

Read by Beth Behrs

https://fb.watch/knUkdq-9xX/

“Killara“

Written by sixteen-year-old Zahara P.

Read by Michael Gladis

https://fb.watch/knUo7EElaI/

“Wonder of Life“

Written by twelve-year-old Reegan B.

Read by Claire Forlani

https://fb.watch/knUt1B5Tr2/

A Still from Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Upcoming Screening

While Wild Beauty will officially be released to the world on May 12, you still have the chance to catch the film in select theaters!

Starting in California, Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West will be playing at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica on May 12 and May 13, 2023. Directly following the showings, the filmmakers will host a special Q&A for those in attendance.

Get Tickets

At our most recent showing, the 18th Annual Sunscreen Film Festival, we were honored to have won “Best Documentary”! The audience at this event was amazing, and we are so excited to continue bringing wild horses into national consciousness.

Screening dates and locations will continue to be announced as details are released, so be sure to check our website often for updates. We thank you for showing your continued support for our documentary, and are so proud to bring Wild Beauty to everyone very soon!

Watch for dates near you.

Show Your Support for WBF with The Wild Beauty Boutique

The Wild Beauty Boutique has all you need to host a Wild Beauty watch party, and what’s even better is that all proceeds benefit The Wild Beauty Foundation!

Our “Wild and Free” Laser Etched Maple Maple Cutting Board is perfect for preparing dinner for your guests or displaying charcuterie during the movie. Pair this with the Wild Beauty Foundation Pint Glasses, and sip on your favorite drink while you enjoy the beauty of wild horses. Don’t forget to browse our line of apparel to proudly show your support for wild horses whether out and about or watching the film from home.

Each purchase from The Wild Beauty Boutique directly helps WBF support and save wild horses around the country through film, creativity, rescue, and advocacy. We thank you for showing your support for our nonprofit and our wild ones across the country.

SHOP WILD BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

Photograph by Sandy Sharkey

Glimpse of Wild Beauty

While looking into the eyes of a wild few spot appaloosa, Sandy Sharkey captured this regal image of wildness. May this strong beauty live forever free on the open rangeland he calls his home.

Photograph by Jim Brown

A Quote to Graze On

“We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

-Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau’s beautiful views on the wildness of nature have inspired generations of environmental protection and conservation of our wild species. It is in our power to pass along his words and continue to stand up for our awe-inspiring wild world.

Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world.
– The WBF Team

#istandwithwildhorses #wildbeautyspirit

Have an idea for a story or a tip for us?
Email hello@wbf.tempurl.host

Are you a wild horse photographer who would like your work featured in our newsletter or social media pages?
Email a ZIP or link to your photos, along with a short written approval to hello@wbf.tempurl.host!

Join Us On Our Journey. We’d love to stand beside you.

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www.facebook.com/wildbeautyfoundation
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www.twitter.com/wildbeautyorg

This Month in Wild Beauty: March into April 2023

WIld Beauty April 8, 2023

THIS MONTH IN WILD BEAUTY: March into April 2023

The Wild Beauty Foundation welcomes you to the thirty third edition of our newsletter!

Read the newest horse and burro focused headlines for March into April 2023.

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West will be released May 12th, 2023!

It’s official. After five years in the making, our documentary will be coming out into the world on May 12th, 2023. The film will be widely available on many platforms including Apple, iTunes, Amazon Prime, and more. It is time to raise our voices like never before.

CALL TO ACTION:
In the months of April & May leading up to the release, please post the trailer, poster, or an official still from the movie to social media (as many times as you’d like) with the hashtag #istandwithwildhorses. Tag your lawmakers, and major press outlets.

We are hoping to create an absolute wave of awareness in April and May, ahead of our screening for Congress in Washington D.C.

You can help support the grassroots efforts of our passionate team by making a donation.

We will have a pre-order link for WILD BEAUTY shortly that we will post to social media, so watch for that next week! Thank you to everyone who has followed this journey over the years. We appreciate every single one of you, and for your #wildhorseteamwork

Photograph by Meg Frederick

Two Iconic Onaqui Stallions Found Shot

This month a herd so dear to our hearts suffered heartbreak as two stallions were found senselessly shot in the Onaqui Mountain HMA of Utah. We were devastated to learn that the iconic Onaqui stallions, Jasper and his buddy Arshan, were intentionally killed at close range by malicious humans. The fact that senseless violence like this is happening against our federally protected wild horses in numerous states is profoundly disturbing. A third horse, a young red chestnut stallion who traveled with Jasper and Arshan, is missing and has yet to be found.

Jasper, a striking bay pinto with bi-colored eyes, was a favorite of those who followed the herd and often caught the eye of photographers on the range. Arshan, a beautiful bay stallion, was Jasper’s close companion and traveled alongside him through the expansive terrain of the Utah desert. We find consolation in knowing that these horses lived their whole lives wild and free and will remain in the hearts of those who follow the Onaqui herd and tirelessly champion for their protection.

If anyone has any information or leads, please contact the Onaqui Catalogue at 800-722-3998. The current reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the deaths stands at $37,500.

