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Wild Horses and Madeleine Pickens
Published November 20, 2008 @ 02:14PM PST
First, let's allow the Animals and Society Institute to set the scene:
How’s this for a scheme that only a government could design:
Over 100,000 wild horses roamed the Western US minding their own business and not requiring any assistance from people, thank you anyway. So let’s spend lots of time and money rounding up nearly half of them, kill and injure some in the process, and condense the survivors into holding areas.
Now those horses who once roamed free do need human intervention. Food, medical services, and caretaker personnel, for starters. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), who manages this enterprise, complains that it takes three-fourths of its $37 million horse budget just for such basics.
Under the “Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971” (the legislation that prohibits commercial capture of wild horses but mandates government roundups) the BLM must offer the horses for adoption at $125 each, sell the remainder without restriction (spelled “slaughter”), or euthanize them.
Even at such a low price adoptions have been steadily falling and holding pen density is increasing. But the BLM has been very reluctant to sell the remaining 30,000 horses to the horsemeat trade or to euthanize them because of the anticipated public outcry.
Faced with a budget crisis, though, the BLM decided that it must “bite the bullet” and begin making “hard choices” at a scheduled October 17, 2008 meeting.
The news broke a few days ago that the uber-wealthy Madeleine Pickens has stepped up and agreed to adopt the 2,000 mustangs who were about to be killed as well as possibly all, or at the very least most, of the 30,000 wild horses and burros whom the government has rounded up in federal holding facilities. Wow. How fantastic is it when someone with the means to do something incredible actually does something incredible?
There's far more on this story and on the underlying issues in the Washington Post article "A Dramatic Rescue for Doomed Wild Horses of the West."
See also the following posts:
- Animals and Society Institute: Horse Senseless - With a Happy Ending
- Creature Talk: Happy News for America’s Mustangs & Burros
By the way, we'll talk in further detail another time about the connections between cattle ranching and the killing of wildlife--on how cattle ranchers' interests always take precedent and more--but for now, I'll just leave you with this from the Washington Post: "The wild horses had become too expensive to maintain, and cattlemen argued that turning them loose would be a drain on the already scarce grazing lands of the West." And this from ASI: "Grazing rights on those public lands where the horses ran free are inexpensively leased to cattle ranchers. They complain that the horses compete with bovines for the limited forage. Some land experts disagree, arguing that cattle don’t graze far from water whereas horses roam great distances. Nevertheless, the cattle lobby is a powerful force inside government." If you take all that to mean that support of the beef industry contributes to problems such as this, with wild animals being exterminated in large numbers and/or removed from their natural habitats so that humans can have their hamburgers and steaks, I won't object.
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Photo by Desert Rider
Comments
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Author
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Stephanie Ernst
- St. Louis, MO
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Stephanie is a vegan, a tree hugger, a freelance editor and writer, and an animal rights advocate. She lives in St. Louis with a motley pack of three dogs and two cats as well as the world's most adorable foster pit bull.
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I just want to say thank you for stepping forward to take care of these spectacular animals.
How about if you ask about a thousand of us recently retired but still very agile people to help run the reserve. Some of us could help with logistics.
Deanie M. Leonard
Posted by Deanie Leonard, PhD, MBA on 11/20/2008 @ 07:32PM PST
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Thank you Mrs. Pickens! and congrats on your worthy endeavor... I'd love to be associated with your efforts.
Posted by Tina Hall on 11/21/2008 @ 01:54PM PST
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Madeleine ~ You are sooo amazing! I live in Illinois and plan to relocate in Reno soon. I have been following this sad story of our Western history and was just sickened with the possibility of destorying such a beautiful animal! Thank you Thank you!
Karen
Posted by karen zuver on 11/21/2008 @ 04:12PM PST
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mrs. pickens
how very wonderful of you - i have my second mustang companion and they are magical - lost my first to phyrangeal paralysis and it broke my heart, but cody - my 2nd colorado mustang has been my partner for 3 years - a handsome buckskin who is so very gentle with children, cats, dogs, etc and is wonderful on mountain trails
thank you from the bottom of my heart
ann spiegel
ann@annspiegel.biz
Posted by ann spiegel on 11/21/2008 @ 04:20PM PST
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Madeline,
Thank you for saving this piece of history, these amazing animals.
I own a mustang, that I adopted as a weanling in Wyoming. He has become a perfect trail horse, and we are now learning together in the arena, where he lives for the winter. "Rowdy" is beautiful, wise and gentle. He loves kids, he aims to please. These horses have so much potential, that I cannot imagine having another breed of horse. Your effort is truly one of honor. Despite our countries woes at present, this is evidence of pride in our heritage; what these animals represent, and your most sincere intentions. I thank you on behalf of Rowdy's relatives.
Regards, Laurie Bush
Posted by Laurie Bush on 11/21/2008 @ 05:09PM PST
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Dear Mrs. Pickens,
I am a Native American Woman from the Pasqua Yaqui tribe. I have herd
about this story and prayed to the great spirit that someone would
finally come and protect these sacred animals. Humanity owes an
incredible debt to the horse and to the medicine it brings. They are honored and highly priced partner with humanity. Mighty horse the
power to run across the open plains, or to bring the vision of the
shields dancing in purple dream rain. I am offering my sevices to help this cause, including working on the sanctuary to share with the world.
