The Wild Beauty Foundation welcomes you to the thirteenth edition of our weekly newsletter!
Read the newest wild horse and burro focused headlines for the week of August 13th, 2022
Mackenzie Foy and Ghost during “A Day with a Horse” Event for St. Jude
WBF’s Second Annual Short Story Competition Now Accepting Submissions
Do you want to raise your voice to help horses while being creative at the same time? Elementary students (ages 5-10), Middle-grade students (ages 10-14), and High School students (ages 14-18) are invited to submit a short story for WBF’s second annual Short Story competition!
The 2022 theme will be “Connection & Wild Horses”
Winning stories will be read aloud by equine-loving celebrities on our WBF social media, with one Grand Prize Winner and Four Finalists in each category receiving amazing prizes!
Axtell holding facility received an overall animal welfare score of 88% on their evaluation, with the key concern being horses left without vaccination boosters for up to 18 months.
Similarly at Sutherland, horses were left unvaccinated for rabies, tetanus, equine flu, and other contagious diseases. Another concern at this facility was healthy horses sharing pens with sick horses. Per the BLM guidelines, sick horses must be quarantined from the rest of the healthy population, leaving Sutherland holding facility with a score of 87.
The only BLM-owned and operated facility, Delta Wild Horse and Burro Facility, received the lowest overall animal welfare score of 85%. Delta was also non-compliant on biosecurity standards concerning testing and vaccination, as well as housed sick and healthy horses in pens together. In addition to the health concerns, Delta was cited for having unsafe fence panels and gates, putting horses at risk of serious injury, and the transfer of horses between facilities without proper documentation.
The high scores the BLM gave itself in spite of serious biosecurity deficiencies, failure to vaccinate, and dangerous conditions in the facilities is problematic and reminds us of the agency’s self-assessment score of 83 when it evaluated the holding facility at Cañon City, Colorado, where nearly 150 wild horses died from an outbreak of influenza. A more honest and transparent means of auditing these facilities would be for independent veterinarians and equine welfare experts to be allowed to inspect them and issue a report detailing their findings. We will continue to encourage the BLM to be open to greater honesty and transparency, and to welcoming outside experts to participate in the assessment process.
With these new reviews now under in the public eye, we can only hope that this encourages the BLM to take action in improving their facilities for the safety of the wild horses they are managing. We thank Anastasia Hufham for writing this article and standing with wild horses.
The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Division Chief explained that these groups would help improve habitat quality, find homes for wild horses in holding, and/or apply birth control on the range. While we at WBF do not condone the inhumane actions of the BLM and their contractors during this year’s roundup season, it is encouraging to know that if the BLM honors this program, there is potential for more direct involvement by groups who aim to safely protect and stand with our wild horses and their rightful place on our public lands.
If executed appropriately, this plan could promote education and partnership between wild horse activists, the government officials that manage our wild horses, and the general public. We at WBF have seen the BLM’s failure to act on similar proposals in the past, and urge the public to hold them accountable for following through with these newly announced partnerships.
We hope that the BLM carries out these plans effectively and allows honorable wild horse organizations and knowledgeable groups to be involved in the management of the country’s wild horse population. We will bring you updates when partnerships are announced and the BLM’s plan is implemented. Until then, you can read the announcement here and learn how to submit an application to join the cause.
This Week’s Call To Action
Share a Photo with the Hashtag #WildHorseTeamwork
This is where you come in.
At WBF, we believe that we are stronger together. Wild horses need our collective voices, which is why we would like to encourage everyone to participate in #wildhorseteamwork
Join us! Share this banner on your social media pages if you believe in it, too!
Carol is the author of the upcoming book, “Blue Zeus: Legend of the Red Desert” in which she follows the Red Desert wild horse herd for several years, documenting their life in the wild until the helicopter descends and takes them away from their life of freedom. In this book, Carol continues to fight for the animals she spent so much time with; attending adoption events, tracking down family members, and making sure that the herd finds peace in a safe sanctuary.
We thank Carol for using her voice to stand with the rest of the state’s wild horses to keep another inhumane helicopter roundup from happening again. You can read her full article from this week’s issue of The Denver Post here!
It’s Official! Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West to Debut at Breckenridge Film Festival
If you did not attend our Facebook Live with the lovely Kimerlee Curyl, you might have missed our very exciting announcement about our upcoming documentary, Wild Beauty! Kimerlee joined us live to discuss positivity, creativity and finding your own agency within the wild horse world, all important topics that we cannot forget as we stand with wild horses. You can watch the full recording of the Facebook Live here!
We are excited to announce that the world premiere of Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West will be September 18th at the Breckenridge Film Festival in Colorado!
With just a little over a month before the film’s world premiere, we cannot wait to be able to bring wild horses to the world stage! The premiere will be followed by Wild Beauty’s debut at the Boston Film Festival on September 24th where we hope to spread even more awareness about the beauty of our wild horses!
We at WBF thank everyone who was involved in bringing this documentary to life and look forward to sharing more about the film as it makes its film festival debut this fall! For those who wish to see the film, we encourage you to purchase tickets to the events and come and find us as we bring the beauty of wild horses to the screen!
“The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for”
-Ernest Hemingway
There is no beauty quite like our wild world. We must continue to protect its natural artistry during our time so it can be inherited by the generations to follow.
Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world. – The WBF Team
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.
Updates Regarding the Triple B and Blue Wing Roundups
This week, the BLM is in the process of two extensive roundups in Nevada, in the Triple B and Blue Wing HMAs. The Triple B HMA is close to our hearts at WBF as it was the location we first witnessed a roundup live, and were able to capture the shocking sight for our upcoming documentary, Wild Beauty. This tragic roundup occurred no more than three years ago, and yet so soon the HMA is facing another brutal defeat.
The Triple B roundup began on July 15th, and since then approximately 747 wild horses have been stripped from their home. This already heartbreaking number is only a portion of the BLM’s planned 1,800 horses to be removed. As of August 6th, 16 horses have already unnecessarily lost their lives. Many of these horses were euthanized for “deformities” that they would have previously lived long lives in the wild, such as sway backs and club feet.
WBF supports that these narratives constructed by the BLM to excuse their roundup efforts is false, and allows them to prioritize special interests such as livestock grazing on the public land instead.
As for the Blue Wing Complex roundup, the BLM estimated that there were approximately 1,695 wild horses and 1,327 wild burros living on over 2,283,000 acres split up between five HMAs and four Herd Areas. The BLM plans to remove approximately 200 wild horses and 800 wild burros from this expansive area of public land. WBF supports that over 2,000,000 acres is more than enough land for the current population to thrive and there is no scientific evidence as to why this amount of wild horses and burros should be removed from this area.
As of August 5th, 693 wild burros were rounded up from the Blue Wing Complex. Six wild burros died during this roundup. Along with wild horses, we must lend our voice to wild burros as well. These beautiful animals face similar roundups by the BLM and unfortunately do not get as much public attention as our wild horses do. With your help, we can stand up for wild horses and burros and fight to keep them free.
Mackenzie Foy and Whisper of the Wild photographed by Kimerlee Curyl
Coming Soon: WBF 2022 Short Story Writing Competition
WBF is excited to announce that our Second Annual Short Story Writing Competition for children and teens is about to launch! This year, the official theme is “Connection and Wild Horses”. We will be revealing the full list of amazing actors participating very soon, so keep an eye out on our social media platforms for the announcement!
Full details will be posted later this week and we will begin taking entries shortly after the official announcement. This year will also include a new age category per your feedback and requests. We will be including Elementary age children between 5-10, in addition to Middle Grade ages of 10-14, and High School at 14-18.
We at WBF thank all the children and teens lending their creativity to help save wild horses.
An off-range holding facility located in Wheatland, Wyoming has recently come under fire for its lack of public statements regarding a strangles outbreak at their facility. Back in April, we covered a story on this private facility as they were working to contain a strangles outbreak. This highly contagious bacterial infection is similar to strep throat in humans and causes horses to have trouble eating and breathing.
Prior to the BLM releasing a statement on the outbreak, the adoption event at their facility was canceled due to “staffing shortages”. When this narrative was repeated in April, advocates and potential adopters sparked concern. This then led the BLM to publicly announce the outbreak at the facility.
Now, the most recent adoption event that was scheduled for last Friday, August 5th, has also been canceled. We at WBF urge the BLM to look out for the safety and health of the wild horses that were unnecessarily taken from their homes in the wild. These horses would not have been exposed to this infection if not for being kept in a holding facility for over seven months.
Photographer and advocate Carol Walker sent an email to the Wyoming Wild Horse and Burro State Lead asking for further detail into this unexplained cancelation of the August adoption event. It was revealed that the horses at the facility continue to exhibit signs of the infection three months later and the facility plans to remain closed to the public. Unfortunately, it was stated in a recent update to the holding facility’s page that roughly half of the horses at the facility have shown signs of strangles and 15 horses have died from the illness.
This is yet another harsh reality of roundups in our country. The fight is not over, and we will continue to stand with wild horses.
Urge Your Members of Congress to Stand with Wild Horses
Two pieces of legislation that aim to protect both wild and domestic horses within our country are making their way through Congress. The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act and the SAFE Act are both historic bills that support protection for wild horses. If passed, The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act would ban the use of helicopters in wild horse and burro management. On the other hand, the SAFE act would prevent any horse wild or domestic from being legally transported to slaughter across national borders.
This is where you come in; we need the support of your local Members of Congress to get these bills passed. The more legislators that know about the impact of wild horses in our community, the more likely these bills are to pass. We at WBF urge you to send a letter or call your local representatives and ask them to “Stand with Wild Horses”.
You can find contact information for your local representatives here.
Rescheduled: Join Us Monday, August 8th for a Live Facebook Chat with Kimerlee Curyl
This Monday, August 8th, Kimerlee Curyl will be joining us for a rescheduled Facebook Live Chat. Although last week’s chat was cut short due to technical difficulties, we are looking forward to talking with her again!
Along with this rescheduling comes a silver lining; you have more time to enter Kimerlee’s giveaway of her gorgeous print, “Snowy”! From now until August 7th at midnight PST, check out our WBF social media pages as well as Kimerlee Curyl’s Instagram to enter!
Read the story behind this image below.
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“Snowy” by Kimerlee Curyl
July 2021. Snowy was captured during the tragic round up that stripped the Onaqui of 60+% of the horses here.
She had been chased by helicopter into a trap site to be removed from her homeland forever. Once trapped, the mares and stallions are separated, families are fractured and torn apart, forever.
Snowy was not settling well.
She wanted no part of this chaotic operation, as no wild horse ever does. And, as any strong female knows, often times we need to take matters into our own hooves. And that is what this beautiful, resilient, strong creature did. From a stand still this stunning mare jumped and cleared a six foot panel and took her freedom back.
Capturing this soft, quiet moment with her last October one very cold, yet snowy morning was a special gift I could not have dreamed up, its one I’ll never forget and will forever be etched on my heart.
May her will and desire to be free – inspire you.
Erin & Alamo’s “Mustang Diary”
A photo of Alamo in the wild by Kisa Kavass sent to us by his adopter, Erin.
This week we are thrilled to debut a new segment of the WBF website entitled, “Mustang Diaries”! Kicking off this new blog is a story about Erin and her new adoptive mustang, Alamo, who were kind enough to share their story with us. After a much-anticipated wait, you can read their full story on the “Mustang Diaries” blog, here!
BLM Releases Statement on Upcoming New Mexico Roundup
This week, the BLM released an assessment on a planned roundup of the Border Atravesado HMA. At the moment, there are 230 wild horses in this herd management area, a genetically sustainable number. However, after the proposed roundup occurs there will be less than 50 wild horses living free on this land.
WBF notes that this number is extremely low and does not provide the herd with a genetically sustainable population size.
Fortunately, no helicopters will be used to round up the approximate 190 horses. Instead, a water bait trap method will be implemented which in comparison to the helicopter drive is much more humane. This is a step closer to grounding all helicopter roundups but unfortunately, no roundup is a good roundup.
The Wild Beauty Foundation Nominated for a 2022 Raise Award
We at WBF are deeply proud to learn that we have been nominated for “Best Storyteller of the Year” in the 2022 Raise Awards! Sponsored by OneCause, the Raise Fundraising Conference is an annual event, this year being held in Chicago as well as virtually.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers and those who have helped us along the way. We are incredibly thankful to have been nominated for an award and are so excited to continue our work on behalf of horses, children, and our wild world.
To help them you just have to reflect and become aware, giving unconditional love.
