BLM Director Abby Defied Judge’s Warning and Pulled Trigger on Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM Director Abby Defied Judge’s Warning and Pulled Trigger on Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The director of the federal Bureau of Land Management, Bob Abby, personally gave a thumbs up to go ahead with a Nevada “gather” of wild horses.

Equine Welfare Alliance and The Cloud Foundation ask Senator Durbin for Help as Wild Horse Roundup Begins « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Equine Welfare Alliance and The Cloud Foundation ask Senator Durbin for Help as Wild Horse Roundup Begins « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Chicago, IL – December 30, 2009—American wild horse and burro advocates, The Cloud Foundation (TCF) and the Chicago-based Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) are organizing a peaceful gathering today in Chicago.

Wild Horse Emergency: Sheryl Crow and Viggo Mortensen’s Cry to STOP the Roundups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Emergency: Sheryl Crow and Viggo Mortensen’s Cry to STOP the Roundups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Sheryl Crow & Viggo Mortensen take a stand for saving the last few remaining Wild Horses and Burros in America! This PSA/Short film tells the viewer how to take positive action in contacting our elected officials in Washington D.C. helping to create positive change. The Time In Now!

BLM insinuates Press and Public to be Idiots in Recent Interview « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM insinuates Press and Public to be Idiots in Recent Interview « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Writer/Publisher Steven Long recently interviewed BLM spokesperson Heather Emmons regarding the disgraceful and unlawful actions being undertaken by her agency while conducting a massive winter time, wild horse roundup in Nevada. Out right lies, violation of federal law, bumbling bureaucracy and total disregard for a Federal Judge’s ruling permeate the conversation as the befuddled interviewee attempted to apply logic to an illogical and out of control government agency.

USA TODAY: Activists decry wild-horse roundups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

USA TODAY: Activists decry wild-horse roundups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Federal officials have begun rounding up at least 2,500 wild horses from Nevada rangeland, triggering protests from animal advocates who say the trapping endangers these symbols of the American West and condemns them to lives in captivity.

The protesters are organizing demonstrations around the country Wednesday to pressure the Obama administration to impose a moratorium on roundups by the Bureau of Land Management. They want to halt the practice of sending captured horses to Midwestern pastures and holding pens, where some are adopted but most remain for the rest of their lives.

Wild Horse Advocates Protest BLM Attack on Herds in Nevada « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Advocates Protest BLM Attack on Herds in Nevada « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild horse advocates held placards and waved down motorists Sunday to protest a federal roundup, by the Bureau of Land Management Monday, of mustangs from private and public lands in Nevada.

Mommy, Why are they Killing our Wild Ponies? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Mommy, Why are they Killing our Wild Ponies? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“Mommy, Mommy, it’s Christmas time, you should not be crying. Why are you crying, Mommy?

You have been crying since Christmas eve day, the day you read something in the newspaper about the wild ponies. It was something about a judge saying OK to round up the wild ponies but I don’t understand, Mommy.

Lawsuit to Protect Wild Horses Continues Despite Denial of Injunction Against Massive Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Lawsuit to Protect Wild Horses Continues Despite Denial of Injunction Against Massive Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Washington, DC (December 23, 2009). . . . Wild horse advocates today celebrated a partial victory as U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman ordered a lawsuit challenging a Bureau of Land Management roundup of thousands of wild horses in Nevada forward, but denied a preliminary injunction to stop the removal of horses, which is scheduled to begin December 28.

The Wild Horse Christmas Dream « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Wild Horse Christmas Dream « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Twas the night before Christmas on our public land
Not a Mustang was stirring, knowing what was at hand.
They huddled in fear hoping someone would care,
In hopes that the advocates soon would be there..........click on link for entire poem.

The Advocate, the Guard and the Force of the Horse « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Advocate, the Guard and the Force of the Horse « Straight from the Horse's Heart

How the Grinch Stole Equus – The Movie « Straight from the Horse's Heart

How the Grinch Stole Equus – The Movie « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Every Yuletide season, Equine advocates from around the world wait with anxious anticipation for the annual, horsey, Christmas video release from advocate and writer, John Holland.

Once again, John has out done himself with his release of

“How the Grinch Stole Equus – The Movie”

A Christmas Present for our Wild Horses? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

A Christmas Present for our Wild Horses? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The plaintiffs, In Defense of Animals, wildlife ecologist Craig Downer and journalist and author, Terri Farley, are optimistic U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman, will grant their request for a preliminary injunction to stop the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s plan to round up wild horses from the Calico Mountain Complex in Nevada.

Wild Horses: Wildlife Not Livestock « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horses: Wildlife Not Livestock « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Treated as livestock or treated as wildlife? In regard to the fundamental issue at stake in the management of wild mustangs and burros on public lands, the federal government and the Bureau of Land Management have sided with the “treated as livestock” option.