Photograph by Mary Hone

Nevada Wild Horse Bill Considers Wild Horse as a Symbol of Nevada

A new bill proposed to the Nevada legislature, S.B. 90, aims to designate the wild mustang as the Nevada state equine. Schoolchildren from Washoe County visited the State Capitol on March 7th to bring drawings of wild horses to lawmakers to encourage them to support the bill and the beauty of the state’s wild horse populations. According to estimates by the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada is home to approximately 41,800 wild horses accounting for nearly two thirds of the total number of wild equines living free on public lands.

Twelve states currently have a designated state equine, but out of the ten western states where wild horses reside, none have claimed the mustang as their own state symbol. This bill could change that, and would encourage residents of the state and visitors from around the world to appreciate the beauty and wildness that these living symbols of freedom represent. Congresswoman Dina Titus has voiced her support for this bill and continues to advocate for better, more humane management of the state’s wild horses in Congress. There is pushback, however, from groups such as the Northern Nevada Safari Club, a trophy hunting organization who claims without support that wild horses “negatively affect all wildlife.” We urge all Nevadans to contact their state legislators and urge them to vote YES on S.B. 90.

Wild Beauty Recognized by Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus at Las Vegas Premiere

As Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West continues its run on the festival circuit before its official release this May, we could not be more proud of the impact that the film has had on audiences across America thus far.

While attending Wild Beauty’s Las Vegas premiere, we were surprised with an award of Special Congressional Commendation acknowledging our work for our nation’s wild horses. We are extraordinarily grateful to be recognized by Congresswoman Dina Titus, who is a passionate advocate for wild horses herself.

On top of that recognition, the Clark County Commissioner declared March 15th, 2023 to be “Wild Beauty” Day in Las Vegas. The proclamation voices appreciation for wild horses and the public lands they live on and encourages residents of the county to show their support for wild horses by attending the screening and contacting local lawmakers. Having the largest wild horse population of any other state, Nevada is an important battleground in the fight to keep wild horses free on our public lands. We are grateful to see Clark County and the people of Las Vegas standing with the wild horses of their beautiful state and calling for others to do the same.

We are deeply honored, and wildly proud to bring wild horses to the world stage; and it’s just the beginning! It’s time to rise up together, and bring the swell of our voices to Congress. Thank you to everyone who has collaborated with us for the greater good, and as always, for standing with wild horses.

Can you help us?
We are currently fundraising to bring WILD BEAUTY to Washington D.C. to screen for members of Congress. We need to raise funds for a theater, along with other expenses to get the wild horse issue directly in front of lawmakers.

Please help us, and donate toward WBF if you can.

Do you, or your company, want to sponsor our Washington D.C. premiere this spring?

Reach out directly to edward@wbf.tempurl.host

Photograph by Sandy Sharkey

April 22nd-25th : Save Our Wild Horses D.C. Conference

Passionate wild horse advocates and equine lovers unite for the second annual Save Our WIld Horses Conference and Rally in Washington, D.C! From April 22nd to the 25th, attendees will meet to discuss topics such as rangeland health, roundups, wild horse photography, and how to become a better advocate. Guest speakers include Erik Molvar, Marty Irby, Scott Beckstead, and many more influential advocates for the wild horse cause. We encourage those wishing to know more and stand up for our wild world to attend the conference and show your support for keeping wild horses on our public lands for generations to come.

In celebration of Earth Day, there will be a rally held on the National Mall on Saturday, April 22nd. This rally is free to attend and will be providing a wealth of information to those that may not know about the plight of our western wild horses. On Monday, April 24th there will be a special screening of Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West for conference attendees. Wednesday, April 26th will be Lobby Day, when conference attendees will meet with their members of Congress to urge them to support wild horses and burros on our public lands and more humane management by the federal government.

To learn more about attending the Save Our Wild Horses D.C. Conference, click here.

Photograph by Erin Phillips

Environmental Assessment Released on the Pryor Mountain Wild Horses

Late last month, the Billings BLM office released a new Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Pryor Mountain HMA. Located in southeast Montana and northern Wyoming, the Pryor wild horses have been adored by advocates and horse lovers alike after being made famous by Ginger Kathrens’ nature documentaries following band stallion, Cloud, and his family over several years. Kathrens’ nonprofit, The Cloud Foundation, has worked to both preserve this herd and advocate for the protection of wild horses across the country.

The BLM looks to alter current management practices and potentially implement a staged gather and removal of horses within this herd. As indicated in the most recent environmental assessment, the last set of genetic diversity monitoring samples from the herd was collected in 2013. While the analysis indicated that the herd was slightly above the average for feral horse herds at that time, researchers suggested that the herd could drop below average by 2023 if the trends progressed. Now that we are in 2023, we do not see the BLM conducting updated genetic diversity research before giving the go ahead to implement removal measures. Instead, the environmental assessment states that new samples will be collected during bait and trap gathers that will also aim to remove horses deemed “excessive.”

Another deeply troubling aspect of the BLM’s EA is its reference to the “meta-population” of wild horses, a reference to the entire wild horse population as the standard for maintaining genetic diversity. This could signal that the BLM will no longer assess the genetic impact of removing horses from a specific herd or HMA (Herd Management Area) population, but rather on the entire population across all the western states where they live. This is especially concerning for the Pryor Mountain horses, who have been protected and their genetics preserved even before the passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. We fear this is part of a larger strategy by the BLM to drive numbers of the herds so low that they eventually become extinct. We know that is a goal desired by the livestock industry, and given the BLM’s close relationship with that industry, many leading wild horse advocates are sounding the alarm for the future of our wild herds.