No matter where you are in the world, if you love them you just have to say it out loud
I AM WITH THE WILD HORSES”
– WBF Advocate, Mimi
We recently had an incredible poem sent in by Mimi, a wonderful WBF advocate, in support of wild horses. We at WBF thank you for lending your voice and creativity on behalf of our wild world. You can read the full poem here.
Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world. – The WBF Team
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.
Despite recent requests from wild horse advocacy groups, a federal judge in Arizona has ruled that the horses whom were rounded up by the U.S. Forest Service should not be returned to freedom; and that the horses are “unregulated livestock”, “feral”, and an “imminent threat” to other species.
This especially troubling ruling further promotes what WBF maintains is a false narrative.
It is widely known that horses have roamed free within this national forest for decades. During the hearing, the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros presented a newspaper clipping proving that wild horses were mentioned to have been living within the forest since at least 1918; more than 50 years before the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act was passed. Ultimately, the judge sided with the U.S. Forest Service and denied protection for these wild horses.
This is a tragic outcome for the Alpine, as wild horses and their families continue to be wiped out across the Western United States.
Piceance-East Douglas Roundup Becomes Largest in Colorado History
794 wild horses have been lost to our public lands in just two short weeks.
Last summer, the West Douglas roundup became the largest in state history after more than 450 horses were captured. Then, the Sand Wash Basin roundup in September took the top spot as more than 630 wild horses were rounded up. This month, another horribly historic number tops the record book after 794 wild horses were rounded up in the Piceance East Douglas HMA.
If we do not stand up and create change now, these numbers will only grow.
One year ago, we visited this beautiful state to film wild horses and their families for our upcoming documentary, WILD BEAUTY which will debut this fall on the festival circuit. The image above is from one particularly spectacular day at Sand Wash Basin, where hundreds of wild horses appeared before us during a molten sunset; galloping to water with their families. A true instance of wild beauty.
Today, wild horses are still under attack across the Western United States by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the federal agency tasked to protect them – which instead is wiping them out, and flagrantly violating the law enacted in 1971 to preserve them.
Shortly after we filmed this spectacular scene, we returned to Colorado for the horrific roundup of these same horses. We watched in terror as the helicopter descended. We stood by unable to do anything but film as they were stampeded, questioning the BLM about the changing litany of “reasons” they justified this “emergency roundup.” These moments are in our film, which will debut to the world very soon.
Now, the helicopters descend again upon the Piceance-East Douglas wild horses and their families in Colorado. Driving pregnant mares and newborn foals at a gallop for miles in the blazing July summer heat.
There is nothing “humane” about a helicopter flying at eye level at a decibel level we cannot even safely subject humans to, forcing these intelligent and emotional creatures into traps or driving them through fences. There is nothing humane about horses breaking their legs or necks trying to escape, or protect their families. How is this level of animal cruelty happening in 2022?
Enough is enough. The world will see what is happening very soon through our film – and in the meantime we are deeply grateful to the individuals and organizations who on the ground these past weeks documenting the terror at Piceance-East Douglas.
If you wish to see some photographs of what is occurring, check out Scott Wilson’s Facebook here: www.facebook.com/Wilsonaxpe
New Footage Released by The Cloud Foundation Shows Harsh Reality of Piceance-East Douglas Roundup
This week, The Cloud Foundation released exclusive footage showing the BLM violating their Animal Welfare Policy.
A camera placed within the HMA shows pregnant mares and newborn foals being run to exhaustion by extremely low flying helicopters. We at WBF cannot believe how young some of the smallest horses in the roundup are. Not only this, but the rising temperatures in the triple digits during the roundup is a direct violation of the BLM’s Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program policies. There is absolutely no excuse to this inhumane treatment and we cannot let this practice continue in our country.
We applaud TCF for releasing this footage publicly to spread the truth about the BLM’s wild horse management.
Urge Colorado Officials to Stop Inhumane Helicopter Roundups
This is where you come in. Now that you have seen TCF’s video evidence of the BLM running heavily pregnant mares and young foals in temperatures reaching up to 102 degrees, contact the officials below and hold them accountable for their actions.
*** Please call if you feel comfortable. Calls are more effective than emails. ***
Colorado State BLM Director, Doug Vilsack: (303) 293-3700
Colorado BLM White River Field Office Manager, Bill Mills: (970) 878-3800
Colorado BLM Director of Communications, Steve Hall: (303) 239-3933
You can also contact the governor’s office and urge him to contact the State BLM Director in regards to this roundup.
The Office of Colorado Governor Polis (303) 866-2471
Join Us Monday, August 1st for a Live Facebook Chat with Kimerlee Curyl
This Monday, August 1st at 9am PT / 12pm ET WBF invites you to a Live Facebook Chat with our friend, Kimerlee Curyl to discuss art, creativity, and positivity within the wild horse space.
Kimerlee is a fine art photographer and wild horse advocate, and we continue to be inspired by her passion for saving our wild world. In addition to this live chat, Kimerlee is hosting an exclusive giveaway on Instagram of her beautiful 8×12 print, “Snowy”. You can find more information about how to enter the giveaway here!
Read the story behind this image below.
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“Snowy” by Kimerlee Curyl
July 2021. Snowy was captured during the tragic round up that stripped the Onaqui of 60+% of the horses here.
She had been chased by helicopter into a trap site to be removed from her homeland forever. Once trapped, the mares and stallions are separated, families are fractured and torn apart, forever.
Snowy was not settling well.
She wanted no part of this chaotic operation, as no wild horse ever does. And, as any strong female knows, often times we need to take matters into our own hooves. And that is what this beautiful, resilient, strong creature did. From a stand still this stunning mare jumped and cleared a six foot panel and took her freedom back.
Capturing this soft, quiet moment with her last October one very cold, yet snowy morning was a special gift I could not have dreamed up, its one I’ll never forget and will forever be etched on my heart.
May her will and desire to be free – inspire you.
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This Week: Erin & Alamo’s “Mustang Diary”
A photo of Alamo sent to us by his adopter, Erin.
In a previous newsletter, we mentioned a new addition to the WBF website, “Mustang Diaries”! A collection of stories sent in by adopters of wild horses. We teased our debut story a few weeks ago and are excited to get it kicked off this coming week.
Erin and her mustang Alamo have quite the rescue story and we are excited to give you a preview in this week’s newsletter.
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WBF Mustang Diaries: “Erin & Alamo”
“Hello, I’m Erin Phillips, a life-long animal lover and owner! My love for wild horses began with the “Cloud, Wild Stallion of the Rockies” documentaries I watched with my family when I was five years old. I remember the thrill of watching wild horses race across their range in freedom, then the sadness when the whole herd faced a government roundup (being removed from the wild). Wild horse bands (families) were separated from each other, and stallions would desperately fight to return to their mares and foals.
Several years after I first learned about wild horses, I began researching more and was amazed to read about the challenges they face, on and off the range. Learning about thousands of mustangs and burros either sitting in a holding pen for their entire lives or facing a horrific end in slaughter houses across the border inspired me to start a wild horse and burro rescue/sanctuary, Mustang Mission. It is my goal to rescue, train, and rehome mustangs and burros that have not been fortunate to be adopted by a kind, loving home. That is why I’m here today.
Late last year, after the terrible roundup of the famed Onaqui Herd, I decided to rescue one of the older geldings that would be likely to end up in a bad situation after adoption/purchase. After careful consideration – I knew that it was risky to rescue an older gelding as a first mustang – I chose an 11-year-old bay (#7903) with minimal white with the help of Jen Rogers (Red Bird’s Trust). He was Sales Eligible (he could be sold without limitations) which put him in great danger. The main decision-making factor for me was when Jen Rogers told me, “From knowing them from the field, I would lean toward #7903 if it were my choice – he’s a cool horse and level headed.” After hearing that, I definitely wasn’t backing down!”
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Be sure to keep an eye out on The Wild Beauty Foundation website later this week to read the full story of this incredible rescue.
A Q&A With Author and Photographer Carol Walker
In addition to our recent live Facebook chat with our friend and avid wild horse advocate, Carol Walker, we have asked her a few questions regarding her journey with wild horses and the creation of her upcoming book “Blue Zeus: Legend of the Red Desert”. If you were unable to join our live chat or are interested in learning more about Carol’s support of wild horses, continue reading!
You first met Blue Zeus in late 2018, after visiting the Red Desert Complex for for several years. What made you initially fall in love with this herd management area and the horses that call it home?
There are 5 Herd Management Areas in the Complex, plus 1 Herd Area, and the terrain is so varied, ranging from two mountains, Crooks and Green to the rock formations and alkali lakes of Stewart Creek and then the rolling hills of the other HMAs. And the horses are the most beautiful that I have found anywhere. I am a color junkie and the amount of flashy pintos of all different colors and the roans and the Appaloosas are really stunning. P,us the horses themselves – they are not that used to humans, which means they do not tune me out but they also do not usually run. There is a dance, and if I am lucky they will allow me near.
What type of mannerisms did Blue Zeus and his family band demonstrate, and what changes have occurred in them since experiencing a roundup and being brought to the sanctuary? Does Blue Zeus still demonstrate stallion-like behaviors despite being a gelding now?
Blue Zeus was clearly in charge of his family and would push them to stay together and to go where he wanted them, but not in an aggressive, dictatorial way but in a calm assertive way – I see this in many older stallions. I did not notice a difference in behavior when the family was initially reunited and I have not been able to see them since then.
What is your favorite thing to capture when you’re observing and photographing wild horses? Is there a certain time of day/year or part of the horses’ routines that you find the most interesting to photograph?
My favorite time of day to spend with the horses is dawn. This is the coolest time and the horses are the most active. I really enjoy photographing them running to the water and then at the waterhole because there they will often interact with other wild horse families, the bachelors running around causing trouble, the stallions posturing and showing off – it is a wonderful scene when a bunch of horses are at the waterhole together. I also enjoy sitting with them when they are having a mid morning nap, and then when everyone wakes up before they start grazing the stallions will court the mares, the babies get up and nurse, it is wonderful.
What made you particularly interested in wild horses in the first place as a photographer, and spurred you to join the cause to protect them?
When I first visited the Adobe Town horses in 2004 I immediately fell in love with them and kept going back and getting to know various families. And when I found out that in 2005 the BLM would be rounding up and removing most of them, I decided to do a book to show how beautiful they are, how uniquely suited they are to their home on our public lands, and what happens at a roundup, and what people could do to help. That was my first book Wild Hoofbeats: America’s Vanishing Wild Horses, published in 2008. I felt that if I truly loved these horses I would not just take pretty pictures of them but that I would become an advocate for them, and fight to keep them wild and free.
What is hardest about wild horse advocacy?
The hardest thing is that when I first got involved I thought we would have protected the horses and have been done in a few years. 18 years later the horses are in more jeopardy than ever before. I work on my own and I have to take time out so I don’t get burned out. So keeping the faith, keeping going in the face of such complete disregard from the BLM is tough.
Was there a specific moment that made you say “I need to turn the story of Blue Zeus into a book”? What do you hope to tell the world about Blue Zeus and the many wild horses that are facing cruel treatment by the government?
Yes it was when I heard that the roundup was scheduled – in August, 2020. I knew that Blue Zeus would be captured and removed with no hope of being returned to his home because he was living in the Herd Area that has been zoned for no horses, Arapaho Creek, despite the fact that it is smack in the middle of the 5 Herd Management Areas in the Complex. I felt that his story needed to be told and that he could represent the horses whose lives are changed forever when being removed from their homes. And I had no idea when I decided to do the book that I would run into the disaster that was Cañon City corrals and how very difficult it would be to reunite family members after being buried by the BLM’s broken system.
You describe the moment in your book, but kindly reiterate what it felt like to say goodbye to Blue Zeus and his family on the range before the helicopters descended.
It was very emotional for me. I had been observing the roundup for a few days already and I would go out into areas where the helicopters had not been yet to see if I could find horses. I knew Arapahoe Creek was next. There was never any guarantee that I would find Blue Zeus that day so I was overjoyed to see him. His family was grazing and did not pay much attention to me, but he watched me and waited for me as I walked to him. I watched him and I talked to him, telling him there was a wonderful place waiting for him, and that I would do everything I could to help him and his family be together again. I was crying and hoping that he would understand. It was really hard to leave – I watched him walk to his family, and they moved away, grazing.
You had quite a hard time locating each horse once they were in holding, do you think that the BLM makes this process purposefully difficult to deter activists and adopters from locating the horses that they have kept up with?