The BLM Slaughter Conspiracy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The BLM Slaughter Conspiracy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“Pure propaganda” was Bureau of Land Management (BLM) spokesperson Tom Gorey’s reaction in a recent AP interview when asked about the growing accusations that his agency is in the process of virtually exterminating the very herds of wild horses and burros that it is supposed to protect.

We were There: An Equine Christmas Story « Straight from the Horse's Heart

We were There: An Equine Christmas Story « Straight from the Horse's Heart

It was like any other evening feeding of the horses, yet it was not; or not quite, as something was different. The air was crisp and cool as Christmas was only a week away in South Louisiana, but the feeling had little to do with temperature or barometric pressure. There was an electric buzz in the air; the feeling of white noise just outside the audible range of the human ear. There was something tangible and moving in the barn that night.

Opinion: The Bureau of Land Management’s Slippery Slope « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Opinion: The Bureau of Land Management’s Slippery Slope « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The old adage goes, if you’ve dug yourself into a hole, your first step should be to throw away the shovel. The BLM apparently doesn’t see the logic in this bit of wisdom and instead of throwing away the shovel, they’ve called for a backhoe.

Embattled Montana Gov sticks Bloodied Foot in Mouth Again « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Embattled Montana Gov sticks Bloodied Foot in Mouth Again « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Montana’s Governor Brian Schweitzer garnered international notoriety, earlier this year, by allowing a controversial bill to linger on his desk and become law while he partied at the Kentucky Derby

DC Judge Holds Lives of Thousands of Wild Horses in his Hands « Straight from the Horse's Heart

DC Judge Holds Lives of Thousands of Wild Horses in his Hands « Straight from the Horse's Heart

A longtime federal judge will decide whether the Bureau of Land Management may go ahead with its planned “gather” of tens of thousands of wild horses in the desert lands of Nevada.

Wild Horse Advocates ask Judge to block huge Winter Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Advocates ask Judge to block huge Winter Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

In Defense of Animals and noted wildlife ecologist Craig Downer asked a federal judge Wednesday to block a plan to round up about and wipe out a herd of 2,700 wild horses by removing them from a western Nevada range.

Wooly Mammoth DNA indicates Wild Horse Surprise « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wooly Mammoth DNA indicates Wild Horse Surprise « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Woolly mammoths, horses and other large beasts in North America may not have gone extinct as long ago as previously thought.

Madeleine Pickens says to keep those Wild Horse emails pouring in « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Madeleine Pickens says to keep those Wild Horse emails pouring in « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – In a rousing Houston speech before the Harris County law enforcement power elite, including the sheriff, district attorney, county attorney, judges, and prominent lawyers, wild horse advocate Madeleine Pickens continued her mission to save America’s wild horses.

BLM issues Decree to Wipe out largest Wild Horse Herd during the Holidays « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM issues Decree to Wipe out largest Wild Horse Herd during the Holidays « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Bureau of Land Management issued its final record of decision Monday approving the removal of 2,500 wild horses from the range north of Reno as opposition grows to what would be one of the largest Nevada gathers in recent years.

BLM Destroyed another Wild Horse Herd while Advocates sat at Advisory Meeting « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM Destroyed another Wild Horse Herd while Advocates sat at Advisory Meeting « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The discovery of shooting deaths of six wild horses on the California-Nevada border has led to the exposure of an apparently clandestine BLM roundup of over 200 horses. The roundup of the Buckhorn Wild Horses was scheduled to begin in August 2010.

Urgent: BLM Conducts Another “Under the Radar” Wild Horse Round-up « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Urgent: BLM Conducts Another “Under the Radar” Wild Horse Round-up « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Despite growing public outrage and the threat of more legal action, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is keeping to its announced time table of rounding up almost half (14,518) of America’s wild horses and burros in the current fiscal year.

Nevada Wild Horses headed to Slaughter? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Nevada Wild Horses headed to Slaughter? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

There won’t be a merry Christmas this year for the wild horses of Nevada Wild horse advocates are upset that the Nevada Department of Agriculture has sold Virginia Range horses to a horse broker in Elko with a reputation for selling the animals to slaughterhouses.

Being a Child « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Being a Child « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Nichol is a black and white pony who has been with HfH forever. As a result of her former owner slamming her so hard that her hip shattered, then locking her in a stall to die, she hobbles around on three legs and projects both hate and fear of every two legged animal she sees. She truly hates to be touched, which is the reason many of the volunteers did a double-take when we saw the rebellious teenager grooming Nichol.

Influential New York Race Group Adopts Zero Tolerance Policy on Horse Slaughter « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Influential New York Race Group Adopts Zero Tolerance Policy on Horse Slaughter « Straight from the Horse's Heart

CHICAGO, (EWA), – The Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA), an organization representing more than 70 member organizations, strongly applauds the recent announcement from the New York Racing Association (NYRA) establishing a zero tolerance policy toward horse slaughter at its race tracks.