Thank You
Genevieve Clark
Native Warrior Women
Posted by Genevieve Clark on 11/21/2008 @ 05:23PM PST
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Mrs Pickens, Thank you for your efforts in rescuing so many wonderful animals. My wife and I have only been able to adopt three mustangs and two burros to try and help save this wonderful piece of American heritage. Most of the time humans only take and destroy and your effort to preserve is to be commended. Again, thank you and much success.
Dick and Sue Bishop
Winchester, KY
Posted by Dick Bishop on 11/21/2008 @ 05:31PM PST
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Dear Mrs. Pickens, I just saw the Person of the Week Segment.
When the segment was over I told my husband I'd love to work for a women like you. I've been an animal lover since I could walk. All of my dogs are resuces and one of them, Victoria and I were an Animal Assited Therapy Team for 4 years. I could only dream of doing such great things as you and your husband.
Thank you..
Susan Gonzales
Los Angeles, CA
Posted by Susan Gonzales on 11/21/2008 @ 07:13PM PST
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Madeleine,Watching you tonight on TV brought tears to my eyes, you are a wonderful person to save these beautiful horses. I have horses myself and have rescued a few in the past. It is heart breaking where I live. People are turning their horses loose because they can't afford to feed them. My hat's off to you. Lynne
Posted by Lynne Shmakoff on 11/21/2008 @ 07:28PM PST
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Dear Madeleine Pickens
My name is Michael Rae, I saw your media coverage on the
wild horses and it hit me hard...I'm 46 and been in Ranching a
better part of my life.. If your looking for a good ranch hand
I'll be there to help in any way I can..I've been riding for 40
years and should be good for another 40.. I'm a good rider and will
give you my all if you need help..You need a Fence around your
horse Reserve I'll be there for you and I'll give you my all..I beleave in all you are doing to SAVE our horse and I'm at your
calling for this calling......PLEASE CALL...Michael Rae..541-2441536..My business Number..or Email michael@rocketmail.com Thank You and God Bless You for your fight to save our wild life..(ie) horses..Please Call...................
Posted by Michael Rae on 11/21/2008 @ 07:47PM PST
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Dear Mrs. Pickens, I saw the Person of the Week Segment.
and it made me want to cry..it,s true Americans with big hearts
that save what truely makes America what it is..I was raised on
a farm and have rode horses most of my life and would be honored
to help you in any way possible..Your dream of a million acres will need a fence..I truly believe in your DREAMS for our horses. and if
your looking for a good Ranch Hand I'll be there in a minute..Thank You..it a person like you that makes America
what it is..and what it will be in the future..GOD BLESS YOU..
Please Call Michael Rae..(541)244-1536 or Email michaelrae@rocketmail.com
Posted by Michael Rae on 11/21/2008 @ 08:01PM PST
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Dear Mrs. Pickens
My wife and I saw you on ABC's Person of the Week. When it was over we both said how much we'd love to work on your ranch when you get it going. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to live on a big ranch and work with and care for horses. I'm a freelance graphic designer and could help you with promoting the tourism that will help pay for your endeavor. I'm also an ex-engineer and huge proponent of renewable energy and could be a help to your husband in his pursuit. My talents are too many to list here, but I'd be glad to discuss them with you when you get to the point of staffing your ranch. My wife is equally talented and she sees us managing the tourist facilities. This shameless attempt to contact you and ask for your consideration is probably crazy, but it's a chance I felt I had to take if my dream is to come true. What you are doing is truly generous and wonderful and we wish you all the best.
Posted by Doug Deal on 11/21/2008 @ 08:25PM PST
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Dear Madeline Pickens,
I watched with great interest the "Person of the Week" item on ABC. What a wonderful thing you have in the plans to save those beautiful creatures. You and your wonderful husband are doing a fantastic job of trying to save our planet from all the destructive forces. The fall 2008 issue of "The Land Report" was very well done and gave many folks the opportunity to view your husband's plans. Fantastic that you folks are leading us in the proper path to save this nation and the rest of planet earth. There will be a special place in Heaven for both of you.
Tom Caldwell
Posted by Tom Caldwell on 11/22/2008 @ 05:15PM PST
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My deepest gratitude and appreciation to Ms. Pickens. This is a subject near and dear to my heart as it's been a long, losing battle to get government officials to act reasonably and responsibility in this matter. I grew up around horses, and I love and revere them, their wisdom, and their spirit. I consider mustangs to be this country's symbol of freedom, endurance, and independence. Wild Horse Annie has long been a heroine, and if Ms. Pickens succeeds, she will be, too. My heart now holds some hope - not only for the wild horses and burros, which were here long before any of us; but also for this country. (And yes, equines were native to America long before the Spanish reintroduced them.) The most meaningful things are not about profit or monetary benefit. If successful, this project would go a long ways towards restoring America’s reputation in the eyes of the rest of the world. And Ms. Pickens will go down in the history books as a leader and as someone with wisdom and vision. Her plan would save countless wild horses and a living symbol of our heritage and history. Future generations would also benefit, as would the land and our country as a whole.