We desperately need to stand by the horses of the Pryor Mountains. In terms of diversity and genetic sustainability of the herd, it is irresponsible to conduct a removal in a herd already maintaining a small population. The BLM’s proposed action will repudiate decades of hard work to responsibly manage this iconic herd in a manner that is humane and allows them to remain on their homeland range. We encourage you to submit a comment to the BLM’s ePlanning site with detailed evidence supporting that roundups come to a halt until genetic diversity testing is complete.

This Month’s Call to Action

Stand with the Pryor Wild Horses

As wild horse advocates, we must stand up for the continued freedom and livelihoods of our cherished wild ones. To champion for change from the BLM, we urge you to submit a public comment to the BLM’s ePlanning page. This comment will be sent directly to the Billings BLM office for review. The deadline for comments is Friday, April 28. To learn more about how you can lend your voice to the Pryor Wild Horses, visit our Call to Action Page.

We thank you, the Pryor Mountain wild horses thank you.

Photograph by Chad Hanson

BLM’s Litchfield Holding Corrals in Northeast California Faces Strangles Outbreak

According to a press release by the BLM on March 16th, the Litchfield corrals located in Susanville, California will be closed for approximately 30 days due to an outbreak of strangles. This highly contagious bacterial infection affects the upper respiratory tract, causing nasal discharge, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Horses are able to recover from the disease after it runs its course in two to four weeks, however, severe cases can be deadly, especially for the very young, the elderly, or otherwise compromised animals.. In overcrowded and unsanitary conditions like holding facilities and long-term corrals, horses are more susceptible to illnesses like strangles.

In the past year, we have seen an increase in wild horse holding facility closures due to contagious illnesses. We at WBF maintain that as the Bureau of Land Management rounds up more of our beloved wild horses, the conditions in these already overcrowded facilities will worsen and put more horses at risk of illness and death.

Another facility that faced backlash last year for their handling of a strangles outbreak was the Wheatland Off-Range Holding Facility in Wyoming where 67 horses died as a result of the highly contagious illness. Nearly a year after this deadly outbreak, Wheatland holding facility is inviting the public to tour their facility. According to a BLM press release, the privately owned facility will be open to free, public tours on April 14th, 2023 at 1:00pm. We are encouraged to see that this facility has since handled last year’s severe outbreak, and hope that Litchfield’s facility will overcome their’s in a more cautious manner. At the same time Wheatland was experienced the strangles outbreak, nearly 150 horses died from an outbreak of equine influenza at the BLM’s holding facility at Canon City, Colorado.

A Still from upcoming documentary, Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

Listen to the Winning Stories from WBF’s 2nd Annual Short Story Contest

We are delighted to announce that the winning stories from our 2nd Annual Short Story Contest, read aloud by our equine loving celebrity partners, have begun to be released for all to enjoy! We at WBF are incredibly proud of the high school and middle grade students who used their creative voices to stand with wild horses. Each winning story will be read aloud by an equine-loving celebrity, and will be posted to our social media to spread awareness and bring light to the beauty of our wild world. The voices of the next generation of equine advocates and brilliant storytellers have touched our judges hearts and we know that their words will bring change to the future of our wild ones.

We are thrilled to officially announce the winner of WBF’s 2022-2023 Short Story Competition, in the High School Category. “The Light of the Sky“ written by Jaden C. is the first story to be read aloud by Mackenzie Foy, star of Disney’s ‘Black Beauty’ and WBF Ambassador. We thank her for lending her talents to narrate this wonderful story that wonderfully depicts this year’s theme of “Connection and Wild Horses”. Additionally, you can read the text version of her story on our Facebook page. Congratulations Jaden!

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Upcoming Locations and Dates

Wild Beauty will officially be released to the world in May 2023! We encourage those who have not yet seen the documentary to purchase tickets to an upcoming showing while you can; There is nothing better than seeing the beauty of wild horses on the big screen!

This month, those in Portland, Oregon will have the opportunity to catch a screening of Wild Beauty at Portland EcoFilm Fest on the 15th. The following week, Florida residents can find Wild Beauty at the Palm Beach International Film Festival from the 21st through the 28th and at Sunscreen Film Festival from the 27th through the 30th.

Graciously hosted by Humane Action Pittsburgh, Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West will also be screened one night only on Wednesday, April 12 at Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville, PA. Doors open at 6:00 p.m, so be sure to arrive early to secure your seat to this special screening!

https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2023/04/07/wild-beauty-mustang-spirit-west-marty-irby-row-house-humane-action-pittsburgh/stories/202304040121

Get tickets:

wildbeauty.eventbrite.com

Watch for dates near you!

Celebrate Spring with The Wild Beauty Boutique

As you get ready to venture out onto our beautiful public lands in the coming months, join us in sharing your love of wild horses with all around you! All proceeds from The Wild Beauty Boutique benefit The Wild Beauty Foundation!