The Managed Extinction of an Icon? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Managed Extinction of an Icon? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The American West's wild horse saga will not end without a good fight from lovers of the land and the animals.

Ginger Kathrens Brings Wild Horse Drama to Chicago « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Ginger Kathrens Brings Wild Horse Drama to Chicago « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Advocate and Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker, Ginger Kathrens Screens Latest Cloud Film in Chicago

I Hate these Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

I Hate these Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

His four, small legs pounded and slipped through the snow, rocks and ice. He was loosing her, he couldn’t keep up. Through the blowing snow and the roaring sound from above she kept running and running as fast as she could.

I love you so… « Straight from the Horse's Heart

I love you so… « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Today I was browsing through the message board of Habitat for Horses where founder, Jerry Finch, often leaves a literary morsel or two for sharing and introspection. I came upon this small piece and was prepared to enter it here when I realized that it was actually something that I had written, years ago, and my good friend, Jerry, thought enough of it and me to save it and then share it with the membership.

BLM to spend $1,700,000 on disputed Wild Horse roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM to spend $1,700,000 on disputed Wild Horse roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

A new price tag has come to light for the highly controversial roundup of more than 2,700 wild horses from the Calico Complex in Northern Nevada; an expenditure almost double the previously reported number.

In a telephone interview earlier this week, Alan Shepard, Bureau of Land Management lead for the state of Nevada, quoted the expected “all inclusive” cost to be $900,000. He verified the information in a second interview the following day.

An email communication to The Cloud Foundation from Tom Gorey, BLM senior public affairs specialist, provided a much different number.

Will American Congress and Canadian Parliament Allow Europeans To Consume Tainted Horse Meat? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Will American Congress and Canadian Parliament Allow Europeans To Consume Tainted Horse Meat? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

EWA has now learned the EU will accept affidavits from killer buyers and haulers employed by the offshore slaughter industry as proof that animals have passed the quarantine period.

BLM Forges Forward With Nevada Calico Complex Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM Forges Forward With Nevada Calico Complex Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild horse advocates from around the US reacted with dismay and outrage Wednesday as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that the Calico Complex round-up of over 2,700 wild horses will proceed on December 28 as planned. Despite receiving over 10,000 public comments on the impending round-up, the BLM turned a tin ear to the public outcry and indicated it will sign a “No Impact” decision. A no impact decision means that the public comments sent to the BLM had absolutely no impact on their decision to move forward with the round-up.

Deadlline Today to Email Comments to National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Meeting « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Deadlline Today to Email Comments to National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Meeting « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Bureau of Land Management’s National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board will be meeting in Sparks on Monday, December 7, at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The full meeting agenda is published in the November 10, 2009, Federal Register on page 58044. This document also includes information about BLM public comment procedures.

Deadlline Today to Email Comments to National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Meeting « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Deadlline Today to Email Comments to National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Meeting « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Bureau of Land Management’s National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board will be meeting in Sparks on Monday, December 7, at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The full meeting agenda is published in the November 10, 2009, Federal Register on page 58044. This document also includes information about BLM public comment procedures.

Wyoming Rep. “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis becomes YouTube Sensation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wyoming Rep. “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis becomes YouTube Sensation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Yes ladies and gentlemen, “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis, the embarrassment of Wyoming is now a internet sensation with the new release of “”The Ballad of Slaughterhouse Sue” video.

Researchers Find the First Horse Whisperers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Researchers Find the First Horse Whisperers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Paleolithic hunters in Europe and Asia began exploiting horses for meat thousands of years ago when the last continental glaciers disappeared, yet the origin of horse domestication long has eluded archaeologists – for some captivating reasons.

Edit Post ‹ Straight from the Horse's Heart — WordPress

Edit Post ‹ Straight from the Horse's Heart — WordPress

The burden of caring is indeed great for it is essentially allowing the pain of another to transfer into you. It is easy to be discouraged by the evil of what we are up against, easy to feel the anger of our powerlessness and it is hard to feel positive seeing and knowing all the pain and suffering that is going on in the world at this very moment. Tragedy wants to harden us but our mission is never to let it.

The Surprising History of America’s Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Surprising History of America’s Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Modern horses, zebras, and asses belong to the genus Equus, the only surviving genus in a once diverse family, the Equidae. Based on fossil records, the genus appears to have originated in North America about 4 million years ago and spread to Eurasia (presumably by crossing the Bering land bridge) 2 to 3 million years ago.

The Facts of Life « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Facts of Life « Straight from the Horse's Heart

A friend of mine and I were sitting under the spreading cypress tree last
evening discussing the facts of life as we know them. Although I realize that
I’m nowhere near the age where I can be considered mature, it occurred to both
of us that the older we get, the less we know. “The Wisdom of the Elders” is
a part of life that I now realize I’m going to miss. Not that I don’t have a
lot of experience, because I do, but I find that the more years I spend on this
earth, the more I need to learn.