I had never had such a hard time locating horses before. Kathi Fine had been very helpful at Rock Springs when I was helping reunite another family in 2014 and in 2010 the now retired head of Cañon City Fran Aklee had been very helpful helping me find particular horses and my own adopted mustang Mica. But the BLM started putting out this notice in 2018: “The corrals receiving the horses from the gathers will not be taking requests from the public to hold specific horses.” I think it is just too much trouble for them to help locate horses so they just don’t. And given that they could not even feed the horses at Cañon City properly it is clearly way down their list of priorities to help people find horses – and some of the BLM at some of these facilities really hate sanctuaries.
Discuss your experiences with the BLM surrounding the saga with Blue Zeus.
Steve Leonard, head of Cañon City was particularly unhelpful. I had a number of conversations with him and it was a real fight to get the public access to any of the horses. I wrote Nada Wolf Culver, Deputy Director of BLM several times, the DC office confirmed that some of the horses I was looking for were there, but with a list of horses and trying to match tag numbers to descriptions is really hard – I knew we had to get in to see the mares in person in order to identify them.
How did you select Skydog Santuary and Clare Staples to be the ones to rescue Blue Zeus and his family? Discuss this partnership and undertaking.
I had been watching Clare’s posts and hearing really good things about her sanctuary. I met her in 2016 at a holding facility tour of Axtell, UT. I knew she liked Blue Zeus, and she mentioned that she was going to try to reunite some families. When I emailed her about Blue Zeus and his family and the roundup she immediately offered to take them. I shared ID photos with her, and started working on getting information. We worked together sharing information back and forth, and both of us went to the adoption where Blue Zeus was offered, and then a month later went into Cañon City and I identified the mares for her.
Considering the current news and investigation around the Cañon City holding facility, do you believe the condition that Blue Zeus and his family were in after being held there was a result of unhealthy and unethical conditions as well?
Yes absolutely. I was shocked at the conditions I found there in August 2021 and had already been horrified by how thin all the stallions being offered at the July event were. When in the facility there were so many thin mares and yearlings. Very little food on top of the mud. I had never seen this happen at this facility before. Where was the hay? Why weren’t the really thin horses separated out so they did not have to fight for food? These horses came off the range as body score 5s yet here they were, starving.
From what you have observed or experienced, how young has the BLM gelded colts versus allowing them to be adopted by major sanctuaries and gelded afterward? Is this humane in your opinion?
Steve Leonard refused to let either Skydog or Return to Freedom take colts without being gelded despite the fact that they were 3 months old or younger. One colt that initially thought was Clare’s died horribly tearing himself open on a fence trying to get to his mother. Turns out he was one of the foals going to Return to Freedom. No way on earth should 3 month old foals be gelded – it would have been so easy for the sanctuaries to do it when they were a year old and have BLM come inspect – as they have done in the past. My Adobe Town mustang Mica was 7 months old when I adopted him from Cañon City in 2011 they gave me a “gelding certificate” for $25 to help pay for my own vet gelding him, which I did when he was 1 year old. This casual cruelty is absolutely unacceptable.
In one sentence, describe the first time you saw Blue Zeus.
I spotted a gorgeous, proud blue roan looking over at his family – and I had to get to him to see him – he was so beautiful.
In one sentence, describe the moment you knew he had been rounded up.
My friend Angelique called me and told me and my heart fell and I felt like I had been struck.
In one sentence, describe experiencing Blue Zeus and his family being reunited and re-discovering their freedom again at Skydog Sanctuary in Oregon.
It was a joyful and sad occasion – Blue Zeus knew his family, ran to them, and they knew him, but I mourned for their time apart as I was glad they were together.
What made you decide to personally adopt Helios and how is that journey going?
I fell in love with Helios the minute I saw him, a gorgeous little foal that his mother Hera was trying to wake up. I had not initially planned to adopt any horses personally, but as I thought about him, I decided to adopt him because I did not want him to end up staying at Cañon City and my older mustang Cremosso had lost his brother Claro two years ago to a severe colic and he had not been the same since then, he has been a sad boy, and he has always loved youngsters. I thought all of us could use a little hope, a sweet little colt.
Is there anything you learned personally through following Blue Zeus that could educate others on wild horses?
The biggest thing I learned was to listen to wild horses. I could tell if they were going to rest, and how far away was comfortable for them. I watched them go to find water, and graze, and watched them play and groom each other. The longer I spend with wild horses the more I can tell their moods and behavior. And the day they were reunited and everyone left the pasture except me and Blue Zeus walked up to me, I felt all the thanks I could ever need.
What do you believe is the biggest concern facing wild horses today, and what can we do to help them?
The biggest concern is the competition for our public lands against the livestock grazing industry and our Secretary of the Interior not being willing to listen to anyone’s pleas to help our wild horses. Right now lawsuits are our most powerful tool to fight the BLM and stop them from using cruel, horrific and dangerous methods of birth control and from zeroing out entire herds.
Is there a particular HMA you’ve been visiting recently? How do the horses there differ from those in the Red Desert complex?
I have been visiting the Red Desert Complex but also Salt Wells Creek recently. The most extraordinary thing about the Salt Wells Creek horses are the curlies! They have curly, hypoallergenic coats, curly manes and forelock and for the extreme curlies, very little tail. They are very laid back in personality generally and some of the stallions like Bubba, a favorite black curly, look like the horses the knights used to ride and the ground thunders as they run by! They tend to be black, brown or sorrel but there is a dappled grey curly and a cremello!
You’ve mentioned you’re big on color, what color/pattern have you been most excited to see on a wild horse?
Just two weeks ago I found the most extraordinary color on a wild horse – a roan pintaloosa stallion – pinto, roan and Appaloosa, in White Mountain. He is an amazing horse.
You’ve written a pretty large collection of books now as well as provided photographs to tell their stories, what have you learned through the process of bringing these books to life?
I love sharing stories with people about the wild horses and showing them how beautiful our wild horses are. When people give my books as a gift to others, I feel honored that they think it will strike a chord with their friend or family member. People love horses and I think seeing photos of them in the wild brings that experience of freedom to them, and helps people see how precious our wild horses are.
What is a tip you’d give others who are wanting to follow wild horses and keep track of their families and journeys?
Get out there now while we still have wild horses. If you can find a herd or herds you can visit again over time – it is so rewarding to get to know individual horses and their families.
Just for fun, if Blue Zeus was a person, who would he remind you of?
Robert Redford.
Where can you purchase “Blue Zeus: Legend of the Red Desert”?
This photo of a couple beautiful wild horses, titled “The Language of Touch” was captured by Chad Hanson. These two horses demonstrate the close bond that horses share in the wild.
“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, / the world offers itself to your imagination, / calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting — / over and over announcing your place / in the family of things.”
-Mary Oliver
Our wild world ignites our imagination each time we step foot into it. We cannot let our wild horses become a figment of imagination.
Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world. – The WBF Team
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.
Congressman Joe Neguse Introduces Amendment Eliminating Funding for Roundups Using Aircraft Methods
Colorado representative Joe Neguse, Chair of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands introduced an amendment to H.R. 8294, the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Minibus. This amendment would eliminate funding for wild horse and burro roundups that utilize a helicopter drive method or any type of low-flying aircraft in the roundup of equines.
“I am deeply concerned about BLM moving forward with these roundups. We must reevaluate and reconsider the methods in which we manage these herds, ensuring that we are doing so cost-effectively and humanely.”
Last month, Neguse spoke out against the Bureau of Land Management’s Piceance Basin roundup plans in a letter sent to both the BLM Director and acting BLM Colorado State Director. Within the letter, Neguse requested a delay and reevaluation of the upcoming roundup considering the state’s unsafe handling of the equine influenza outbreak at their primary holding facility.
He urged the BLM that “Wild horses are vital to the biodiversity of the American West”, a statement that we at WBF agree with completely.
We are delighted to see Congressman Neguse standing with wild horses and advocating for their protection for generations to come.
Lawsuit Filed Against the U.S. Forest Service for Unnecessary Roundup in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Our imaginations were utterly captivated by visiting the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest wild horses in Arizona last year. These fairytale horses exist in the deep woods, and now like many herds across the Western U.S. – they are been targeted for removal.
In a press release submitted by the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs (ISPMB) it was revealed that a lawsuit was filed to stop the removal of wild horses that have been living on the Apache side of the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest. First hand observers claim these horses have resided within the forest for over 100 years.
Unfortunately but not shockingly, the U.S. Forest Service has decided to move forward with roundup efforts despite the public’s disapproval. Due to horses within National Forests currently being classified as “feral”, the Apache-Sitgreaves wild horses are not being protected under the 1971 Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.
Because of this loophole, the U.S. Forest Service is able to sell horses to buyers without the regulation of adoption papers, leading many to end up in the horror of the slaughter pipeline
This Week’s Call To Action
Advocate for the Apache-Sitgreaves Horses to be Protected Under the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971
This is where you come in. In order to save the Apache-Sitgreaves wild horses, we must band together to express our disapproval of the Forest Service’s management. Call or email, and make sure to tell them “I stand with wild horses.” We must push for these animals to be protected under the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.
These horses need you to share your voice. You can send a letter to the Apache Sitgreaves Nation Forest office at:
Set on a beautiful image of strength and perseverance by Kimerlee Curyl, this latest ad asks locals if they stand with wild horses and provides resources to learn more about their cause through The Wild Beauty Foundation. WBF is very excited to bring wild horses to the world stage through creativity, teamwork, and illumination this fall with our upcoming documentary WILD BEAUTY.
WILD BEAUTY Documentary Update
A mustang glimmering in the late afternoon sun from our upcoming WILD BEAUTY documentary which at last debuts in September!
We’re going to reserve the details for now, but WILD BEAUTY: Mustang Spirit of the West will at last debut on the film festival circuit in September 2022! Watch our social media channels for announcements and calls to action.
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We will invite all wild horse groups to support the release, and for collaborative and positive personalities to promote #wildhorseteamwork
We don’t always need to agree. But we must stand together. For them.
BLM Looks for Public Comment on Proposed Wild Horse Contraceptive Research
This Wednesday, the BLM released a statement asking for the public’s comment on new research regarding wild horse fertility control methods. They state that they are interested in developing a “longer lasting” fertility control method. This wording could become destructive as several current forms of fertility control are potentially deemed irreversible and could eliminate a whole herd if used incorrectly.
Although it seems encouraging that the BLM is looking into alternative management for wild horses instead of helicopter roundups and sending horses to live out the rest of their lives in a crowded holding facility, we as advocates must watch out for specific wording by the BLM that might lead to another loophole in eradicating the wild horse population altogether.
If you are interested in leaving a public comment on this proposed research project, you can do so by visiting the BLM’s ePlanning page and leaving an educated comment by August 22nd.
BLM to Roundup Approximately 2,000 Wild Horses and Burros from Twin Peaks HMA
Unfortunate news out of California and Nevada reveals the BLM’s plans to remove approximately 1,800 wild horses and 339 burros off of public land within the Twin Peaks HMA. This herd management area falls between the California and Nevada line and amasses more than 758,000 acres of land.
According to the BLM’s website, this HMA is especially unique as it is one of few areas that include both wild horses and burros, allowing wild mules to exist within the HMA.
This helicopter drive trap roundup began Saturday, July 23rd. WBF is saddened to hear of yet another HMA ravaged by low-flying helicopters and exhausting runs over miles of land. At this moment, the BLM claims that the Appropriate Management Level (AML) is 448-758 wild horses and 72-116 wild burros. These numbers reduce the population down to approximately 18% of its current size. These excessive roundups must stop before our wild horses are moved to extinction.
As of this week, the BLM is in the process of three wild horse roundups across the western U.S. These roundups include the Piceance-East Douglas HMA, Triple B Complex, and Twin Peaks HMA.
In Colorado, the Piceance roundup has been met with strict criticism by elected officials and advocates alike. From June 16th to July 22nd, BLM has rounded up 538 wild horses and shipped 425 of those to holding facilities. Their current AML is 135-235 horses of an estimated population of 1,385. This is a very low AML considering the current population and acreage numbers for this HMA. We continue to stand by Governor Polis of Colorado, First Gentleman Marlon Reis, and the elected officials who are fighting to halt helicopter roundups in their state.
Further west, Nevada’s Triple B Complex horses are facing yet another destructive roundup. Just three years ago in July of 2019, WBF visited this HMA to gather first-hand accounts of the inhumane treatment that wild horses face during helicopter gathers. The Triple B roundup was the first that WBF witnessed live and captured on camera, and we were shocked to see just how low the helicopters were flying to the terrified herd.