You can find a wide range of products to show your support for wild horses. From T-shirts to drinkware there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy! Each purchase from The Wild Beauty Boutique directly helps WBF support and save wild horses around the country through film, creativity, rescue, and advocacy. We thank you for showing your support for our nonprofit and our wild ones across the country.

SHOP WILD BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

Photo Credit: Erin Phillips

Glimpse of Wild Beauty

Spring has sprung in the Pryor Mountain HMA! Erin Phillips captured a lovely photo of Encore among the blooming flowers on a past trip to visit these beloved wild ones.

Photograph by Sandy Sharkey

A Quote to Graze On

“My doctrine is this, that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt”

–Anna Sewell

As we celebrate Anna Sewell’s birthday, we at WBF thank her for giving a voice to the horses of her time, so that we could follow her legacy – and give a voice to the horses of ours.

Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world.
– The WBF Team

#istandwithwildhorses #wildbeautyspirit

Have an idea for a story or a tip for us?
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Join Us On Our Journey. We’d love to stand beside you.

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This Month in Wild Beauty: February into March 2023

WIld Beauty February 28, 2023

THIS MONTH IN WILD BEAUTY: February into March 2023

The Wild Beauty Foundation welcomes you to the thirty second edition of our newsletter!

Read the newest horse and burro focused headlines for February into March 2023.

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Screens at the World Equestrian Center, Sedona International Film Festival, and will be Released this Spring.

This past month, we were thrilled to bring the beauty of our nation’s wild horses to passionate equestrians and horse lovers at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. Director Ashley Avis and producer Edward Winters, founders of The Wild Beauty Foundation, were joined by animal/wildlife attorney and passionate equine activist, Scott Beckstead, and fifteen-year-old WBF youth ambassador, Josselyn Wolf for a panel following the film’s private screening.

The very next week, the team traveled to Sedona to speak to residents in Arizona. An incredible amount of information was shared with those wanting to know more about the plight of our wild ones, and we are extremely grateful for the wonderful response we received from both audiences. To see a glimpse behind the scenes of last week’s showings, be sure to follow WBF on social media.

After nearly five years of creating this documentary, we are finally beginning the big push to get the plight of wild horses out into the world. We have major news to share very soon about the film’s official release in Spring 2023! Be on the lookout for announcements coming soon.

Please help us, and donate toward WBF if you can.

Do you, or your company, want to sponsor our Los Angeles premiere this spring?

Reach out directly to edward@wbf.tempurl.host

Photograph by Jim Brown

Beloved Pine Nut Wild Horses Unjustly Removed by the BLM

As we wrap up the month of February at WBF, heartbreaking news has come out of Nevada. Advocates and avid wild horse lovers who have followed the Pine Nut wild horses and their families for generations were shocked to find that the BLM captured 18 well known horses with plans to remove them from the HMA.

Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates express that three generations of the famous herd were removed this month, leading to potential eradication of the herd as a whole. Now, these horses are destined for the Palomino Valley temporary holding facility where they will remain until they are gelded, branded, and ready to be sent to auction or private sale by the BLM. These beautiful horses have now been stripped from their herds that so many have watched and documented over the years and face a cruel system of government holding; potentially leading to unsafe and insecure homes once adopted and even potential slaughter. This follows the agency’s trapping, capture and removal of a young filly named Bunny, who was separated from her mother during the operation, as well as other band members from the Pine Nut herd. In 2019, despite a global outcry from tens of thousands of Pine Nut fans, the BLM trapped and removed an entire four-generation family of Pine Nut horses, including two famous brothers, Samson and Jet. Fortunately, sanctuaries stepped up and took in these horses, but their genetics are lost forever as are the opportunities for wild horse enthusiasts, photographers, and tourists to see them on their native home range.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the BLM is targeting well known and beloved herds. In this HMA, the famous blonde chestnut stallion, Blondie, and many members of his family were cruelly targeted for removal. By setting up bait traps and other forms of removal in these popular HMAs, they aim to threaten advocates at the expense of innocent wild horses and their loss of freedom. Not only will they be incarcerating the 18 removed horses for likely the rest of their lives, they have left reliant herd members without their closely bonded family structures in the wild. Advocates on the ground during the removal captured their distress as those who remained wild chased after the trailer carrying their loved ones to a life of captivity.

We must stand together to condemn the wrongful removal of the Pine Nut wild horses from their home. The BLM should be held accountable for their futile removals, especially those under false pretenses such as trespassing on private property and lack of forage. We as lovers and protectors of America’s wild horses must stop these actions by the BLM for good.

This Month’s Call to Action

Call the Nevada BLM Office and Demand the Release of the Pine Nut Wild Horses

As wild horse advocates, we must stand up for the continued freedom and livelihoods of our cherished wild ones. To champion for change from the BLM, we urge you to call the Nevada BLM at 775-861-6400 and demand they return Blondie and his family to the range. Additionally, you can send an email to their office at the following address;

BLM_NV_NVSO_web_mail@blm.gov

We thank you, the Pine Nut wild horses thank you.