The Facts of Life « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Facts of Life « Straight from the Horse's Heart

A friend of mine and I were sitting under the spreading cypress tree last
evening discussing the facts of life as we know them. Although I realize that
I’m nowhere near the age where I can be considered mature, it occurred to both
of us that the older we get, the less we know. “The Wisdom of the Elders” is
a part of life that I now realize I’m going to miss. Not that I don’t have a
lot of experience, because I do, but I find that the more years I spend on this
earth, the more I need to learn.

The Wild Horse Prayer of Thanks « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Wild Horse Prayer of Thanks « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Thank you, Great Spirit, for the blessing of today.

We give thanks for the gift of this day; for being granted another opportunity to be alive from when the sun comes up until it retreats into the night.

For those of us who live wild and free, under the deep blue sky, we thank you for the unfettered glory of living our lives as you meant them to be lived.

US Department of Justice postpones Wild Horse round-up « Straight from the Horse's Heart

US Department of Justice postpones Wild Horse round-up « Straight from the Horse's Heart

CHICAGO, (EWA) – The Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) applauds the decision by the US Department of Justice to postpone the December 1 scheduled round-up of wild horses in the Calico Complex of Nevada. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has received in excess of 10,000 public comments on this round-up alone. The announcement of the postponement was reported this morning in a press release from In Defense of Animals (IDA) and EWA adviser Craig Downer;

Nevada Mustangs Given 28-Day Reprieve « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Nevada Mustangs Given 28-Day Reprieve « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The U.S. Department of Justice announced tonight that the massive roundup and removal of thousands of horses from public land in northwestern Nevada will be delayed until December 28 as a direct result of the filing of a lawsuit by In Defense of Animals and renowned ecologist Craig Downer on November 23.

HSUS asks Admistration for a Wiser Home on the Range for Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HSUS asks Admistration for a Wiser Home on the Range for Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

It’s never enough to pass a law. The agency assigned to enforce the law must work to implement it properly. And for a classic case example of how poor implementation can undermine the original intent of legislation, look no further than the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its efforts to protect wild horses and burros under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

Mariana Tosca, Viggo Mortensen and Kevin Nealon join the unified call for an immediate moratorium on wild horse and burro round-ups. « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Mariana Tosca, Viggo Mortensen and Kevin Nealon join the unified call for an immediate moratorium on wild horse and burro round-ups. « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Acclaimed Actors Mariana Tosca, Christmas in the Clouds, Viggo Mortensen, Lord of the Rings, Appaloosa and Hidalgo and Kevin Nealon, Weeds have added their voice to a growing 150 organizations and dignitaries from America, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa asking President Obama and Secretary Salazar to halt the round-ups of America’s wild horses and burros.

Lawsuit Filed to Halt Nevada Wild Horse Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Lawsuit Filed to Halt Nevada Wild Horse Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

In Defense of Animals and ecologist Craig Downer today filed suit, in the federal U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to stop the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed massive roundup and removal of more than 2,700 wild horses from public lands in Nevada. The roundup, slated to begin in early December, will take virtually every wild horse living in the Calico Complex Herd Management Area in northwestern Nevada. It is by far the largest of any wild horse roundup planned by the BLM for Fiscal Year 2010.

Wyoming Rep. “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis endorses gambling with Truck Raffle « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wyoming Rep. “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis endorses gambling with Truck Raffle « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wyoming Representative Sue Wallis has issued an official endorsement of gambling (see below) through her questionable nonprofit 501c (3) organization, United Organizations of the Horse. Rep. Wallis also implicates another alleged 501c (3) nonprofit, the Horseman’s Front, in this plan to generate funds for organizations that are in possible violation of IRS 501c (3) nonprofit requirements.

Sheryl Crow’s plea to Stop Wild Horse Roundups gets National Attention « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Sheryl Crow’s plea to Stop Wild Horse Roundups gets National Attention « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Sheryl Crow is joining others in calling on the federal government to halt roundups of wild horses in the West, branding them as inhumane and unnecessary.

BLM Plan Could Make the Mustang as Rare as the Buffalo « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM Plan Could Make the Mustang as Rare as the Buffalo « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Of the 14,000 wild horses the Bureau of Land Management will take from their wilderness homes next year, the agency will only return 2,200 to the wild.

Sheryl Crow Asks President Obama & Secretary Salazar to Stop the Assault on America’s Wild Horses and Burros « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Sheryl Crow Asks President Obama & Secretary Salazar to Stop the Assault on America’s Wild Horses and Burros « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Actors Ed Harris, Wendie Malick and Over 100 Organizations Demand Roundup Moratorium, Protesting Nevada’s Calico Complex Roundup to begin December 1

BLM Will Treat 3,000 Wild Mares with Fertility Drug After Decimating Herds by Capture « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM Will Treat 3,000 Wild Mares with Fertility Drug After Decimating Herds by Capture « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – The year 2010 will mark an enormous turning point in the history of America’s wild horses and burros as their caretaker, the federal Bureau of Land Management, launches an aggressive campaign to remove them from their wilderness homes.