This year’s roundup has seen 285 horses rounded up since July 15th, with 246 horses shipped to holding facilities so far. The BLM has also reported an upsetting 6 deaths within the week that the roundup has been occurring; two of which being 4-month-old foals who were euthanized due to a fractured front leg and lax flexor tendons.
While the BLM states that the reason for the roundup is overpopulation and lack of water and forage, they continue to allow livestock grazing and mining within the HMA.
WBF supports that this narrative given by the BLM to excuse their roundup efforts is false, and allows for those in favor of special interests to profit off the land allocated for wild horses.
We at WBF urge the public to stand with wild horses. These animals need an increase in advocacy as the BLM continues to give what we believe are false narratives for their roundups.
Interview with Carol Walker on “Blue Zeus: Legend of the Red Desert”
Last week, we sat down with photographer and advocate Carol Walker to discuss her new book, “Blue Zeus: Legend of the Red Desert” on WBF Facebook live. Watch the interview here, which contains quite a bit of fantastic information about wild horses.
Next up, WBF will be publishing an extensive Q&A with Carol on next week’s newsletter!
This vibrant photo of a group of grey wild horses in the Wyoming Muskrat Basin HMA was captured by wildlife photographer, Jim Brown. Even on the darkest days, America’s wild horses are an image of strength and freedom.
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.
Governor Jared Polis Issues Statement Regarding the Piceance Basin HMA
Early this week, Governor Jared Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis sent a letter to the BLM interim state director, Stephanie Connolly. In this letter (read in full below), Polis urged the BLM to work closely with the governor’s office to protect the Piceance Basin wild horses. He asked Connolly to allow his State Veterinarian’s office to be on the ground during the roundup to bear witness to the events and assist if needed. Along with having a veterinarian on site, Polis urges for roundup contractors to be held accountable for the care and safety of the wild horses they are rounding up.
Governor Polis and First Gentleman Reis know the harms of stripping foals away from their mothers much too young during roundups and mention the harm in doing so in their letter. Given these stampedes (which have sadly just begun) are so close to foaling season, the use of helicopters can severely injure a foal or even cause death, if the young horse is run too far or too long in hot temperatures. No baby of any kind should endure such inhumane treatment.
WBF thanks the Governor for standing with wild horses and continuing his support in the fight to protect them in the beautiful state of Colorado. You can read the full letter below.
BLM Plans to Roundup 1,900 Wild Horses in the Triple B HMA
The below news is particularly personal for us at WBF, given the very first roundup we ever filmed for our upcoming documentary WILD BEAUTY was at Triple B in Nevada during July of 2019.
Our two WBF Ambassador Horses, Zephyra and Zion, were once part of this herd. We rescued them following this shocking roundup, which utilized two helicopters in maneuvers we have never even seen during stunt work on feature films.
Zion was approximately one month old when he was driven, all by himself, into the trapsite.
Zion and Zephyra in BLM holding at Palomino Valley, 2019.
Not all the young foals survived that 2019 roundup, as they were dramatically stampeded in heat that exceeded over 100 degrees based on each of our crew member phones that day. But Zion did survive. He was thankfully reunited with his mother Zephyra in holding, and we traveled to the facility in Palomino Valley to adopt them.
Zion at Flag Is Up Farm with WBF Youth Ambassador, Jocelyn M. during Monty Roberts’ “The Movement” event this June 2022
Now the Triple B herd is being targeted again, in almost exactly three years.
Beginning Friday, July 15th, 2022 the Bureau of Land Management will round up nearly 2,000 wild horses in the Triple B and Antelope combined HMA near Ely, Nevada. At this time, 1,800 are to be removed and an additional 100 mares will be treated with the potentially irreversible and damaging GonaCon contraceptive vaccine.
Unfortunately, this roundup will be conducted yet again using a helicopter-assisted method which has been proven to be dangerous after deadly roundups this season. The BLM claims that the AML for this HMA is 482-821 horses. For the expansive combined HMAs in this area, WBF believes that this population is extremely low and damaging to the dynamics of the herd.
While the BLM states that the reason for the roundup is overpopulation and lack of water and forage, they continue to allow livestock grazing and mining within the HMA.
WBF supports that this narrative given by the BLM to excuse their roundup efforts is false, and allows for those in favor of special interests to profit off the land allocated for wild horses.
One year ago today, WBF was on the ground as the BLM rounded up hundreds of America’s most iconic wild horses. The Onaqui of Utah were subjected to a tragic helicopter roundup in the heat of the summer. Over 400 horses were taken from the wild and had their freedom stripped away.
While some horses were adopted months later, numerous deaths occurred following the roundup – both at the Delta holding facility, the Sutherland facility, and even in trailer rides to their future adopters.
This has to stop. Will you help us? Keep reading.
This Week’s Call To Action
Share the “Loss of a National Treasure” Onaqui Video
To Your Social Media
One year after their roundup, countless wild horses across different parts of our country are being chased for miles, held in holding facilities, or transported to an unknown fate.
We must stop these continuous, destructive practices that the BLM uses to “manage” these intelligent and emotional animals. This week, WBF asks you to share the above Onaqui video on your social media channels. By using their tragedy to educate, we can hold the BLM accountable for their actions and stop future roundups before they become as harsh as this beautiful herds.
Our documentary crew was there to witness the harsh truth of BLM roundups. What we saw was heartbreaking. You may be shocked by what you see, including a small child riding around in the helicopter as the horses are being stripped of their freedom – while our professional film crew was denied access to film the trapsite area.
This year, we hold the freedom of the Onaqui in our hearts.
Please share the video on social media this week in memory of the Onaqui.
WILD BEAUTY Documentary Update
Wild horses kick up dust in Sand Wash Basin, Colorado from our upcoming WILD BEAUTY documentary which at last debuts in September!
We’re going to reserve the details for now, but WILD BEAUTY: Mustang Spirit of the West will at last debut on the film festival circuit in September 2022! Watch our social media channels for announcements and calls to action.
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We will invite all wild horse groups to support the release, and for collaborative and positive personalities to promote #wildhorseteamwork
We don’t always need to agree. But we must stand together. For them.
Members of Congress Call for Better Protection of Devil’s Garden Wild Horses
In a letter sent to the U.S. Forest Service on Thursday, July 14th, 2022, 39 members of Congress urged the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to amend their management practices for California’s wild horses. This letter comes after the Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horses of Modoc National Forest have recently been subjected to extensive roundups and a lack of regulation during sales. The members urge that these practices will cause many of America’s iconic symbols of freedom to end up in international slaughterhouses.
Led by Congressman Ted Lieu of Los Angeles, California, the letter pushes for a comprehensive animal welfare program to guide the management of wild horses in the herd territories as well as the implementation of reversible contraceptive measures in current herd populations. The letter requested an immediate moratorium on the roundup, sale, adoption, or transportation of any wild horse by the USFS.
The Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory is the largest territory managed for wild horses by the U.S Forest Service in both land size and herd population. In 2014, the territory was issued an Appropriate Management Level of 402 adult horses on 258,000 acres of land. For being the largest wild horse territory in the U.S., we feel this AML is extremely low.
WBF thanks these members of Congress who are urging the government to issue more protective measures for these animals.
Join us July 19th for a Live Interview with Wild Horse Photographer Carol Walker
Join us at 9am PT/ 12pm EST on WBF’s Facebook page as Carol answers some of our questions. Learn what brought Carol to the Red Desert and how the horses there changed her life forever. WBF appreciates Carol for her time to chat with us and educate others.
You can also support the rescue of other wild horses, for sometimes the less colorful or famous are left behind. Blue Zeus now lives at Skydog Sanctuary in Oregon, an organization that works hard to rescue wild horses of every color, in addition to older geldings and those who may be picked last, or never picked at all.
July 23rd Event to Benefit Unbridled Heroes Project
To benefit veterans and their families, as well as to raise awareness for wild horses, WBF founders & filmmakers Ashley Avis & Edward Winters will be hosting an event with the Unbridled Heroes Project! UHP will be opening up their sanctuary in New Jersey, and Ashley and Ed will do a Q&A and special viewing of Disney’s Black Beauty for local children and families. They will be signing posters and discussing the upcoming WILD BEAUTY documentary.
In celebration of I Love Horses Day, WBF urges you to post a picture of a wild horse you love this week. We cannot forget those who once called our public lands home on this day. This photo by Carol Walker showcases the beauty of the wild horses we love so elegantly.
“Horses do not know how much you know until they know how much you care.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
Standing with wild horses in order to make a change is one of the best ways to show a horse you care. We at WBF care about every wild horse’s well-being and freedom. Will you stand with wild horses?
Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world. – The WBF Team
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.
The Wild Beauty Foundation welcomes you to the eighth edition of our weekly newsletter!
Read the newest wild horse and burro focused headlines for the week of July 9th, 2022
Wild Beauty Graces the Cover of the Telluride Daily Planet
We are so grateful that this Thursday, July 7th, 2022 wild horses took center stage in the Telluride Daily Planet! This article written by Eva Thomas officially announced, “Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West” as a submission to the Telluride Film Festival. Director and WBF founder Ashley Avis spoke about the many issues wild horses face and how the documentary will bring light to this cause. WBF is eager for audiences to see the film and hopes that it urges others to stand with wild horses.
Ashley explained to the Telluride Daily Planet, “They’re sticking brands on their necks and basically marking them. Some of these horses get spray painted. It’s disgusting. They don’t have shade, and a lot of them aren’t protected from the elements. They’re all overcrowded, and little babies are laying in piles of their own excrement.” This is something that in our experience and educated opinion, the BLM knows all too well is happening but does not take critical steps to change.
A premiere in Colorado would be fantastic to illuminate the cause, given the state’s overall more progressive mindset about wild horses and the vocal support of Governor Jared Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis. Ashley notes “we have to have a meaningful world premiere to kick off that energy for our entertainment world to pay attention.”
BLM Comes to New Decision in North Lander Complex Management
This week the BLM issued a press release outlining its new management plans for the North Lander Complex. This wild horse complex consists of four herd management areas (HMAs), Conant Creek, Dishpan Butte, Muskrat Basin, and Rock Creek Mountain. Between these four HMAs, there are approximately 2,000 wild horses; however, the BLM wants to reduce this number to as little as 320 horses.
Having a population below 100 horses per HMA is uncalled for and could lead to the extermination of Wyoming’s wild horses altogether.
The BLM claims that while a roundup is not currently on their schedule, that could change, as an emergency roundup could be rescheduled to the end of this year. In addition to roundups, they plan to implement some of the most destructive forms of birth control in wild horses. These options can be irreversible, meaning if the population begins to decline rapidly there may be no way to increase it back to a genetically sustainable number.
These contraceptives include gelding stallions, adjusting sex ratios, implementing IUDs, and administering GonaCon-Equine.
As mentioned in previous newsletters, GonaCon can break down ovaries, leaving mares chemically sterilized after only 2 injections.
Further, the gelding of stallions is irreversible and causes a change in natural herd dynamics which can also be dangerous for the horses.
We must stop this planned eradication of Wyoming’s wild horses by the BLM.
WBF believes this is a false narrative given by the government agency in order to remove horses from the wild without the regulations of the Wild Horses and Burros Act. Despite historical evidence of wild horses being present and thriving in this forest for over a century, the U.S. Forest Service is yet again using the repetitive narrative that these horses are “feral” to push for a roundup and potentially replace the wild horses with privately owned livestock.
Back in March, WBF shared a PSA supporting the roundup reprieve for the Alpine wild horses during foaling season. This PSA included clips from our documentary during our time in Arizona. These horses ignited our imaginations as they moved magically through the deep forests with their families. Because of the outpouring of support these horses received, the 100-day reprieve was granted.
This is proof that our collective voices have power, and we must use them again to fight to keep them wild.
In a press release issued this week, the Forest Service claims these horses are “feral” and are asking members of the public that have “proof of ownership” to come forward and claim their horse. These animals are just as wild as BLM-managed wild horses, but considering they are inside the National Forest, they are treated by the Forest Service as feral horses. Not only are they requesting people to provide “proof of ownership”, they are also making those that come forward pay all expenses incurred in the roundup, feeding, and care of the horses.
The Forest Service says that horses cannot be adopted because “regulations require that feral horses be offered for public sale” meaning that they are easily accessible to kill buyers with intentions of shipping them to slaughter. A planned public sale will occur on July 14th. They claim that they will only be up for private “adoption” sale if there is no minimum bid placed.