Photograph by Tori Gagne

Changes Made to the Newly Introduced Colorado Horse Slaughter Bill

Last month, a new bill was introduced to the Colorado state senate, banning the slaughter of any equine with the knowledge or intent of buying or selling it for human consumption. After being proposed at the State Capital on February 16th, the Senate Agriculture Committee offered what is known as a “gut and stuff” amendment, which completely removed the original language and substituted language regulating the transportation of over 20 horses to slaughter instead of instituting a complete ban. The new bill would support the slaughter industry and give it the appearance of being regulated, and therefore legitimate and humane. The slaughter pipeline puts both wild and domestic horses at risk, and without an effective bill to protect them from this inhumane practice, many horses will continue to be shipped to slaughterhouses outside of the country while kill buyers collect their profits and return back to the states for another group of horses.

The first bill was adjusted due to increasing opposition by farmers and livestock associations, who defended the predatory kill buyers and sought to remove all language of a slaughter ban. We at WBF are discouraged to see that the proposed bill aiming to be a wonderful revolution for all horses in our country is now being scrapped for a harmful piece of legislation. However, this 4-3 vote will move the bill forward and allow it to open back up to refinements in the future, which would be a victory for wild horse advocates battling a hostile committee. If you are a Colorado citizen, we urge you to contact your local senators and urge your support for a bill that ends the export of equines from Colorado for purposes of slaughter for human consumption. By having more voices supporting the wild horse cause, legislation is likely to reflect the public’s opinion on their freedom and protection.

You can read the full introduction of the original bill, here.

Photograph by Chad Hanson

Wyoming Bill Supporting Roundup of Wild Horses to Sell to Slaughter Dies in Committee

The new bill introduced last month requesting Congress to allow wild horses to be slaughtered and shipped both inside and outside of the United States has now died in committee. We at WBF are thankful that this bill did not receive the support necessary to move forward, as its inhumane nature would have allowed countless wild horses to be stripped of their freedom and sent to slaughter outside of the country. Not only would America’s beautiful symbols of freedom be subject to increased removal at the interest of livestock associations and private landowners, but old, sick, or excessive horses as well as those deemed “unadoptable” would see cruel destruction outside of our nation’s borders.

We at WBF want to thank the Wyoming citizens who stood with our wild horses and contacted their local lawmakers urging them to condemn this bill. It is because of you that the wild horses who have called the state home for hundreds of years will not have to see this legislation become a reality.

If you would like to learn about this bill and its time in committee, you can read its contents and updates, here.

Photograph by Carol Walker

BLM Releases Plans to Decrease Herd Size in Sand Wash Basin

In a press release posted by the Bureau of Land Management earlier this month, Colorado BLM officials announced plans to spend more that $600,000 on the slow eradication and removal of wild horses from the Sand Wash Basin HMA.

This popular herd, known for their flashy pinto coats and personable demeanors, is a favorite of photographers and Colorado tourists alike. Several famous wild stallions like Picasso, Corona, and Ohitika are just some of the wild beauties that have called this HMA home. We hope to see their descendants continue to live out their lives wild and free. In order to see this through, we must stand with our wild ones and dispute the BLM’s irresponsible spending of taxpayer dollars on unnecessary removal and fertility control in Sand Wash Basin.

As they often claim, the BLM blames wild horses for a decrease in the sage grouse population and uses this as an excuse to scapegoat wild horses and push for their near to complete removal from our western rangeland. The BLM plans to resolve this problem by implementing increased fertility control and what they claim to be “small-scale” gathers via bait and trap methods. We at WBF support that any wild horse population management techniques can be taken advantage of by BLM officials, and could lead to the complete eradication of a wild horse herd if not implemented properly.

You can read the full press release on the BLM’s plans for the Sand Wash Basin wild horses, here.

We also note that in an area not far from the Sand Wash Basin, a Colorado-based nonprofit that owns and operates wild animal sanctuaries has purchased over 224,000 acres of land to be used exclusively for Colorado equines, especially formerly wild horses, as a safe place to live out their lives wild and free. The land is home to a multitude of native wildlife species, and we look forward to seeing wild horses living in harmony with those species. The owner and operator of these facilities, Pat Craig, spoke in favor of Colorado legislation to end the buying and selling of horses for slaughter, and assured the legislative committee that his facilities will be available for equines who might otherwise land in the slaughter pipeline.

A Still of Beloved Onaqui Patriarch, Old Man, from Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Upcoming Locations and Dates

As we draw closer to announcing the debut of Wild Beauty to the world, the film continues gracing audiences across America on the festival circuit! We encourage those who have not yet seen the documentary to purchase tickets to an upcoming showing; There is nothing better than seeing the beauty of wild horses on the big screen!

This month, we will first see Wild Beauty at Mammoth Film Festival in Mammoth, California and Atlanta DocuFest on March 5th followed by Zions Indie Film Festival in Orem, Utah on March 15th-18th. For those in New Jersey, you can find Wild Beauty at both the Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park and the Princeton Environmental Film Festival on March 26th. In April, those in Portland, Oregon will have the opportunity to catch a screening of Wild Beauty at Portland EcoFilm Fest on the 15th. The following week, Florida residents can find Wild Beauty at the Palm Beach International Film Festival from the 21st-28th.

Get Ready for Spring Adventures with The Wild Beauty Boutique

While staying inside, cozy and warm, for the final few weeks of winter why not prepare for the start of the spring season with a new wardrobe of apparel and accessories; all benefiting The Wild Beauty Foundation!