Unified Call for an Immediate Moratorium on Wild Horse & Burro Roundups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Unified Call for an Immediate Moratorium on Wild Horse & Burro Roundups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

CHICAGO, (EWA) – On November 18, 2009, American Citizens and partners in Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa, delivered the following letter to the President, Congress and the Department of the Interior.

A Unified Call for an Immediate Moratorium on Wild Horse & Burro Roundups

And a humane, fiscally responsible plan for preserving and protecting the iconic, free-roaming wild horses and burros of the American West

President Obama, Members of Congress and the Department of the Interior:

We, the undersigned, request major changes to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro program. This must begin with an immediate moratorium on all roundups. While we agree that the program is in dire need of reform, and we applaud your Administration’s commitment to avoid BLM’s suggested mass-killing of horses, the plan outlined in October by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar raises numerous concerns.....

Howling Ridge Radio – Help the Wild Horses Special Edition « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Howling Ridge Radio – Help the Wild Horses Special Edition « Straight from the Horse's Heart

9:30p Eastern, Wednesday Nov 18

Listen here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Howling_Ridge_Radio

Cloud: even BLM's "gather" could not quell his spirit

On-Air Calls: 718.664.6596 (if you want to ask a question on the air, press 1 so we get the signal, otherwise, we will assume you are just listening via phone)

This is a don’t miss program for our wild ones! We have Ginger Kathrens, Makendra Silverman, Laura Leigh, Craig Downer and Laura Allen. We will be discussing some exciting news that has been occurring over the last few days, as well as the upcoming Calico Complex round-up, a discussion on ROAM (Laura Allen) and John Holland’s article with AP. With all the activity we’ve been having, we are going to give you all the updates/information and then open the lines for calls.

You can also submit questions via the chat function that is monitored throughout the program.

Wild Horse Advocates call BLM plans “Bloodless Genocide” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Advocates call BLM plans “Bloodless Genocide” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The increased pace of wild horse musters in the US has united the equine welfare community like never before, an advocate says.

Equine Welfare Alliance spokesman John Holland described some of the plans laid out by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is responsible for the wild herds, as bloodless genocide.

Equine Welfare Alliance calls for an end to BLM roundups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Equine Welfare Alliance calls for an end to BLM roundups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild horse advocates say they have no recourse but the courts after federal land managers rejected their request for an immediate moratorium on mustang roundups.

I Believe in You « Straight from the Horse's Heart

I Believe in You « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Force of the Horse takes no Vacation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Force of the Horse takes no Vacation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Our thoughts were not on horses, in fact, the subject of horses was not even on the agenda. We were in Spain, northern Spain and as we were aware it is the motherland of the great Andalusians we had not seen any, to date.

Saskatchewan considers new law to protect wild ponies in the Bronson Forest « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Saskatchewan considers new law to protect wild ponies in the Bronson Forest « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The shooting deaths of wild ponies in northwestern Saskatchewan has prompted the government to consider a new law to save the animals.

A private member’s bill has been introduced in the legislature that would protect the herd of ponies that live in the Bronson Forest, northeast of Lloydminster, near the Alberta boundary.

“Our herd has dwindled from 150 to less than 40 and we’re finding piles of dead animals,” said Saskatchewan Party’s Tim McMillan, who introduced the bill Thursday.

Congressional Committee Will Call for Moratorium on Gathers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Congressional Committee Will Call for Moratorium on Gathers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

A Congressional staff member has confirmed to Animal Law Coalition that the House Natural Resources Committee is calling on BLM to stop all gathers or removals of wild horses and burros until Congress takes action on the controversial issues surrounding the wild horses and burros.

Is a TRO in BLM’s Future? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Is a TRO in BLM’s Future? « Straight from the Horse's Heart
Activists have been scratching their heads as the federal Bureau of Land Management sweeps America’s wild horses from the Western landscape. Why? Because the 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Act clearly set aside plenty of room for them almost 40 years ago and the agency appears to be in violation of federal law.

BLM plans to remove 2,500 wild horses in NV « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM plans to remove 2,500 wild horses in NV « Straight from the Horse's Heart

(AP) Federal land managers are seeking public comment on their plan to remove about 2,500 wild horses in northern Nevada.

Bureau of Land Management officials say the proposed gather north of Gerlach in Washoe and Humboldt counties is needed to achieve the “appropriate management level” for mustangs in the area.

They maintain it also is needed to prevent further range deterioration stemming from the current horse overpopulation in the areas.

Plans call for the gather to begin about Dec. 1 and continue through the end of February 2010.

Public comment on the BLM’s preliminary environmental assessment is being accepted through Nov. 12.

The BLM also has begun removing about 420 “excess” wild horses about 30 to 45 miles southeast of Winnemucca in Pershing and Humboldt counties.