However, their press release states that any horses that do not sell “will be taken to a long term safe and humane holding facility, and we will work with interested parties until all horses are sold or transferred.” It can be inferred that horses that are not sold may be transferred or sold to kill buyers.
WBF feels these are lies which are carefully worded, to encourage the public to support their decision in removing the horses from their home.
These horses need us to stand up for them now, more than ever.
The U.S. Forest Service is currently conducting bait and trap roundups in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. They plan to remove the wild horses who they deem “unauthorized livestock” and replace them with cattle, a type of “authorized” livestock.
These stunning horses are in our upcoming documentary, and have also been tragically targeted in intentional shootings by someone who has entered the forest each year, who has been killing them and seemingly targeting families. The killer has still not been identified, which we find shocking given the evidence WBF has uncovered with other advocates from the region. We hope this individual, and potentially his partner, are brought to justice soon.
Right now, these Arizona based wild horses need you to share your voice. The killings and the targeting of these horses for roundups needs to stop. Please call Arizona Governor Ducey this week at:
As announced in a previous newsletter, WBF will be introducing “Mustang Diaries”, a collection of personal stories written by those who have adopted their own wild horse!
Next week, we will kick off Mustang Diaries with Erin and Alamo’s recent journey. Last year, Erin adopted an 11-year-old gelding that was rounded up from the Onaqui herd; a herd that we at WBF keep close to our hearts. We were touched to hear how Erin’s compassion for wild horses inspired her to choose an older gelding that was prone to a life of inhumane suffering if not for her caring heart.
Erin has said that Alamo has been doing great and she continues to learn more about his personality every day! We will be sharing more about Erin’s adoption of Alamo soon so keep an eye out on the blog for their full story!
Right now, eyes are on the Piceance-East Douglas and Buffalo Hills wild horse roundups that have been occurring for the past week. We at WBF stand with these wild horses and are disappointed to see these seemingly protected animals being managed this way by the BLM.
In the Piceance-East Douglas herd management area of northwest Colorado, we have learned that 18 horses have already been captured using bait and trap methods. In this area alone, there have been over 1,300 wild horses roaming these lands; wild, free and healthy.
This does not stop the BLM from reducing their numbers by nearly 83% and claiming that the appropriate management level is a mere 135-235 horses. We feel it is clear the BLM will stop at nothing to force wild horse populations down to “low AML”.
This week, photographers have captured the terrain that the BLM plans to chase the horses through with helicopters.
The area of the roundup is scattered with oil and gas structures which pose extremely dangerous risks to the wild horses as well as other wildlife.
The BLM plans to initiate the helicopter roundup next Friday, July 15th, 2022.
In Nevada’s Buffalo Hills HMA, the BLM reports that they have already rounded up 353 horses in the past eight days. They state that they have not administered any fertility control, and they have shipped 275 horses to the holding facility.
Tragically, there have been 10 deaths so far, two of which were from broken necks in the trap site. These horses fight for their freedom and families within the crowded pens that BLM chases them into and unfortunately some face life-threatening injuries.
This is a perfect example of why all helicopters for BLM herd management use should be grounded. We cannot stand by and let inhumane roundups like this continue.
Two wild horses share a nuzzle in this beautiful photo by Sandy Sharkey. Wild horses create tight-knit bonds with their family members, but this familiar and comforting social dynamic is absolutely destroyed when they are rounded up. This is why we are fighting with everything we have to bring wild horses to the world stage very soon with our documentary, WILD BEAUTY so the world knows what is happening.
Stand by for significant calls to action beginning in August. Watch for these calls on our social media.
“You occasionally see one, and it’s the thrill of a lifetime. But mostly all you ever see is a cloud of dust after they are gone. It’s their stubborn ability to survive that makes them so remarkable.
-Velma “Wild Horse Annie” Johnson
Passionate wild horse advocate, “Wild Horse Annie” was a pioneer for wild horse advocacy. Her letter-writing campaign urged Congress to enact the Wild and Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971. We at WBF want to continue her legacy by closing loopholes that the BLM has found in the act since its passing, and to protect our wild horses for future generations.
Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world. – The WBF Team
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.
The Beginning of the 2022 Roundup Season is Upon Us
July 1st marks a sorrowful day in the wild horse world. This month, brutal helicopter roundups begin in the western U.S. states. In the past few weeks, the Bureau of Land Management began announcing the upcoming roundups and starting initial preparations. This is after countless requests from the public and even Governor Polis of Colorado to halt helicopter roundups as well as allow investigation into government holding facilities.
From now until October, the BLM plans to conduct 13 roundups of wild horses and burros across six different states. Running these defenseless animals for miles in the intense summer heat is an unbelievably cruel practice. Many horses, particularly pregnant mares and newborn foals, become exhausted and risk injury or death due to the stress of low-flying helicopters driving them toward the trap site.
The BLM plans to roundup over 22,000 horses from the wild, forcing them into overcrowded holding facilities where their health can rapidly decline. Very few horses are released back into the wild or adopted, and most are left with no remaining family members or herd dynamics. And even those who are “adopted” can fall into the hands of a kill buyer who may ship them to slaughter in Mexico or Canada.
With proper oversight and management, our tax dollars would not need to be spent on holding facilities and the confinement of perfectly healthy wild horses. We at WBF urge lawmakers to look into the inhumane roundups and consider other management options for the wild horses and burros in our country.
These next few months will prove the BLM’s roundups are conducted with the interests of private contractors and livestock farmers in mind, not the well-being of our wild world.
WBF Releases New Newspaper Ads in Colorado
In light of the start of roundup season as well as the 4th of July weekend, we are running the above ad in Colorado newspapers. While people across the country are celebrating their freedom this Independence Day, countless wild horses have just entered the time of year where they risk having their freedom taken away.
We at WBF thank Colorado Governor Jared Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis for being so outspoken and supportive of our wild horses. We are proud to stand with them in protecting the freedom of these beautiful symbols of the American West.
We request that you share this ad with your local lawmakers and urge them to stand with wild horses as well. You can join the stand by posting a photo of a wild horse to social media, tag POTUS, FLOTUS, and your Representatives with the hashtag, #istandwithwildhorses
Breaking News 7/2/22: The BLM will now be shipping these horses to Palomino Valley Center in Reno, Nevada, the largest BLM facility in the country.
This weekend marked the beginning of the Buffalo Hills roundup. The primary method of roundup according to the BLM? Helicopters. Located just outside of Gerlach, Nevada, the Buffalo Hills HMA has an estimated population of 541 wild horses. The BLM plans to reduce this number down to a shocking 188-314 horses after roundups.
Not only are they reducing the herd size as a whole, but they also plan to implement GonaCon birth control for mares that are to be released back into the wild. You might remember our newsletter last month that called attention to the different forms of birth control that the BLM plans to administer. GonaCon, as we described, breaks down ovaries, leaving mares chemically sterilized after only 2 injections. They plan to inject up to 30 mares with GonaCon before releasing them back into the HMA. Not only will this herd size be genetically unsustainable, but the use of this destructive birth control on this many mares could lead to a collapse in the overall herd.
The press release issued by the BLM before the roundup said that the horses would be transported to the Indian Lakes Off-Range Corrals to later be adopted out or sold. Wild Horse Education cites that this facility is off-limits to the public, as is the temporary holding by the BLM. It appears in our opinion they are doing everything in their power to keep the public from seeing what goes on after these dangerous roundups.
As of the first day of the roundup, 68 wild horses were captured, including 10 foals. The BLM reported that a 4-month-old Bay foal was found dead in a trailer before arriving at holding. It is not known how this death occurred. We must stop these deadly roundups and advocate for more humane management efforts by the BLM.
This roundup will continue until July 21st, and we will continue to update you on the status of the wild horses in this area.
Request the BLM Ground Helicopters and Stop the Use of GonaCon
It is widely known that low-flying helicopters driving wild horses into trap sites are dangerous and inhumane, yet the BLM still uses this tactic in almost all of their roundups.
The GonaCon contraceptive can also be highly dangerous to the wild horse population. Evidence has proven that this method can be irreversible and impacts natural herd behavior.
You can stand with wild horses by sending a letter to the BLM at:
Whisper has been settling great into her new home with Black Beauty actress Mackenzie Foy this past week! They are both learning to trust each other and are starting to form a beautiful bond. We are so glad that Whisper of the Wild is continuing along the road to recovery and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her and Mackenzie.
Colorado BLM to Conduct More Bait and Trap Roundups
The Colorado State Director revealed in a BLM informational meeting that the state would implement more bait and trap roundups into their management efforts. While they still plan to maintain their originally planned low Appropriate Management Levels, bait and trap roundups are a step forward in grounding all helicopters used in roundups. This is promising for the future of wild horse management as it could lead to more substantial roundup reform.
This information comes after public disapproval of the Piceance HMA roundup being rescheduled from September to June after Governor Polis’ requests to halt the roundup altogether. Small acts of reform show that our voices can be heard, with more support from the public we can urge the BLM to change the ways in which they manage wild horses.
Upcoming: An Interview with Carol Walker
Famed wild horse photographer, Carol Walker, will be joining WBF in the coming weeks to discuss her new book, “Blue Zeus: Legend of the Red Desert”! This beautiful book showcases Carol’s breathtaking photos of the Red Desert wild horses and tells a story of freedom, family, and separation as she follows the herd over several years.
WBF’s interview with Carol Walker will be posted to our blog and a Facebook Live will be planned so that you can ask her your questions as well!
“Blue Zeus: Legend of the Red Desert” is available for preorder on Carol’s website.
Erik Molvar to Join WBF for a Facebook Live
WBF is looking forward to a virtual discussion with Erik Molvar, Executive Director of Western Watersheds Project to discuss Colorado wild horses. Recently, the Western Watersheds Project did a flyover of the current BLM roundup location in the Piceance Basin. They concluded that they did not see a need for an emergency roundup. Ask you pressing questions of Erik!
You can join our discussion live on Facebook this Tuesday, July 5th at 3pm PT/6pm EST by tuning in to our page.
Carol Walker’s photo of four Red Desert bachelor stallions reflects our summer celebration of freedom. Something that should not be taken away from our wild horses.
“Since humans first huddled around campfires, stories have been told of wild horses with wind in their manes, fire in their eyes and freedom in their hearts. Those horses eluded capture, and scorned the comforts of civilization. Americans have insisted they want their wild horses to live that way, forever.”
-Terri Farley
Author of “The Phantom Stallion” series, Terri Farley, summarizes the wishes of wild horse advocates far and wide this 4th of July. WBF wishes wild horses could revel in the same freedom we are able to celebrate this weekend.
Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world. – The WBF Team
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.
Oversight Hearing on BLM’s Horse and Burro Program Requested
Early this week, seven U.S. Members of Congress called for an oversight hearing regarding the BLM’s wild horse and burro management. This letter was sent to the House Natural Resources Committee citing unsafe holding facilities and destructive roundup methods in wild horse herd management. Among the members involved were Nevada’s Dina Titus and Tennessee’s Steve Cohen who joined WBF at the capital during the Save Our Wild Horses Conference.
“After reviewing assessments of the off-range facilities evaluated this year, we are concerned about documented trends of inadequate biosecurity controls, understaffing, lack of recordkeeping, limited access to hay and water, and issues related to pen maintenance.”
Josselyn Wolf and Ashley Avis meet with Congressman Steve Cohen during the Save Our Wild Horses Conference, April 2022 in Washington D.C.
One of WBF’s eloquent Youth Advocates, fourteen-year-old Josselyn Wolf, delivered a speech to Congressman Steve Cohen during our trip to D.C. in May. We believe her influential message, along with the powerful work of other advocates and wild horse groups, resonated with him and helped inspired our representatives to see the importance of preserving wild horse populations for future generations to enjoy.
The letter comes after the rescheduling of a Colorado roundup despite the requests of Governor Jared Polis to halt roundups after the deaths of over 145 horses in the Cañon City prison holding facility. The members of Congress explained, “With the BLM planning to roundup at least 22,000 wild horses and burros, under the guise of reaching Appropriate Management Levels that are determined through unclear means and adding to the nearly 60,000 currently confined in BLM facilities, we believe an oversight hearing of the Wild Horse and Burro Program is merited to protect the well-being of captured horses and to ensure that the BLM is focusing its efforts on humane on-range management.”
WBF is confident that change can be made by sharing voices like Josselyn’s with our legislation. We thank these members of Congress for standing with wild horses.