SHOP WILD BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

Photo Credit: Sandy Sharkey

Glimpse of Wild Beauty

In this stunning image by Sandy Sharkey, the closeness of a wild horse’s familial bond is evident. Relying on each other for protection, strength, and comfort, this band of wild horses proves to show similarities to our own, human family structures and friendships.

Photo Credit: Erin Phillips

A Quote to Graze On

“Sit with animals quietly and they will show you their hearts. Sit with them kindly and they will help you locate yours”

–Ramblings of the Claury

Any animal, especially a horse, will share the magic of their soul with those willing to listen. We have abundant knowledge and love to receive from our wild world; returning that sincere love is something we all must strive to pursue.

Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world.
– The WBF Team

#istandwithwildhorses #wildbeautyspirit

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This Month in Wild Beauty: January into February 2023

WIld Beauty February 4, 2023

THIS MONTH IN WILD BEAUTY: January into February 2023

The Wild Beauty Foundation welcomes you to the thirty first edition of our newsletter!

Read the newest horse and burro focused headlines for January into February 2023.

Photo Credit: Sandy Sharkey

Congratulations to The Wild Beauty Foundation’s 2022 Short Story Contest Winners and Finalists

The Wild Beauty Foundation is beyond delighted to announce the winners and finalists in the Elementary School Category for the 2022 Short Story Competition.

The theme was “Connection & Wild Horses”. Thank you, Elementary entrants, for using your voice to protect our wild world. The full stories, along with videos featuring celebrities reading the winners & finalists aloud will be published on WBF social soon!

ELEMENTARY

Elementary Category Winner: “Wichapi”

Written by: Kayleigh O.

Age 11 – 5th Grade

From Township of Washington, NJ

Finalist: “A Wild Beauty”

Written by: Adriana S.

Age 10 – 5th Grade

From Toms River, NJ

Finalist: “Heart Connection”

Written by: Gracelynn B.

Age 10 – 5th Grade

From Clarksville, Tennessee

Finalist: “Spirit’s Journey”

Written by: Abigail P.

Age 10 – 5th Grade

From Rome, NY

Finalist: “The Wild Foal”

Written by: Paige P.

Age 8 – 3rd Grade

From Joliet, Montana

Honorable Mention: “Lanie Be Good”

Written by: Jordan G.

Age 9 – 3rd Grade

From Tomball, Texas

MIDDLE

Middle Grade WINNER: “Building Trust”

Written by: Gretchen M.

Age 12 – 7th Grade

From Littleton, Colorado

Finalist: “To See A Mustang’s Soul”

Written by: Jocelyn M.

Age 12 – 6th Grade

San Jose, CA

Finalist: “Tale of the Runner”

Written by: Faith W.

Age 12 – 7th Grade

From Costa Mesa, CA

Finalist: “The Unbreakable Bond”

Written by: Teigen D.

Age 10 – 4th Grade

From Burns, Wyoming

Finalist: “Wonder of Life”

Written by: Reegan B.

Age 12 – 6th Grade

From Albany, OR

Honorable Mention: “Thunder the Kindest Horse”

Written by: Ellie P.

Age 11 – 6th Grade

From Joliet, Montana

HIGH

High School Category Winner: “The Light of the Sky”

Written by Jaden C.

Age 16 – 11th Grade

From Unionville, Ontario

Finalist: “Jeolho”

Written by Noemie P.

Age 16 – 11th Grade

From Singapore

Finalist: “Killara”

Written by Zahara P.

Age 16 – 11th Grade

From Cortland, New York

Finalist: “Drifter”

Written by Sophie-Marie N.

Age 15 – 9th Grade

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Finalist: “Zephyr Comprehends Connections”

Written by Aditi Y.

Age 17 – 12th Grade

From Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Honorable Mention: “Thunderbolt”

Written by Lark M.

Age 14 – 9th Grade

From Los Alamitos, CA

Thank you to every single child & teen who submitted, to our amazing judges, along with our sponsors for providing gifts to these talented young writers! We appreciate you La La Horse, AtelierCG, Kimerlee Curyl, Tara Coyote and Living Images by Carol Walker.

Watch & Read the Winning Stories from 2021

Photograph by Hollynn Lee

The National Parks Service Plans to Slowly Eradicate Wild Horses from Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Recent proposals by The National Parks Service could cause the iconic herd of wild horses living within North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park to be captured and incarcerated in the coming year. On December 12th, 2022, NPS issued a press release inviting the public to comment on the development of their management plan for both livestock and wild horse herds within the park. The NPS has been outspoken about reducing wild horse herds to genetically unsustainable levels, with their only alternative to their low appropriate management levels being complete removal of all horses in the area.

We at WBF believe that the NPS should be working with advocates to create an alternative that will benefit both the horses and the park as a whole. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the few national parks where visitors can observe free-roaming horses. According to the National Park Service’s website, their presence “represents Theodore Roosevelt’s experiences here during the open-range ranching era and policies were written and enacted to manage the horses as a historic demonstration herd.”

