Epona's Wild Mustang Sanctuary

Advocates question necessity of latest government roundup of wild horses Right now, one of the largest roundups of wild horses is happening in southwestern Wyoming, but for those against the practice, they believe the justifications for it aren't correct.

Wake up people!

“I did not write this but I know this story and it should be shared. Do not send your horse to public auction. Also do not give it away unless it is to a known and trusted individual. Unless some kind soul such as this woman steps forward your horse will likely be in the hands of a kill buyer.

Dear unknown,

Your braids did not go unnoticed.

I can only imagine the thoughts going through your mind as you combed, separated, and painstakingly braided her hair for the last time. Not just her mane. But her tail as well.

I’m sure your fingers became sore. I’m sure you talked to her while you twisted each rubber band. What did you say?

Did you tell her you loved her? Did you tell her it would all be okay? Did you tell her she was going on a journey? What does one tell their mule, horse, donkey, or pony prior to sending them to an auction?

Her eyes say she trusts. Trusts that her human will make the best decisions for her. She will be loyal to a fault, because you asked it of her. If her human says she must get in a strange trailer, with many other frightened, angry, and confused horses. Then this is what she’ll do.

For over 20 years. She’s been there for you. Maybe not all of those years with you. But certainly she’s been a good girl, worthy of braids, for a very long time. She has a blemish now. Age has caught up to her a bit. Her right front fetlock has built up boney deposits in an effort to stabilize her old joints, so that she can continue on. Continue to serve her humans.

She neck reigns. That did not go unnoticed. She’s been trained. And trained well. She’s had a lot of miles put on her. She’s been a good mule. A mule worthy of braids.

When she went to the auction, you were not there. Too painful to see your old girl sold to the highest bidder. You hoped that her braids showed what a special mule she was. That someone special would buy her. But, braids do not matter to a kill buyer. A buyer who will turn a profit based on how much they pay per pound for your old mule, and how much they can sell her for to the Mexican meat market.

Your beautiful old mule, with braids in her hair...was sold. Sold to a kill buyer.

There is a small glimmer of hope. Some kill buyers know that they can sell some of the auction horses to individuals who do not go to auctions. Do not have the time to travel to auctions far away. Do not have the ability to see the hundreds of horses that need new humans. Desperately need new humans.

That is where I saw her. I didn’t see her braids at first. I saw a picture of an old mule. A mule over 20 years old, who maybe could be a companion for another old mule. Another old mule who was sent to auction, and was destined for the slaughter house.

Her braids did not matter to me at first. I didn’t even see them until someone commented “look, someone braided her before they put her in the pen...”. I had to blow up the picture actually. Then I saw the seven braids you evenly spaced in her mane. The seven rubber bands that held each braid. Nice braids. Braids that stood up to the auction. Braids that stood up to shipping, jumbling, crowding, and now the “rescue pen”.

She gets a week at this pen. A week to attract a buyer. A week to find a home, instead of another journey. We have no idea which state she originally came from. But she is now in Minnesota. And she has until Friday to be saved. To be purchased by someone who cares. She has until Friday. And on Friday after 2pm... she will begin the journey again. From Minnesota to Mexico. Not for a home. But for a slaughter plant.

It’s very hard to decide at times if we can take on another horse. Winter is coming. Hay is scarce. We get no other information about her other than a picture and that she has a “old blemish” on her right front fetlock. The boys at the pen ride her ba****ck with only a halter with reins. She is such a good girl. She is very well trained. But each horse that comes from the auctions, has been exposed to hundreds of other horses. Horses that have questionable health status. Shipping fever runs through the horses like wildfire. We pray shipping fever is the only health concern we will deal with.

For days the decision weighs heavily on us. Should we take on an eleventh horse? What sort of health issues might she have? What sort of risk do we take to save a life? What financial commitments are to come? Will her ankle be a big problem? We can’t ask you. Because you are not there.