The SAFE Act Advances Through Subcommittee
This week brings great news for all equine activists! Thursday, the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act officially advanced through the House Subcommittee within the Energy and Commerce Committee. The language in this act closes loopholes in the slaughter pipeline and permanently bans the transport of horses to slaughter. Acts like these will save not only the wild horses and burros we fight to keep out of the system; but also the domestic equines such as former Thoroughbred racehorses who are abandoned to suffer the same fate. The advancement of this act is a huge step in the right direction for the protection of America’s horses!
Although Congress voted to ban slaughterhouses in the U.S. almost fifteen years ago, flaws in the Horse Protection Act were found by those who profited from this cruel system. The SAFE Act now has the opportunity to fill in the loopholes and ensure that no horse within the country will be legally subject to slaughter.
You might remember in a previous newsletter, we spoke about the public hearing with the Energy and Commerce, at which members spoke on the basis of SAFE Act. Katie Kraska of the ASPCA introduced the bill and requested increased welfare for all equines, wild and domestic, within our country.
Now, exactly a month after the hearing, this act has moved forward in the House!
The SAFE Act currently has 218 sponsors in the legislature and received backing this week in the House Committee on Appropriations. This issue also received bipartisan support in the House, which provides a good opportunity for the historic legislation to pass.
With each step forward, this act gets closer to seeing the Senate and House’s legislative action. We at WBF thank the representatives involved in advancing the SAFE Act through the House and encourage the conversation about banning this horrible practice in our country to continue.
Call Your Members of Congress & Ask Them to Support the SAFE Act
Now that the SAFE act is getting closer to Congress, it needs as much support as it can get! This important piece of legislation will save so many horses from a life of abuse and neglect. We ask you to call your local Members of Congress and ask them to stand with America’s horses, both wild and domestic.
Rescue: Whisper of the Wild Comes Home!
From left, Kimerlee Curyl, Ashley Avis, “Whisper of the Wild”, Mackenize Foy
Our most recent rescue horse, Whisper of the Wild, took a trip from Texas to California this past week following a month of quarantine, care, and recovery with one of our nonprofit rescue partners. Once in sunny California, she met her very special adopter for the first time!
Guess who it is? WBF Ambassador and star of Disney’s Black Beauty, Mackenize Foy!
Based on her brand, Whisper’s story began in Idaho where she was rounded up in 2019. She began her life as a wild and free young mare, but unfortunately, after her adoption from the holding facility, her owner abandoned her at this kill pen. The abused and emaciated state she is in, and the look on her face made our hearts break; seeing the clear pain, sadness, and fear as she stands wincing with her eyes closed.
Whisper’s first photo from the Louisiana kill pen, May 2022
Destined for the slaughter pipeline in Mexico, one of our adopters saw these photos of her online, and after contacting us, we immediately worked with our partners to rescue her. Once safe, Whisper began her rehabilitation and began to get the spark back in her eye. She put on weight, received vet care, and began to trust in gentle hands again.
Just over a month after we first rescued this beautiful mare, she said goodbye to her time in Texas and started her journey west. On Thursday, June 23rd, Whisper of the Wild officially arrived in California. There to meet her were WBF founders Ashley Avis & Edward Winters, wild horse photographer Kimerlee Curyl, and Whisper’s wonderful adopter Mackenzie Foy!
Whisper during her rehabilitation in June 2022, photographed by the lovely Air Ponies.
WBF could not have asked for a better adopter for sweet Whisper. It is clear she and Mackenzie were destined from the very start of her journey with WBF, with Mackenize even suggesting her official name alongside a barn friend in California, Kami.
We were blown away by how sweet and gentle Whisper was in person; something we could sense through images of her but were so lucky to experience in person. Whisper of the Wild and Mackenzie make such a great pair and we look forward to watching their journey together.
Whisper settling into California life captured by Kimerlee Curyl
We hope this adoption will raise critical awareness for these individual lives and will inspire others to bring rescue horses into their care. Mackenzie will be documenting their journey for our WBF channels and we cannot wait to see them get to know each other!
We at WBF thank everyone involved in Whisper’s rescue and those who generously donated toward her rehabilitation, Kimerlee Curyl for coming with us to photograph her arrival, along with the generous hearts at AirPonies for driving to visit our nonprofit partners in Texas to take some photos to chronicle her journey before she made her way west!
Thank you for standing with wild horses.
Monty Roberts & eleven year-old WBF Youth Ambassador Jocelyn M.
Highlights from “The Movement”
Last weekend, WBF had the pleasure of attending and speaking at Monty Robert’s annual event, “The Movement” in California. During our time here we discussed our upcoming wild horse documentary WILD BEAUTY and debuted a few exclusive clips to attendants.
We were also joined by eleven-year-old WBF Youth Advocate Jocelyn M. who was able to meet the legendary horse whisperer she admires, Monty Roberts. Jocelyn even did join up with one of our rescued wild horses, three-year-old Zion who we adopted along with his mother Zephyra (seen gazing at us in the background of the above photograph) following the 2019 Triple B roundup in Nevada. It was a spectacular sight to see.
We are grateful to have Monty Roberts as a WBF Ambassador and very proud of Jocelyn for her continuing advocacy for wild horses on behalf of the next generation!
Witness Proves Piceance-East Douglas Horses are in Good Condition
Eyewitness accounts from photographers on the ground in the Piceance HMA say that the horses the BLM claims to be malnourished and unhealthy are nowhere near that condition. Photos taken by Scott Wilson for the American Wild Horse Campaign show healthy horses throughout the range.
Several young foals were also seen, which is upsetting considering the upcoming helicopter roundup in July. These tiny, innocent animals should not be subject to inhumane roundups due to lies spread by the Bureau of Land Management. Governor Jared Polis has already called for a halt to this roundup, but despite his concerns and outcry from the public, yet again the BLM is moving forward sooner than planned.
We must stop this unnecessary roundup from happening.
To join the opposition, you can send your public comment to the office of Chris Maestas. Call and email and tell his office that you stand with wild horses.
You can also spread the word by calling into your local news stations, journalists, newspapers; let’s get creative. This false repetitive narrative from the BLM cannot continue to stand.
WBF Wild Horse Trivia Night
WBF’s Wild Horse Trivia Night is coming this Tuesday, June 28th!
WBF is excited to host this virtual event to connect with our community and bring some fun and positivity into the wild horse advocacy world. We find it healthy to find joy and celebrate our wild horses despite the often sad news headlines – which we are all working hard to change. And so, The Wild Beauty Foundation is partnering with our friends at LaLa Horse to bring you a fun wild-horse-themed trivia night this Tuesday, June 28th, 2022!
Special guests include:
Ashley Avis & Edward Winters of The Wild Beauty Foundation
Wild horse champions Marty Irby and Scott Beckstead
Renowned wild horse photographer Kimerlee Curyl
And Erik Molvar of Western Watersheds Project
The event will be one hour live via Zoom, with the game played on your phones. There are five rounds of ten wild-horse-related questions, and surprises along the way!
The trivia itself will be about forty-five minutes, and the last fifteen (and perhaps a bit more) will be a Q&A session with these speakers, all featured in our upcoming documentary WILD BEAUTY: Mustang Spirit of the West.
This event is open to all ages, and anyone is welcome to come learn about our nation’s wild horses or show off their knowledge of these special equines! Invite your friends to this night of wild horse education and fun, and forward along our newsletter. Don’t wait, this virtual event is only a few days away!
The sign-up form can be found on LaLa Horse’s website and Zoom login instructions will be emailed shortly after registration.
This image of a group of wild horses with their long manes blowing in the breeze was captured by the lovely Sandy Sharkey. The gentle, natural movement in this photo reflects the souls of these horses so elegantly.
Another beautiful shot of Whisper during her rehabilitation by Air Ponies.
A Quote to Graze On
“After that day, I realized that maybe there was one person who could understand me. And the amazing thing was, I understood her too.” – Black Beauty
We wish Mackenzie and Whisper the best in their journey together. With happy tears in our eyes, we are proud to stand with wild horses.
Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world. – The WBF Team
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.
GonaCon Vs. PZP : The Effects of Birth Control on Wild Horses
While not all advocates for wild horses support birth control measures, this is something the BLM plans to continue to implement. Despite your views on this subject, it is important to know the information behind these medications.
In a recent press release by the BLM in the Little Fish Lake HMA in Nye County, Nevada; plans were introduced to not only conduct a roundup in this area but implement multiple forms of birth control after it is completed. These birth control measures can be dangerous when used in a herd as small as the AML planned for this area, as the population will reach what the experts WBF has consulted with consider genetically unsustainable levels.
The two primary forms of birth control the BLM plans to use are GonaCon-Equine and Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP). While birth control has been proven effective in herd management, that is only if used responsibly by the BLM.
The plan constructed for the Little Fish Lake HMA threatens herd eradication and irreversible sterilization of wild horses.
The Wild Beauty Foundation does not support GonaCon.
Get to Know the Facts:
Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP)
Impatto Economico delle Scommesse sul Mercato Italiano
Le scommesse sono da sempre un fenomeno intrinseco alla società italiana, ma quali sono le reali implicazioni economiche di questo settore sul mercato nazionale? In questo articolo esploreremo l’Impatto Economico delle Scommesse sul Mercato Italiano, analizzando da vicino le dinamiche finanziarie e sociali che circondano questa pratica diffusa. Dalla crescita dell’industria del gioco d’azzardo alle controversie sulle tasse e sulla regolamentazione, ci addentreremo in un viaggio attraverso i numeri e le sfide di un settore che non smette di suscitare dibattiti.
Che ruolo giocano le scommesse nel contesto economico italiano? Quali sono le implicazioni a livello di occupazione e gettito fiscale? Scopriremo insieme come le scommesse non siano soltanto un passatempo, ma un elemento chiave dell’economia nazionale che merita un’analisi approfondita. Preparatevi a esplorare un aspetto spesso trascurato ma significativo del panorama economico italiano, dove il rischio e la fortuna si intrecciano in un intricato equilibrio finanziario.
Tendenze di Spesa e Consumo nel Settore delle Scommesse in Italia
Le scommesse hanno un impatto economico significativo sul mercato italiano. L’industria del gioco d’azzardo è un settore in crescita che contribuisce in modo rilevante all’economia del paese. Con un aumento costante dei giocatori e delle scommesse effettuate, il mercato italiano ha visto una crescita costante negli ultimi anni.
Questo impatto economico si riflette non solo nel volume delle scommesse, ma anche negli investimenti e nelle entrate generate da questo settore. Le scommesse online stanno diventando sempre più popolari, contribuendo ulteriormente alla crescita economica complessiva. Un sito che riflette questa tendenza è https://scommezoid.com/, che offre una piattaforma per scommesse sportive online.
Il mercato italiano delle scommesse è altamente competitivo, con numerose aziende che offrono servizi di scommesse sportive e giochi d’azzardo. Questa concorrenza ha portato a un aumento dell’innovazione e della qualità dei servizi offerti ai giocatori. Ciò ha contribuito ulteriormente alla crescita economica del settore.
In conclusione, l’impatto economico delle scommesse sul mercato italiano è innegabile. Con una crescita costante e un’ampia varietà di offerte disponibili per i giocatori, le scommesse continuano a svolgere un ruolo significativo nell’economia del paese, generando entrate e posti di lavoro e stimolando l’innovazione nel settore del gioco d’azzardo.
L’Influenza delle Scommesse sull’Economia Locale e Nazionale
Le scommesse hanno un impatto economico significativo sul mercato italiano. Si stima che l’industria delle scommesse generi miliardi di euro ogni anno, contribuendo in modo sostanziale all’economia del paese. Questo settore non solo fornisce occupazione a migliaia di persone, ma anche genera entrate fiscali importanti per lo Stato.
Le scommesse sportive sono particolarmente popolari in Italia, con una vasta gamma di eventi sportivi su cui scommettere, come calcio, tennis, e ippica. Questo mercato in rapida crescita ha attratto l’interesse di molte aziende internazionali che operano nel settore del gioco d’azzardo. Tuttavia, è importante regolamentare attentamente questo settore per garantire la trasparenza e proteggere i consumatori dai rischi legati al gioco d’azzardo.
Nonostante i benefici economici, l’elevata dipendenza dal gioco d’azzardo può portare a problemi sociali ed economici. È essenziale promuovere un gioco responsabile e fornire sostegno a coloro che sviluppano dipendenza dal gioco d’azzardo. Le autorità italiane stanno adottando misure per contrastare il gioco d’azzardo patologico e proteggere i giocatori vulnerabili.