Unfortunately, these horses are not protected by the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 due to their location within a National Park. Regardless of their federal protection status, these horses, who are deemed as historical wildlife, deserve to remain free on the public land they have called home for hundreds of years.

Photograph by Carol Walker

McCullough Peaks Wild Horses Facing Imminent Roundup

Another famous wild herd in our American west is facing a proposed roundup at the hand of the Bureau of Land Management. The McCullough Peaks wild horses of Wyoming are adored by advocates, photographers, and tourists alike for their bold colors and patterns. At this time, the BLM estimates that there are 179 horses living on the range, with the proposed roundup removing as many as 109 horses from their homes and stripping them of their freedom.

According to Gus Cothran, professor emeritus at 4he Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 150 breeding age adult horses are necessary for genetic diversity. By the BLM proposing an Appropriate Management Level as low as 70 horses, this herd could face eradication due to lack of genetic diversity. Not only this, but the BLM’s current plans cite fertility control treatment for horses left in the wild. Ultimately, this will lead to almost no genetic diversity and a slow decimation of the famous herd as a whole.

Fertility control has proved successful in managing a stable population in this herd since 2011, proving that this new roundup proposition is unnecessary in managing a healthy population. However, due to pressure by powerful commercial livestock interests dictating the actions of the BLM, these horses face harsh removal and already overcrowded holding facilities. At this time, there is absolutely no room in holding for these horses, and it is in the best interest of the herd and our taxpayers to leave these horses in their rightful place in the wild.

This Week’s Call to Action

Submit a Public Comment to the Bureau of Land Management in Support of the McCullough Peaks Wild Horses Keeping their Freedom

Join us in standing behind the beautiful McCullough Peaks wild horses who call the public rangeland of Wyoming home. By submitting public comments to the BLM, our collected voices will make every effort to see that these horses retain their wildness, and do not end up in crowded, unsanitary holding facility conditions. We urge you to express your concerns for roundup proposals and the plans for genetically unstable population levels in the McCullough Peaks HMA. The BLM’s comment period will remain open until February 7th, 2023.

You can find more information in our Call to Action, here.

Photograph by Sahna Foley

New Colorado Bill Aims to Criminalize Equine Slaughter for Human Consumption

In a new bill introduced to the Colorado state senate, the slaughtering of any equine with the knowledge or intent of buying or selling it for human consumption would become illegal. While the last equine slaughterhouse in the United States was closed in 2007, the slaughter industry still profits off of America’s horses by shipping them to international markets where slaughter remains legal. Both wild and domestic horses are at risk of falling victim to this inhumane industry, and we as equestrians and passionate horse people must stand up for the voiceless souls who have been carelessly abandoned.

With the passage of this bill, the buying and selling of horses for slaughter would be stopped. This would play a critical role in not only the protection of many domestic horses who have ended up in auctions, destined for the slaughter pipeline, but also the numerous wild horses that continue to be threatened with removal by the BLM within the state of Colorado.

If you are a Colorado citizen, we urge you to contact your local senators and voice your support of bill SB-23-038. You can read the full introduction of the bill, here.

Photograph by Carol Walker

Wyoming Bill Supports Roundup of Wild Horses to Sell to Slaughter

In Wyoming, a new bill proves to be in disagreement with Colorado’s newest introduction. House Joint Resolution No. HJ0003 requests Congress to allow wild horses to be slaughtered and shipped both inside and outside of the United States. In a time where wild horses are facing stripped freedom despite federal protection as well as the risk of being abandoned for profit at auctions destined for the slaughter pipeline, we at WBF are shocked to see this type of legislation being proposed.

Several of the individuals that sponsored this bill are members of livestock associations themselves, and aim to prioritize their own special interests over those of wildlife and the conservation of protected species. This bill would not only destroy wild horse populations in the state, but put them at risk of one of the most inhumane practices that horses of our time are facing. Language in this bill supports that any old, sick, or lame horses captured during roundups will be “destroyed” and any excess horses deemed “unadoptable” will also suffer the same fate.

You can read the PDF version of the new legislation, here. We encourage Wyoming citizens to contact their local lawmakers and urge them to denounce this proposed Resolution, and stand with the wild horses who have called the state home for hundreds of years. We stand with wild horses, will you?

A Still from Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Upcoming Locations and Dates

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West continues to screen in major cities across our country in 2023! We encourage those who have not yet seen the documentary to purchase tickets to an upcoming showing as it continues its on the film festival circuit. There is nothing better than seeing the beauty of wild horses on the big screen!

Wild Beauty will be traveling to Winona, Minnesota for the Frozen River Film Festival on February 8th followed by the Sedona International Film Festival in Sedona, Arizona on the 23rd and 25th. March will see Wild Beauty at the Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Mammoth Film Festival in Mammoth, California, and Zions Indie Film Festival in Orem,Utah. In April, those in Portland, Oregon will have the opportunity to catch a screening of Wild Beauty at Portland EcoFilm Fest.

All March and April screening dates and times will be announced soon, so be sure to check our website often for updates. We thank you for showing your continued support for our documentary, and are so proud to bring Wild Beauty to more cities in 2023!

New Offerings from the Wild Beauty Boutique

The Wild Beauty Boutique is excited to launch our exclusive artwork collection in three unique styles. These pieces of artwork feature still images from the documentary, “Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West” and are available as canvas prints, museum-quality framed posters, and museum-quality unframed posters.