But the braids. The braids haunt everyone who sees her. The braids haunt me, once I was told they were there. I loved her before the braids. And I will love her after the braids are gone.

I just want you to know, that she will have a forever home. A home on a Sanctuary, with a loving family and a loving village of people who care. People from all over the world, who follow and care about horses and animals they have never met. People who hopefully will travel hundreds to thousands of miles some day, to visit in person, an animal they gave up their morning coffee for.

So in a way, your braids worked. They were noticed. They did help. They did haunt those who care. But if I could wish for one thing, it would be that your braided beauty would have never gone to auction in the first place. How many hours have you spent riding her? Training her? Braiding and grooming her? Was she not worth those hours back, in finding her a home?

There are rescues. There are homes looking for pasture companions. There are resources if you look. If you’d only spent the same amount of time on placing her in a forever home, as you did braiding her hair. Maybe things would be different.

I don’t wish to judge you. But I find it hard not to. I know that when I meet her later today, to load her into my trailer, to bring her to my home...I will fall head over heels in love with her. A love I’m sure you felt for her too. And I will never be able to understand how that love ended with her being at an auction.

Some people try to explain, “Maybe the owner died.” Or “maybe they couldn’t care for her anymore...”. Or “some people just don’t want to deal with selling...”. But I know that’s not true. Because the braids tell a different story. You were there for her, until you weren’t. You braided her hair, as you told her it would all be okay.

I hope there is a solution. I hope that horses and other equines can be treated with the same respect that unwanted dogs and cats are treated. At least humane euthanasia, or even humane slaughter in the U.S. instead of Canada or Mexico would be better than what these horses currently go through.

But, for now, you need to know. Your braids did not go unnoticed.” -Melissa Shelton

Gorgeous. I can't wait to get relocated to get my held-up plans in action to help the horses.

Thought it would be fun to share a side-by-side image of band stallion, Casino, showing his two sides. His pinto color pattern has a concentric side and a geometric side.
And even has one blue eye.
He comes from the Jackpot band (he looks just like his sire Jackpot), from beautiful black mare Midnight. It is very rewarding following their stories and journeys, and sharing them with you all.
Casino Oct 2020

The October video for this trip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPno1kn_VQs
Be sure to click the red subscribe button (free) to be notified when I publish new vids... and thank you!

Keep it wild: www.roamwildfund.com

Horses arriving at YYC tonight. They will be kept in crates overnight with two or three others, and in the early morning they will be loaded onto a Korean Air cargo jet bound for Japan. They will be slaughtered in Japan for the luxury raw horse meat market. Please ask your Canadian political representatives ( your MPs) to work towards putting an end to this trade.
Our petition to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture is still open. Please sign if you haven't already. https://www.change.org/p/lawrence-macaulay-canada-stop-exporting-live-horses-for-slaughter

"I have to talk or write to this man"! In my book, he has been a very smart invester and humanitarian with his (lump sum after tax winnings of approx 89 million) winnings. I love that he is leasing land to the BLM to allow approx 1,000 American Wild Mustangs to graze on some of his pasture land. The cowboy rancher, Neal Wanless, that won 232 million with a Powerball ticket in 2009 and invested in pulling together properties until it reached 50,000 acres is now selling the ranch for over 41 million. Part of the land is still l leased to the BLM (and an independent company that maintains the herd) to pasture released BLM wild American Mustangs. I can learn a lot from him in regards to running my future charitable 501.e Foundation for "Epona's Wild Mustang Sanctuary". His story and success has sure given me ideas, encouragement, and motivation.He has now bought a home in Canada and winter home in Arizona with his wife. Yeah, Arizona! I have to talk to this man!

Real Estate | South Dakota Cowboy Who Won $232.1 Million Powerball Lists $41.15 Million Ranch | Apk Metropolitan News In 2009, Neal Wanless was a younger cowboy residing on a ranch in Mission, S.D., Double Click

BLM is bound by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act approved by Congress in 1971, that protect wild free-roaming and burros from capture, branding, harassment or death.