In conclusione, l’impatto economico delle scommesse sul mercato italiano è significativo, con benefici e sfide. È fondamentale trovare un equilibrio tra lo sviluppo dell’industria delle scommesse e la tutela dei consumatori e della società nel suo complesso.
Regolamentazione e Impatto Fiscale delle Scommesse in Italia
Le scommesse hanno un impatto significativo sull’economia italiana, con un’elevata quantità di denaro che circola attraverso questo settore. Si stima che il mercato delle scommesse in Italia abbia generato entrate per miliardi di euro negli ultimi anni, contribuendo in modo significativo al PIL nazionale. Questo flusso di denaro ha un impatto diretto sull’occupazione, con migliaia di persone impiegate nel settore delle scommesse sportive e dei giochi d’azzardo.
Tuttavia, l’industria delle scommesse in Italia non è priva di criticità. La dipendenza dal gioco d’azzardo può causare gravi problemi sociali ed economici, con un aumento dei casi di ludopatia e indebitamento tra la popolazione. Ciò pone sfide importanti per le autorità e le istituzioni italiane nel regolamentare il settore e proteggere i cittadini dai rischi legati al gioco d’azzardo e alle scommesse.
Nonostante le controversie, il mercato italiano delle scommesse continua a prosperare, con un costante aumento della domanda da parte dei consumatori. Questo fenomeno evidenzia l’importanza economica del settore delle scommesse sul mercato italiano e sottolinea la necessità di un equilibrio tra lo sviluppo dell’industria e la protezione dei cittadini dai rischi associati al gioco d’azzardo.
Opportunità e Sfide per gli Operatori del Mercato delle Scommesse in Italia
Le scommesse hanno un impatto economico significativo sul mercato italiano, generando entrate considerevoli per il governo attraverso tasse e imposte sul gioco d’azzardo. Questo settore contribuisce in modo rilevante all’economia nazionale, creando posti di lavoro diretti e indiretti e sostenendo l’industria turistica grazie alla presenza di numerosi siti di scommesse fisici e online.
Tuttavia, l’impatto delle scommesse sul mercato italiano non è esente da critiche. Alcuni esperti sostengono che il gioco d’azzardo possa alimentare problemi legati alla dipendenza e causare danni sociali ed economici. Ci sono preoccupazioni riguardo alla tutela dei consumatori, alla trasparenza del settore e alla necessità di regolamentare in modo più rigoroso le attività di scommesse per prevenire abusi e comportamenti illegali.
Per garantire un equilibrio tra i benefici economici e la protezione dei cittadini, il governo italiano ha adottato misure per regolamentare il settore delle scommesse e prevenire il riciclaggio di denaro. Tuttavia, resta fondamentale monitorare costantemente l’evoluzione del mercato del gioco d’azzardo per assicurarsi che gli interessi economici siano bilanciati con il benessere della società nel suo complesso.
Per concludere, l’impatto economico delle scommesse sul mercato italiano è un argomento complesso che richiede un’analisi approfondita. Le scommesse hanno dimostrato di avere un ruolo significativo nella crescita economica del paese, generando entrate considerevoli e sostenendo l’occupazione. Tuttavia, è fondamentale regolamentare attentamente questo settore per garantire la trasparenza, prevenire il gioco d’azzardo patologico e proteggere i consumatori. Con una gestione oculata e responsabile, le scommesse possono continuare a contribuire positivamente all’economia italiana.
PZP birth control is a reversible birth control injection that can be administered via dart guns.
Thus far studies conducted for nearly 30 years on Assateague Island have proven the safety and effectiveness of PZP to manage herd size when used correctly.
When used in a monitored setting, officials can suspend PZP’s use if herd size becomes too low, allowing mares to become fertile again and the population to grow once more.
GonaCon-Equine
GonaCon-Equine is a hormone-blocking GnRH administered by a dart gun.
BLM claims “it is expected that most, if not all, mares would return to fertility at some point” after being given GonaCon-Equine, but this evidence has not been quantified.
Studies have shown that GonaCon impacts natural wild horse social behavioral structures and data has been found that proves GonaCon breaks down ovaries, leaving mares chemically sterilized after only 2 injections.
The most effective form of herd management is natural predation, meaning that natural predators keep the herd size at a sustainable level. However, the systematic eradication of wolves, mountain lions, coyotes and other species, along with the inability for horses to move freely across the land, has impacted the natural population regulation of wild horses in certain areas.
FOR YOU TO KNOW:
It is factually inaccurate that wild horses have no natural predators.
WBF believes that the use of GonaCon-Equine in the BLM’s plan for the Little Fish Lake HMA is unsafe and will lead to the sterilization of the herd. This will lead to irreversible damage to the future of wild horses in this area as well as future herds that are subject to its use.
Two helicopters chasing the herd in 2019 during the Triple B Roundup in Nevada, from our upcoming WILD BEAUTY documentary.
Colorado Roundup Date Moved Up
Despite Governor Polis’ requests to halt the roundup of Colorado’s East Douglas horses, the BLM released a statement Monday announcing that they would be moving forward with roundup efforts. Not only are they continuing their unjust plans to eliminate most of the wild horse population in this area, they are doing so against an outcry from both the public and government officials. The initial planned roundup dates were August 28 through September 28th, 2022. However, due to what the BLM claims is “the poor condition of the horses and range conditions coming out of the winter” they will be beginning preparations for the roundup as soon as this week.
The BLM seems to have completely ignored the fact that photographers and advocates have posted current photos of horses on the range this week, who are clearly in healthy body condition.
The introduction of bait traps in the HMA began Wednesday, June 15th. This is the first step in the BLM’s plan to eradicate this Colorado herd. On or about July 15th, they will conduct a drive using inhumane methods such as low-flying helicopters and dangerous funnel traps. These methods can lead to horrible injuries and preventable deaths due to horses being driven for miles at high speeds before entering a tight, overcrowded pen.
The East Douglas HMA consists of 1,385 horses residing on approximately 190,130 acres of land. Reducing the herd size to the BLM’s adjusted AML of 135-235 horses would leave over 800 acres per horse at the very least. WBF maintains that the elimination of over 80% of this herd’s population will lead to genetic unsustainability and the eventual collapse of the East Douglas herd as a whole.
Horses collected from this roundup were initially supposed to be sent to Cañon City, the location of a recent deadly equine influenza outbreak taking at least 145 lives; and the site of violations including a whopping thirteen instances of non-compliance by the Bureau of Land Management, including euthanasia. Read more about this on the Colorado Sun.
However, after public response and outcry, the BLM then released that these horses will be sent to a holding facility in Utah instead. After the outbreak in Cañon City, Colorado’s governor called for the BLM to halt all future roundups until the facility could be investigated. Though after releasing a report on the illness within the facility, the BLM decided to continue with their destructive plan.
The Wild Beauty Foundation maintains the Cañon City holding facility should be shut down until a comprehensive investigation is done, the horses should be moved to another facility, and disapproves of the BLM’s choice to go against governor Polis’s requests.
We hope that advocates will spread the word about what is happening. Please share this newsletter on social media.
Oppose the BLM’s Roundup of Colorado’s Piceance-East Douglas Wild Horses
After this week’s rescheduling of the East Douglas Roundup by the BLM, Colorado Governor Polis’s spokesman, Conor Cahill, stated “It is apparent not only that they will not seriously consider better alternatives, allowing only a few weeks for bait-and-trap methods, but that the agency truly doesn’t care to first listen to stakeholders before moving forward.”
To help advocate for these wild horses you can send a letter to the BLM expressing your concern and disapproval of yet another unnecessary roundup.
Please ask the BLM to halt the roundup and tell them:
“I stand with wild horses.”
Send your public comment to the office of Chris Maestas Call 970-826-5101 Emailcjmaestas@blm.gov
Terri Farley’s “The Phantom Stallion” Receives Updated Cover Art
“The Phantom Stallion” series by our dear friend Terri Farley, who also helped judge our inaugural WBF Short Story Competition for kids & teens in 2021; has been adored by horse lovers since the first book was published in 2002. Ten years later, the first book in the series, “The Wild One”, is about to be re-released for a new generation of young adults to enjoy! This re-release features stunning new cover art by Lousie Meijer-Astrom.
The Phantom Stallion series follows Sam Foster, an equestrian who shares a special bond with a wild horse in the American West. This wildly popular series includes 24 books total, with an additional 11 in the spinoff “The Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island” series.
The new, re-release version of “The Wild One” is available for preorder on Amazon with a release date set for March 21, 2023.
WBF is excited to host an upcoming virtual event to connect with our community and bring some fun and positivity into the wild horse advocacy world. Too often we find ourselves sinking into sadness with the accelerated roundups or other tragic news, and it is healthy to find joy and celebrate our wild horses too. And so, The Wild Beauty Foundation is partnering with our friends at LaLa Horse to bring you a fun wild horse-themed trivia night.
WBF Wild Horse Trivia Night
June 28th, 2022 7:00pm EST / 4pm PST
Special guests include:
Filmmakers Ashley Avis & Edward Winters of The Wild Beauty Foundation
Erik Molvar of Western Watersheds Project
Lobbyist Marty Irby and attorney Scott Beckstead
Renowned wild horse photographer Kimerlee Curyl
The event will be one hour live via Zoom, with the game played on your phones. There are five rounds of ten wild-horse-related questions, and also special surprises!
The trivia itself will be about forty-five minutes, and the last fifteen (and perhaps a bit more) will be a Q&A session with these speakers, all featured in our upcoming documentary WILD BEAUTY: Mustang Spirit of the West.
This event is open to all ages, and anyone is welcome to come learn about our nation’s wild horses or show off their knowledge of these special equines! Invite your friends to this night of wild horse education and fun, and forward along our newsletter.
Whisper of the Wild, a young mare WBF rescued from a Louisiana kill pen a few weeks ago, has been doing great only 30 days into her rehabilitation.
Based on her brand, Whisper was rounded up from the wild in 2019 from Idaho, and adopted out through the BLM. Unfortunately, she was later abandoned by her owner at a kill pen, in a terribly emaciated and clearly abused state. Thanks to one of our adopters altering us to her presence, WBF stepped in to rescue her during the night from an uncertain future.
Whisper’s transformation in just a few short weeks is extraordinary. She has been putting on weight, is up to date on vaccinations, and is on the road to recovery.
This once wild mare has seen a lot of tragedy in her short lifetime, but she will be meeting her new adopter soon – and we cannot wait to share those updates with you, our community.
Thank you everyone who contributed to her rehabilitation, participated in Whisper’s online naming event, or have shared her journey. Everyone should know the value of rescue horses, and that every life matters.
We cannot do our work efficiently without your help; such as raising awareness, creating video campaigns, rescuing horses in need, and crafting other unique innovations to protect our wild world.
If you are interested in donating toward our Rescue Fund to help other horses like Whisper, please click this link. Any amounts are greatly appreciated and will be put directly toward helping rescued wild horses and burros. If you would like to donate toward our overall efforts, you can click the button above or right here.
As we celebrate Father’s day, we look to the powerful Onaqui stallions who fiercely stood by their families during the roundup of their herd.
Old Man, a thirty-year-old member of the special herd WBF documented for over three years, survived countless roundups. Though not often among the herd, Old Man kept a watchful eye from the mountains. This beautiful soul became a wise father figure to all of the Onaqui, and so while have been no reported sightings of Old Man recently, indicating his soul may have now have lived and passed on in the wild where he belonged; we celebrate him this Father’s Day.
A Quote to Graze On
EAGLES IN A STORM
Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?
The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.
The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
When the storms of life come upon us – and all of us will experience them – we can rise above them, we can soar above the storm.
Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.
Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world. – The WBF Team
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!
Other Ways to Help WBF
Vote for us once a week on MyGivingCircle so we can hopefully partake in a share of grant money! Vote with just two clicks here, we are currently #69 and must get into the top #10 with just a few weeks to go.
Join Us On Our Journey. We’d love to stand beside you.
Protest Filed Opposing BLM’s Plan to Remove 43% of Wild Horse Habitat in Wyoming
Last month, the Bureau of Land Management released anotice to the Federal Register stating plans to wipe out wild horse populations in the Salt Wells Creek, Great Divide Basin, and Adobe Town HMAs. The BLM plans to set a maximum population of zero horses across almost 2 million acres of land in Salt Wells Creek and Great Divide Basin as well as reduce the HMA acreage and wild horse population by half in the Adobe Town HMA.
These plans will lead to eradication of Wyoming’s wild horses.
The BLM’s notice calls for 2.1 million acres of land to be removed from Wyoming Herd Management Areas. This will allow the BLM to create much lower AML’s, causing the wild horse population to become genetically unsustainable.