Thank you for acting in their and our behalf, Ms. Pickens, and for working to accomplish what other have not been able to.
Posted by Regina Giskin on 11/23/2008 @ 11:42AM PST
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Thank you Mrs. Pickens. Also, to your husband for his able help as well. It is a wonderful idea that you had and you will execute. Wild horses are a beautiful thing and need to roam free as you intend them to. I hope to come someday and see your wonderful place. Please set up something so horse lovers from around the world and country can help donate to this brilliant idea. People will sponsor it for sure when it is done, but your vision and ability to execute this is remarkable. I have cancer and lost a friend of a friend who was a horsewomen. It would be wonderful to be able to have a memorial to souls who have also protected, cared and loved animals while they were here. We all pray that their spirts will run with the wild horses in heaven and on earth. Your special place will be that. Let me know if such a memorial can be worked into your plan. Rhode Island... ps... I hear your BLM land will be over a billion acres and larger than Rhode Island.... perfect!
Posted by Sande Puchalsk on 11/23/2008 @ 05:05PM PST
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Madeleine,
I operate a small Paso Fino, (cousin to the Mustangs) horse rescue here in Arizona, (http://www.newbeginningspasofinohorserescue.com) and am very interested in helping you in your endeavors to create a refuge for the wild mustangs. What ever capacity I might be useful in helping with is fine by me, be it helping to care for the Mustangs, helping to maintain the refuge or educating the public about the Mustang's place in American history which must be protected.
The time of the "disposable horse" must come to an end. Please email me to discuss my possible participation in your endeavor. (.
Thank you for your time. --Glenn Davis
Surprise, Arizona
Posted by Glenn Davis on 11/24/2008 @ 10:25AM PST
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Dear Ms. Pickens,I cried like a baby when I saw the person of the week story about you adopting the captive wild horses in BLM holding pens.These horses are always depicted as unwanted,which I believe is untrue.There are those of us who would love to care for them,all of them,young and old,beautiful and yes even the homely ones,but are not in the position to be able to do that.You,Ms.Pickens ,have given us hope!Some are saying that this does not solve the problem,but its a great start,and it does solve much! The problem will not be solved untill man quits interfering.I,for one will keep writing my letters to the powers that be,but now I can continue with hope in my heart because of your great deed.Thank you Madeline Pickens! You are my hero!
Posted by Theresa Schmersey on 12/02/2008 @ 10:28AM PST
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Dear Madeleine, I have always dreamed of saving animals the way you do. I found out about you from a Time for Kids magazine and was truly amazed. My name is Vanessa and I'm in 5th grade. I would always love to sponsor you! I admire you well and I hope you will write back. Thank you so much!Your New Friend, Vanessa Reis
Posted by Kyle Reis on 12/09/2008 @ 03:33PM PST
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Dear Mrs Pickens: My husband and I would be very interested in working for you and the project. We are both horse people and own a very personable 9yr old Arabian gelding, Max. We both ride and have guided trail rides for almost 10 years in our area. If you are looking for reliable, honest and hard working people, please consider this older but better husband and wife team.
Posted by Susan Aceto on 12/27/2008 @ 06:46PM PST
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Dear Mrs. Pickens,
Three months ago I adopted a beautiful buckskin gelding and I shudder to think where he could be had I not. My family, friends and my wonderful trainer, Saunya Bolton in Lemmon Valley, are all anxiously awaiting the outcome of your magnificent and generous proposal for the future of the American icon - the mustang.
Thank you so very much.
Lynn
Posted by Lynn Matranga on 12/29/2008 @ 08:43AM PST
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Yes! Thank You, Thank you, Thank you!! Thank god there is someone with the ability to step in and do what needs to be done for these horses! What the BLM is doing to the wild horses is disgusting! All of us horse people need to take action and get bill# S. 311 passed, The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This will make it so we don't have to worry as much about all of the beautiful horses out there (in captivity as well) being brutally killed just because people are making money off it! Please join me in trying to make this happen!
Posted by Brandelyn Tafoya on 12/29/2008 @ 07:30PM PST
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Amazing woman, you are, Madeleine! Thank you so much for saving these horses! It is my dream to be able to see wild horses running free in America for centuries to come. BLM needs to be restructured. Let's hope our new president is able to put an end to having BLM in the beef industry's back pocket. We don't need more beef! We need more wild horses & wide open spaces!
Posted by Kimberly Kessler on 12/30/2008 @ 07:03PM PST
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You are the Best! What a kind loving person you are.
If there is any thing I can do to help it would feel my heart!
There is no more joy then, help and care for things you love and can be the one to do that for them.What a couple of GREAT people you are!
I live in Indiana need help?Will relocated. If interested call me I will send you more info I am a good person.Would work cheap just to be around horses. I do have 2 of my own.
Victoria Kruizenga 7777 Jackson St Culver , Indiana46511 1-574-225-2531 Thank you and your Husband you are so special
Posted by Victoria Kruizenga on 01/01/2009 @ 11:38AM PST
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