Each piece of artwork brings its own unique emotions to your space, and will be a wonderful addition to any room in your home– as well as making a fantastic gift for the equine-loving friend or family member.

Check out our new Wild Beauty Artwork Collection in the Wild Beauty Boutique today!

SHOP WILD BEAUTY ARTWORK

The Wild Beauty Foundation also has a new Fine Art Collection available.

These pieces are of exquisite quality, and printed on gallery-quality Dye Sublimated Aluminum, with only one Artist’s Proof print available for each size.

Only a limited number of each piece of art will be sold in this line, so we encourage you to place your order for these exclusive pieces today!

SHOP WILD BEAUTY FINE ART

Photograph by Chad Hanson

The National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Taking Nominations to Fill Two Vacancies

In January, The Bureau of Land Management and The U.S. Forest Service opened nominations for two positions on the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. Unfortunately this advisory board has been nothing but a mouthpiece for the BLM in order to support their plans of eradicating wild horses from our public lands. The Board reappointed three members earlier this September, all of which supporting the mass removal of wild horses. The current positions that the Board is looking to fill are in livestock management and wildlife management.

WBF feels that the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board needs to include more advocates who support the humane management of wild equines on the range that doesn’t include removing them to accommodate commercial livestock. According to a December BLM press release, nominations must have been received and post-marked no later than January 23, 2023. We encourage advocates with expertise in wild horses and public lands, and who are committed to on-range solutions, to continue seeking appointments to the Advisory Board as they become available. At this time, appointments have not been confirmed, though we will update as information becomes available.

Photo Credit: Mary Hone

Glimpse of Wild Beauty

As we round out the first month of 2023, we look ahead to the rest of 2023 with wildness in our hearts and an optimistic view of our spectacular, wild world. Mary Hone captures the essence of wild beauty in this beautiful golden hour photograph.

Photo Credit: Sandy Sharkey

A Quote to Graze On

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

-John Muir

When venturing into the wildness of nature, we often abandon our expectations for the journey. This beautiful mystery is something only nature can provide you, and that our future generations deserve the chance to experience.

Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world.
– The WBF Team

#istandwithwildhorses #wildbeautyspirit

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Blog

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

Available May 12th, 2023

Lawsuit Against the U.S. Forest Service Puts Salt River Wild Horses at Risk

New Study Supports that Wild Horses Roamed American West Before Spanish Settlers

Take the “I Stand with Wild Horses” Pledge

Listen to More Winning Stories from WBF’s 2nd Annual Short Story Contest

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Upcoming Screening

Show Your Support for WBF with The Wild Beauty Boutique

Glimpse of Wild Beauty

“We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

-Henry David Thoreau

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West will be released May 12th, 2023!

Two Iconic Onaqui Stallions Found Shot

Nevada Wild Horse Bill Considers Wild Horse as a Symbol of Nevada

Wild Beauty Recognized by Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus at Las Vegas Premiere

April 22nd-25th : Save Our Wild Horses D.C. Conference

Environmental Assessment Released on the Pryor Mountain Wild Horses

This Month’s Call to Action

Stand with the Pryor Wild Horses

BLM’s Litchfield Holding Corrals in Northeast California Faces Strangles Outbreak

Listen to the Winning Stories from WBF’s 2nd Annual Short Story Contest

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Upcoming Locations and Dates

Celebrate Spring with The Wild Beauty Boutique

Glimpse of Wild Beauty

“My doctrine is this, that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt”

–Anna Sewell

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Screens at the World Equestrian Center, Sedona International Film Festival, and will be Released this Spring.

Beloved Pine Nut Wild Horses Unjustly Removed by the BLM

This Month’s Call to Action

Call the Nevada BLM Office and Demand the Release of the Pine Nut Wild Horses

Changes Made to the Newly Introduced Colorado Horse Slaughter Bill

Wyoming Bill Supporting Roundup of Wild Horses to Sell to Slaughter Dies in Committee

BLM Releases Plans to Decrease Herd Size in Sand Wash Basin

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Upcoming Locations and Dates

Get Ready for Spring Adventures with The Wild Beauty Boutique

Glimpse of Wild Beauty

“Sit with animals quietly and they will show you their hearts. Sit with them kindly and they will help you locate yours”

–Ramblings of the Claury

Congratulations to The Wild Beauty Foundation’s 2022 Short Story Contest Winners and Finalists

The National Parks Service Plans to Slowly Eradicate Wild Horses from Theodore Roosevelt National Park

McCullough Peaks Wild Horses Facing Imminent Roundup

This Week’s Call to Action

Submit a Public Comment to the Bureau of Land Management in Support of the McCullough Peaks Wild Horses Keeping their Freedom

New Colorado Bill Aims to Criminalize Equine Slaughter for Human Consumption

Wyoming Bill Supports Roundup of Wild Horses to Sell to Slaughter

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Upcoming Locations and Dates

New Offerings from the Wild Beauty Boutique

The National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Taking Nominations to Fill Two Vacancies

Glimpse of Wild Beauty

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

-John Muir

The Wild Beauty Foundation

Never Miss a Thing