However some wild horses on non-BLM federal lands are not protected by the 1971 law. Those horses are often adopted or rescued by private sanctuaries when they reach unsustainable numbers. (quote from this article)

Government horses roam S.D. lottery winner’s land NEWELL, S.D. - A South Dakota man who won a $232 million Powerball jackpot in 2009 is now getting paid to let government horses roam his land.

We entered 2019 in the shadow of the aftermath of 184 horses being removed in 2018 and the tragic killing a five peason ridge horses who were maliciously gun down just prior to last New Years. And finally we were dealt a terrible blow when Judge Summerhays chose to ignore significant evidence relating to the their biological and historical significance, this resulted in our case being denied in the army given clearance to move forward with the complete elimination of Louisiana’s Heritage horses in March of 2019. Not long after this judgment in May we saw our first of 4 round ups. Total number removed during 2019 is 67 horses.

Amidst the struggles and set backs we had early in 2019, we have experienced a level of teamwork and collaboration that has saved every horse evicted in 2019, as well as bringing 12 fort polk horses back from Ohio home to Louisiana. That’s 79 fort Polk horses in 2019. None of which could have happened without the Kelli of Haseyas, Van and Emily of Baby Girl. Clinton, Joe, Charnel, and Cash, who have allowed us to provide the level of care these horses deserve. I do not know where the horses would be without each one of them.

This collaboration of like-minded, preservation-centric individuals sets the stage for 2020 to be a defining year in our mission to secure the fate of Louisiana’s Wild Horses.

I visited the drop zone New Year’s Day and found only two lonely stallions grazing amount the hundreds of thousands of acres with no other horses in site.

Fort Polk has recently sent a communication to all 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare orgs on their list to confirm participation, this is likely sign that more round ups are possible in the near future. We are looking at the potential of more removals from another location called Peason Ridge which is 30 mins north of the drop zone location.

The peason ridge horses are considerably less socialized to humans and are considerably more isolated.

Both herds are of great historical and biological significance.

We will need to position ourselves to be able to step in and help should these roundups continue.

If you can please continue to donate to our cause as we have a long way to go.
https://www.paypal.me/PEGAfortpolkhorses

If you can help in other ways please message the page or call me directly 337-739-0036

Update 081820 4:15pm:
We have received notification from range control of 13 horses captured today.

Initial Post:
We’ve had reports that the herd of horses that have been congregating on North Fort for a long time have been captured. We are waiting for the official notification from Range Control.

I can’t express how proud we are of Board of Animal Health and the Louisiana Department if Agriculture and Forestry for their hard work in getting this moved forward, the ladies who have worked to keep this in the forefront and provide direction to those who have been wronged by these criminals, and to the countless people who have been working collectively to assist...

(*** A harsh reality is that these are the same people who Fort Polk paid tax payer money to capture Louisiana Wild Horses)

“July 24th 2020

More progress and NEWS! The rope is getting tighter...

Suit filed in Vernon Parish, Board of Animal Health and La. Dept of Ag and Forestry vs Gary Thompson and Jacob Thompson. Petition for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Permanent Injunction.

**Excerpt: *******
“The Board respectfully submits that it is entitled, under the provisions of La. R.S. 3:2093 to injunctive relief in the form of a temporary restraining order, and subsequently preliminary and permanent injunctions, restraining, enjoining, and prohibiting Defendants. Jacob Thompson and Gary Thompson, individually and d/b/a Thompson Horse Lot, Thompson Livestock Company, and Jacob Thompson Cattle, LLC, their agents, employees, and all other persons, firms, or corporations acting or claiming to act on their behalf from (1) performing any acts as a livestock dealer or engaging in the livestock dealer business without a permit from the Board, including buying and selling livestock, and (2) from performing any services normally performed by a livestock dealer until Defendant's have obtained a valid permit from the Board; Secondly, that a rule issue herein in accordance with law, directed to Jacob Thompson and Gary Thompson, to appear and show cause on a date and time to be fixed by this Honorable Court why a preliminary and permanent injunction in the form and substance of the temporary restraining order set forth above should not issue"
*****************************************************

THIS is huge news and represents significant dedication, continuous efforts and much work by La. Dept of Ag to document and prove their case! August court date set.”
https://pegasusequine.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/petition-for-tro-docket-99040-redacted.pdf

Sad site for those who love and appreciate the wild horses that once roamed this vast area of Kisatchie... a lone stallion with no herd.