Wild Horse population riding off into the sunset « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse population riding off into the sunset « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild horses may not be dragging anyone away – they are too busy being slaughtered and harassed, advocates say. They are also pretty tangled up in a debate about their fate.

Citizens call for immediate moratorium on wild horse round-ups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Citizens call for immediate moratorium on wild horse round-ups « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA), an umbrella organization comprising over 60 member organizations, announced today it is joining the growing chorus calling for an immediate moratorium on the gathering of wild horses and burros by all government agencies. Already calling for a moratorium are The Cloud Foundation, The Animal Law Coalition and noted expert, wildlife ecologist, Craig Downer and Mustang author Deanne Stillman.

Reports Reveal More Deaths and Sloppy Record Keeping by BLM as Groups Call for Investigation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Reports Reveal More Deaths and Sloppy Record Keeping by BLM as Groups Call for Investigation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – In the sometimes bewildering world of the federal Bureau of Land management, things get confusing – even confounded annoying.

Such was the case when Horseback Magazine began to investigate the deaths of 11 horses we found on a comprehensive report released by the Washington office on fatalities during the agency’s wild horse “gathers” since the beginning of last year.

Wild Horse Debate Gallops On « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Debate Gallops On « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Obama administration’s first try at resolving the debate over the wild horses of the West has not gone over well with some. Animal rights groups say that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s proposal to relocate thousands of mustangs to preserves in the East and Midwest would compound years of federal mismanagement of the horses.

Habitat for Horses becomes first Equine Sanctuary accredited by GFAS « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Habitat for Horses becomes first Equine Sanctuary accredited by GFAS « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Today the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, announced Habitat for Horses became the first equine rescue and sanctuary accredited to its standards and, thereby, recognized by GFAS. The accreditation signifies the official implementation of clear and respected international standards for the public, donors and government agencies to recognize credible sanctuaries that adhere to the true mission of providing safe haven and humane care for abused animals.

Commentary: Love, Loss and Lessons of the Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Commentary: Love, Loss and Lessons of the Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

I have sat at this computer and tried to put into words my feelings after viewing Ginger Kathrens‘ third installment of the “Cloud” series on PBS last night. It’s not coming easy as there are a variety of emotions at play.

What is the BLM Hiding? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

What is the BLM Hiding? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (HORSEBACK) – Horseback Magazine requested access an upcoming Wyoming BLM roundup, even offering a signed release by our observer and photographer if they were permitted to watch the operation up close from beginning to end alongside the BLM contractor’s pilot and wranglers..

The contractor, Sue Cattoor responded to the request that was forwarded by the government agency to her company. Request denied.

All the Pretty Beach Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

All the Pretty Beach Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Can the descendants of horses left by Spanish explorers coexist with native plants and animals on North Carolina’s environmentally sensitive Outer Banks? A study will tell.

The Deadly Gathers of the BLM « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Deadly Gathers of the BLM « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Bureau of Land Management’s concerted effort to thin the herds of wild horses on land it manages has proven deadly, so deadly in fact, that for each of the last two years (and this year’s not over yet) there have been fatalities on almost half of the “gathers” the agency has conducted.

Habitat for Horses – Tabitha’s Story « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Habitat for Horses – Tabitha’s Story « Straight from the Horse's Heart

She stood by the fence looking scared and lonely. Her bone thin body held no warmth to protect her against the chilly breeze that whipped across the muddy, weed-filled pasture, making her shiver even harder. She was slowly dying of starvation.

As we pulled the Habitat for Horses truck up next to the road, she made a weak effort to whinny to us, hoping, no doubt, that we had feed or hay. She had gone so long without, but she still hoped that some human would care enough to help her.

Horseback Magazine Honored by Equine Health Care Professionals � Straight from the Horse's Heart

Horseback Magazine Honored by Equine Health Care Professionals

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HOUSTON, (Horseback) – Author and journalist Steven Long, editor of Horseback Magazine and Horseback Online, was recognized Monday for outstanding journalism based on his investigative work in the delivery of quality health care for Texas horses in a story on the continuing battle between equine dentists and the veterinary establishment. He was also cited “for his work protecting the rights of personal choice of Texas horse owners.”

Help end, not expand, horse slaughter

Help end, not expand, horse slaughter

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Rep. Ed Butcher relies on the same old arguments of horse slaughter proponents in his effort to whet a new appetite for American horses in Asia (”Author of Montana horse slaughter plant bill courts Chinese investors,” Oct. 1). Butcher ignores the fact that most Americans abhor the very idea of slaughtering horses for their meat.

What Sue Wallis? proposed HORSE ACT of 2009 Really Means for Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

What Sue Wallis? proposed HORSE ACT of 2009 Really Means for Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

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WALLIS SAYS – HORSE ACT of 2009.