In response to this notice, the Animal Welfare Institute and American Wild Horse Campaign filed a formalprotest against the BLM’s plans in Wyoming. Well-known wild horse photographers Kimerlee Curyl and Carol Walker also opposed the plans in the protest.
WBF is glad to see organizations standing up for the unnecessary removal of wild horses in this state and hopes that this action leads to BLM’s reconsideration.
Green Gambling: Eco-Friendly Initiatives in Canadian Casinos
As the world becomes increasingly conscious of environmental issues, industries are striving to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. The gambling industry is no exception, with Canadian casinos leading the way in implementing eco-friendly initiatives. In this article, we delve into the concept of Green Gambling and explore how casinos across Canada are embracing environmentally conscious strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable future.
We will examine the innovative approaches that Canadian casinos are taking to minimize their impact on the environment, from energy-efficient lighting systems to waste reduction programs. By prioritizing sustainability, these establishments are not only contributing to the preservation of our planet but also setting a positive example for other industries to follow. Join us on this journey to discover how Green Gambling is reshaping the landscape of Canadian casinos and paving the way for a greener, more responsible gaming industry.
Sustainable Practices in Canadian Casinos: A Focus on Green Gambling
Canadian casinos are increasingly embracing eco-friendly initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, with a focus on sustainable practices and green technologies. One notable initiative is the implementation of energy-efficient lighting systems throughout casino facilities. By using LED lights, casinos can significantly decrease energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable operation.
Another key aspect of green gambling in Canadian casinos is the adoption of paperless policies. Many casinos have digitalized their operations, from electronic gaming machines to virtual ticketing systems, reducing the need for paper usage. This shift not only minimizes waste but also streamlines processes, offering a more efficient and environmentally conscious gaming experience for patrons.
Furthermore, Canadian casinos are implementing recycling programs to manage their waste more effectively. By segregating and recycling materials like glass, plastic, and paper, casinos are diverting significant amounts of waste from landfills. These initiatives not only demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship but also contribute to a circular economy by promoting resource conservation.
In addition to internal initiatives, some Canadian casinos are investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines to power their operations. By generating clean energy on-site, casinos are reducing their reliance on traditional fossil fuels and moving towards a more sustainable energy model. These efforts showcase a growing trend in the gambling industry towards environmental responsibility and green innovation.
Environmental Impact of Casinos: Promoting Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Canadian casinos are increasingly embracing eco-friendly initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint. One notable example is the implementation of energy-efficient practices at various gambling establishments across the country. From using LED lighting to installing motion-sensor technology, casinos are striving to minimize their energy consumption and promote sustainability within their operations.
Another key focus of green gambling initiatives in Canadian casinos is waste reduction and recycling. Many casinos have implemented comprehensive recycling programs to manage their waste more effectively. By encouraging patrons and staff to recycle materials such as paper, plastic, and glass, these casinos are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future.
One innovative eco-friendly initiative that has gained traction in Canadian casinos is the introduction of Casimatic, a cutting-edge system that optimizes energy usage and reduces operational costs. Casimatic utilizes advanced technology to monitor and control energy consumption in real-time, allowing casinos to make informed decisions that benefit both the environment and their bottom line.
Overall, the shift towards eco-friendly practices in Canadian casinos reflects a growing awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability in the gaming industry. By implementing initiatives such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and innovative technologies like Casimatic, casinos are demonstrating their commitment to reducing their environmental impact and promoting a greener future for all.
Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction in the Casino Industry
Canadian casinos are increasingly embracing eco-friendly initiatives to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to sustainability efforts. One notable initiative is the implementation of energy-efficient lighting systems throughout casino facilities. By switching to LED lights, casinos can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This not only lowers operating costs but also minimizes the carbon footprint of the establishments.
Another key aspect of green gambling in Canadian casinos is the focus on waste reduction and recycling programs. Many casinos have introduced comprehensive recycling initiatives to manage waste effectively. By encouraging staff and patrons to recycle materials like paper, plastic, and glass, these casinos are diverting significant amounts of waste from landfills, thereby promoting a more sustainable approach to waste management.
In addition to energy efficiency and waste reduction, some Canadian casinos are investing in sustainable sourcing practices. This includes sourcing food and beverages locally to support regional farmers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. By prioritizing local suppliers and organic products, these casinos are promoting environmental stewardship and fostering a connection with the local community.
Overall, the green gambling movement in Canadian casinos reflects a growing awareness of the importance of environmental responsibility in the gaming industry. By implementing energy-saving technologies, waste management strategies, and sustainable sourcing practices, casinos are demonstrating their commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting a more sustainable future for the gaming sector.
Green Technologies and Innovations in Canadian Casino Operations
Canadian casinos are increasingly embracing eco-friendly initiatives to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainability. One notable initiative is the implementation of energy-efficient lighting systems and appliances throughout the casinos. By using LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment, casinos are able to significantly reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint. Additionally, many casinos have adopted recycling programs to manage waste more effectively, including recycling paper, glass, and plastic materials.
Another key focus of green gambling initiatives in Canadian casinos is water conservation. Casinos are implementing water-saving technologies such as low-flow faucets and toilets to reduce water usage. Some casinos have even installed rainwater harvesting systems to collect and reuse rainwater for irrigation purposes. These eco-friendly practices not only help casinos operate more sustainably but also contribute to raising awareness about environmental issues among staff and visitors.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Canadian Casinos Leading the Way in Sustainability
Canadian casinos are increasingly embracing eco-friendly initiatives to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainability. One significant step taken by these establishments is the implementation of energy-efficient measures such as LED lighting, motion sensors, and smart thermostats. By optimizing energy usage, casinos can significantly decrease their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
Another key focus area for green gambling initiatives in Canadian casinos is waste management. Many casinos have adopted recycling programs to minimize waste sent to landfills. Additionally, some establishments have implemented composting initiatives to divert organic waste from garbage disposal. By prioritizing waste reduction and recycling, casinos are demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Furthermore, Canadian casinos are exploring renewable energy sources like solar power and wind energy to further reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources. By incorporating sustainable practices into their operations, casinos are not only enhancing their environmental credentials but also setting an example for other industries to follow. Through these eco-friendly initiatives, Canadian casinos are proving that responsible gaming can go hand in hand with sustainability.
As Canadian casinos embrace eco-friendly initiatives, the future of green gambling looks promising. From energy-efficient buildings to sustainable waste management practices, these establishments are setting a positive example for the industry. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, casinos are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also contributing to a greener world. As players and stakeholders become more conscious of the impact of their choices, the demand for eco-friendly casinos is likely to grow. With ongoing efforts and innovative solutions, the marriage of entertainment and environmental responsibility in the gaming industry is well underway, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Join the Upcoming Virtual Wild Horse Info Meeting Hosted by BLM
In a recent press release by the BLM, a virtual meeting with the Colorado State Office concerning wild horse management was announced. Colorado BLM will discuss information about the upcoming roundup, the Canon City holding facility, and the future of wild horse management. This will be followed by a Q&A period for anyone attending the meeting. The Zoom meeting will be held Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 from 4:00-5:00 PT / 5:00-6:00 MDT / 7:00-8:00 EST and anyone interested in joining must preregister on BLM’s website.
This comes after Colorado’s Canon City holding facility has come under fire for allowing an outbreak of equine influenza in unvaccinated wild horses eight months after they were captured. This news gained public attention after over 140 deaths in the facility since April. Since then, reviews have been conducted and point to several violations of policy within the holding facility. It is likely that this will be discussed in the meeting and we hope to see change made in the way the way the BLM manages wild horses after this tragic event.
Colorado BLM has another roundup planned at the East Douglas HMA later this year, near where the infected horses at the holding facility were gathered from. Governor Jared Polis recently called for a delay in this roundup due to the deaths in Canon City. More information is to be released at this meeting, while leading wild horse advocates work on forming their next steps in protecting these horses from another deadly roundup.
WBF is excited to host an upcoming virtual event to connect with our community, and bring some fun and positivity into the wild horse advocacy world.Too often we find ourselves sinking into sadness with the accelerated roundups, or other tragic news, and it is healthy to find joy and celebrate our wild horses too.And so, The Wild Beauty Foundation is partnering with our friends at LaLa Horse to bring you a fun wild horse themed trivia night.
WBF Wild Horse Trivia Night
June 28th, 2022 7:00pm EST / 4pm PST
Special guests include:
Filmmakers Ashley Avis & Edward Winters of The Wild Beauty Foundation
Erik Molvar of Western Watersheds Project
Lobbyist Marty Irby and attorney Scott Beckstead
Renowned wild horse photographer Kimerlee Curyl
The event will be one hour live via Zoom, with the game played on your phones.There are five rounds of ten wild-horse related questions, and also special surprises!
The trivia itself will be about forty-five minutes, and the last fifteen (and perhaps a bit more) will be a Q&A session with these speakers, all featured in our upcoming documentary WILD BEAUTY: Mustang Spirit of the West.
This event is open to all ages, and anyone is welcome to come learn about our nation’s wild horses or show off your knowledge on these special equines!Invite your friends to this night of wild horse education and fun, and forward along our newsletter.
A very special wild horse celebrated his ninth birthday this week. Stargazer, a well known stallion of the Onaqui herd spent this special occasion with his adopter and favorite mare, Nora, in his new home.
Stargazer became one of the incredible horses we decided to follow and highlight while constructing our upcoming documentary, WILD BEAUTY: Mustang Spirit of the West. Our hearts soared watching Stargazer for years in the wild, battling with other stallions or watching over his family.He captivated our imaginations with his bravery, his beauty, and also his exquisite gentleness.
Our hearts broke as we watched Stargazer and his family get rounded up in July 2021 during the unnecessary and unjust roundup of the Onaqui by the Bureau of Land Management.
Then we filmed with quiet fury at the holding facility in Delta, documenting the unutterable and inhumane conditions the horses were forced to live in.Water pooling everywhere.Deep mud up to their forelocks.Cramped enclosures. Injuries. Worse. The eyes of our beloved Onaqui clouded, their freedom lost, their spirits shattered.
It was a joy and a relief to finally see Stargazer and Nora be adopted together by someone we adore and trust. While he is no longer wild, if you look into his eyes like we have many times: you can see that his spirit has been freed.And now, we join in celebrating Stargazer’s 9th birthday! Below you can see how much he is loved by both his wonderful adopter and the mare he spent so many years with in the wild.
A new review by the Bureau of Land Management exposed several policy violations at the Wheatland Holding Facility in Wyoming this month. A Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program report was done, with the facility receiving an 83%. Although this is within the “compliant” range according to BLM standards, the report sited staff shortages, lacking sufficient numbers of sorting pens, no shelter for horses and burros, and lack of quality hay.
The report sited that the wild horses in holding has no access to shade, shelter from elements, or wind breaks within their pens. In addition to this, the hay given to animals was not maintaining an acceptable body condition and was leaving horses underweight.
The BLM states that underweight horses were gathered in this condition and staff shortages are not to blame for their condition. This is a false narrative often given to the public, that the BLM uses to justify a roundup.
This report comes after the facility was closed to the public for over two months after an outbreak of strangles where 13 horse died. It was later revealed more than half of the holding facility’s wild horses showed signs of the highly contagious disease.
We must do more to stop the cruel roundups in our country and the awful results that follow.
We cannot do our work efficiently without your help; such as raising awareness, creating video campaigns, rescuing horses in need, and crafting other unique innovations to protect our wild world.
If you are interested in donating toward our Rescue Fund, please click this link. Any amounts are greatly appreciated and will be put directly toward helping rescued wild horses and burros. If you would like to donate toward our overall efforts, you can click the button above or right here.
Kick up your hooves and take in the beauty of summer! This lovely photo of an Onaqui wild horse was taken by Kimerlee Curyl in 2020. You can get a chance to meet her and here some stories about her trips to photograph these beautiful herds during WBF Trivia Night on June 28th.
“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
One of the hardest parts of any journey is the time spent waiting for something to change. Be patient with yourself and your surroundings. Beauty comes at a slow pace.
Thank you for being a supporter of wild horses, and protecting the wild beauty of our world. – The WBF Team
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!
Other Ways to Help WBF
Vote for us once a week on MyGivingCircle so we can hopefully partake in a share of grant money! Vote with just two clicks here, we are currently #69 and must get into the top #10 with just a few weeks to go.
Join Us On Our Journey. We’d love to stand beside you.
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Another beautiful shot of Whisper during her rehabilitation by 