I suspect the value of those mowing contracts has gone up tremendously.... tax payer dollars used to destroy living connections to our past and our identity as Americans... and tax payer dollars use to pay for upkeep of lands that the horses use to graze.

With all the is going on in this crazy world, they were a vision that took you away from it all... even if it was just for a moment in time. We see less and less of what is pure, honest, and genuine these days.... they should have been treasured not eliminated.

In other areas they still exist for now. Pray that this senseless destruction of our national treasures ends.

The Ecological Impact of Horses as a Keystone Species Critical to the Regeneration of the Earth - The Valley Equestrian News The Ecological Impact of Horses as a Keystone Species Critical to the Regeneration of the Earth By Janice M. Ladendorf For many years, the future of the feral horses who remain on public property in the United States has been highly controversial. Those who want to exterminate them have had consid...

“.... and I whispered to the horse: trust no man in whose eye you do not see yourself reflected as an equal..” - Don Vincenzo Giobbe

This is Sierra, who came to us recently. She was part of the Sept 2018 RoundUp.

UPDATE: The new Spirit calendar is now available to order. Please follow this link to place your order
:https://www.createphotocalendars.com/Store/Spirit+2021+Calendar-6863770184?s=2186
I am so excited to announce the Spirit 2021 calendar is now available to order. Celebrate your love of Spirit all year long with this gorgeous 2021 Calendar. Each month features a full page photo of Spirit. I have also included quotes from the movie Spirit, Stallion of Cimarron. Spirit served as muse and model for DreamWorks Animation’s beloved 2002 Oscar-nominated film, “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.”
Happy 25th Birthday to Spirit. I just loved being able to photograph such a magnificent horse. Spirit, the Kiger Mustang stallion served as the artists muse and model for the 2002 Dreamworks Animation film "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. "
In April 2002, after completion of the film, DreamWorks chose Return to Freedom’s American Wild Horse Sanctuary to be Spirits permanent home. He serves as a prominent ambassador of the Kiger Mustang breed. Thank you Neda DeMayo and everyone at RTF for giving him and so many other wild horses an incredible home. https://returntofreedom.org/what-we-do/sanctuary/our-horses/spirit
Photos may be purchased at my website:
https://www.megfrederickphotography.com/Spirit-Stallion-Of-Cimarron
All proceeds from photos sold will be directly donated to Return to Freedom to help care for Spirit and the other rescued horses.

***WARNING VERY GRAPHIC INJURY TO HORSE.

I am sharing to give others knowledge of what not to do, because horses can "go crazy quickly" and injure or kill themselves accidently under any condition. Please no arrogant commenting on guilt. This is shared as an educational tool only.

Over 30% of Wyoming wild horse acreage is set to be impacted by massive changes that include managing a sterilized herd (an on range holding facility) and obliterating two herds entirely.
HERE >> https://bit.ly/3clWbyS

By request WHE gives you a sample letter. Please create your own letter. Click and sends or petitions will not be considered as a demonstration of public interest and disregarded. Please create your own, personal, voice.
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One good thing.

Update: Trump signs omnibus funding package with wins for horses and burros, companion animals, animals in research and more President Trump has just signed into law the omnibus appropriations package with major victories for animals, including horses and burros, companion animals, marine mammals and animals in zoos and research facilities. The package, comprised of two bills (H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158) funding all federal