TRANSLATION - UNACCOUNTABLE, IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS ACT of 2009

Wild horse plan rekindles cattle grazing debate « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild horse plan rekindles cattle grazing debate « Straight from the Horse's Heart

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A new federal proposal to manage wild horses is rekindling debate over another fixture of the Western range: cattle.

Montana’s Horse “Butcher” invents new definition for “Red” State

Montana’s “honorable(?)” Ed Butcher is not content with simply being dipped in horse blood and dubbed the Ringleader of one of the most ornery gangs of GOP thugs in the entire United States. Heck no, he attempts to carry it a step further and show the good people of Montana just how much he really loves the All-American color of RED by actively soliciting and inviting the communist Chinese to build illegal businesses in Montana.

The voters of Montana are still seeing the angry color after the self-proclaimed equine expert and politically incorrect politician rammed an impotent and useless bill down their throats opening up the door for the construction of outlawed horse slaughter plants in their fair state. And he was not content with just throwing open the barn door for every type of sleazy foreign businessman in the world to waltz into Montana, and try to make a fast buck by killing American horses for human consumption in foreign countries, no, that was not enough. He virtually took away the rights of any sensible Montana resident to protest such construction by requiring the protester to front a bond that would have to represent a sizable chunk of the entire protested project. Gosh, how sweet is that in our wonderful land of the free?

But now, with all of Ed’s magical shades of red dancing before our eyes, he throws in another hue that really just knocks our boots off; he wants to invite Communist China to move on into Montana and start killing off horses for food, which is against Federal law. Gosh, Montana has gone from being the land of beautiful mountains and wide open skies to becoming a pocket of perverted politics and a hot bed for Communist expansion; you gotta love this guy.

We published an article about this atrocity several weeks ago in hopes that it would help in muzzling this buffoon, but no, he continues to push the local newspapers into publishing his tripe under the guise that it is news when in all actuality it is simply public documentation pointing straight for his ouster; he has GOT to go.

How can any state, in this Union, allow an elected official to pass laws that attempt to usurp standing federal law, laugh in the face of his constituents and then actively solicit foreign companies to build in his state under false pretenses? Let alone invite the Reds in, isn’t anyone paying attention? It’s bad enough that Republicans are leaderless and devoid of a platform but this untethered bulldog has ruined and will forever tarnish their name if they don’t cut their losses and let this dog go.

And “Red Ed”, do you read the newspaper? This little tidbit hit the wires yesterday…yes, it has multi-syllable words in it and it might take you a while to digest but give it a shot.

On Oct. 8, 2009, the United States Senate passed the final version of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (H.R.2997). The House of Representatives approved the bill the previous day. This bill provides funding for the USDA for fiscal year 2010 and contains a provision that might be of interest to both you and the voters of Montana who will probably be calling for your removal, soon.

“The bill contains a provision prohibiting any funds, again, from being used by the USDA to inspect horse meat for human consumption. While there are currently no plants operating in the United States that process horses for human consumption, this bill effectively bars any such plant from operating in the U.S. for fiscal year 2010.

This bill will now proceed to the President for his approval, which is expected.”

Guess what, “Red Ed”, you wasted all that time and all that taxpayer money to pass a dead bill that is not only against the law but laughs at and mocks the very Federal laws that you vowed and swore to uphold. Kind of makes your actions and conduct appear to be somewhat, ahhh…errr…mmmm….suspect, illegal, criminal? Help me; I am searching for the right word, here.

But don’t fret “Reddy Eddie”, word on the street has it (in fact you quoted it) that the Reds have several eating establishments in the Northern Provinces where they serve up your favorite dish “Fillet ‘O Filly” every night and for you they are prepared to grant a discount.

So enjoy your Flicka Fillet, hope it gives you heartburn (oh, that would mean that you would have to have a heart, sorry, my mistake). We know that you will be ordering it “rare” as red is your favorite color…and with any luck, you will be seeing a lot of it, very soon.

Wild Horse Expert Claims BLM Cheated Horses Out of Half Their Habitat

HOUSTON , (Horseback) – A prominent wild horse expert says there was considerably more land set aside for wild horses in 1971 than is currently claimed by the Bureau of Land Management. Craig Downer, a wildlife ecologist, calls the agency’s claims a national outrage.

Downer frequently speaks at wild horse conferences and has written numerous papers on the North American Mustang.

“With guidance being the true tenets of the Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971, P.L. 92-195, the “where found” provision should be more broadly interpreted and researched according to the year-round occupied habitat of each equid herd extant in 1971,” he told Horseback Online.

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Wild Horses, Politicians and a whole lot of Nothing « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horses, Politicians and a whole lot of Nothing « Straight from the Horse's Heart

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Opinion: Montana's Horse "Butcher" turns to the Communists

arlier this year, Montana’s Rep. Ed Butcher, Republican (yes; that is really his name) shoved down the collective throats of the state’s public and Legislature a bill, HB 418, that would not only open the door for the construction of horse slaughter plants but also defensive and divisive wording that virtually strips the good people of Montana of their rights to protest said construction.

One time, two times, three times the power « Straight from the Horse's Heart

One time, two times, three times the power « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "What is the difference between a wild horse and a captive horse? What is the difference between a trained and an untrained horse? What is the difference between a mare and stallion? What is the difference between a horse tortured by the BLM and a horse tortured by a killer buyer? The correct answer is NONE."

A Report from “Mustangs on the Hill” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

A Report from “Mustangs on the Hill” « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "It was a big day for wild horses in Washington D.C. on Tuesday as The Cloud Foundation staged its “Horses on the Hill” event and the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board met giving barely a listen to activists protesting wholesale roundups decimating herds in the American West."

Advocates from across the U.S. lobby Congress on September 29 to protect America’s Wild Horses and Burros « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Advocates from across the U.S. lobby Congress on September 29 to protect America’s Wild Horses and Burros « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Washington DC - Wild horse and burro advocates from across the country will gather in Washington DC on September 29 to lobby on behalf of S.1579, the Restore Our American Mustangs (ROAM) Act. They will also ask Senators to halt the Bureau of Land Management’s devastating practice of “managing” wild herds into extinction."

Straight from the Horse's Heart

Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Over the Labor Day Weekend of 2009 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) bumbled an ill-conceived and mismanage round up of the world famous “Cloud’s Herd” of the Pryor Mountains in Montana. Ignoring their studies and the advice of experts they stampeded horses down 5,000 feet of rocky mountainside in 95+ degree heat only to break apart family bands, pump the mares full of PZP and injure the horses. Despite public outcry, orders from a Congressman and questions from Senators the local BLM office in Billings destroyed this beautiful herd.

This presentation was written in honor of Cloud’s herd and the pictures are exclusively from that “gather”. Get outraged, get mad and then get on the phone and call your elected federal officials and tell them that enough is enough."

Update: Wild Stallion Conquistador sold but Forest Herd kept together

Update on Pryor Mountain Herd auction from The Cloud Foundation

All 57 either adopted or sold to good homes.

4 bands of Forest Service horses, 15 total including Floyd and Conquistador and his mare will be kept together at ranch of Laura Pivonka.

Ember and Image get to stay together, have a great home, also adopted into great homes were Arrow, Rain, Helena Montana, Stiles, Cassidy, the lame foal with his mom, who is looking better, and Ginger got Sax.

Conquistador had the record bid – $2500

Huge thanks to all the Freedom Fund donors and all the supporters who made this possible – this is a big win.

The Cloud Foundation
107 South 7th St
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
719-633-3842
719-633-3896 fax

Horseback Mag Exclusive: Wild Horse Roundup What I saw

Author and activist R.T. Fitch and his wife Terry spent six days on Montana's Pryor Mountain during the BLM roundup of the wild horses there. The following is his take on what transpired.

Wild Horses: They keep Coming « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horses: They keep Coming « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "There was nothing that we could do to stop them; the wild horses just kept coming. Driven by the mean beat of the helicopter blades they ran before us and into the pens as they screamed for their lives."

The question is not: « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The question is not: « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "he question is not: “do you support horse slaughter.”

The question is: “do you support the cruel, terrifying transport for days without food and water in their journey to death?”

The question is: “do you support the torture and abuse of the killer chutes, even for crippled horses, pregnant mares, wild horses, protective mares with foals by their sides?”

The question is: do you support the horse slaughter factories that lie to their consumers about the many chemicals that taint the horse meat, and call it Organic"

Commentary: From Cloud’s Herd point of view « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Commentary: From Cloud’s Herd point of view « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "I have been saying it all along! The BLM,US Forest Service,US Fish Game and Wildlife,and the United States Geographical Science service, donot have a specific formula to determine accurate AUM’s (Animal Unit Month).For those of you who do not know what an AUM is, I will sum it up in a nut shell for you. It’s how much a foraging species eats on a month to month basis. The BLM and ecologists blame the degradation of the rangelands on wild horse overgrazing.They claim that the wild horse infringes on other native species foraging rights. They also claim the wild horses eat rare and protected vegetation that grows on the rangelands. Nothing, and I mean nothing is further from the truth than those fabricated analysis’s."

BLM Capture of Iconic Wild Horse Herd Sparks Controversy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM Capture of Iconic Wild Horse Herd Sparks Controversy « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "LOVELL, WY– September 17, 2009 — Once wild and free, living in spectacular sub-alpine meadows designated by Congress as their home, 57 wild Mustangs now wait in dusty pens in the 90 degree heat. The BLM pens sit at the base of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range of Wyoming and Montana. The corrals offer no shade for the wild horses, now branded, with ropes and numbers around their necks. 19 year-old Conquistador is no longer a proud band stallion. He is number 5336. 21 year-old Grumpy Grulla is no longer a lead mare. She is number 5321."

The High Cost of Lameness on the Mountain, Oops, He’s Not Lame « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The High Cost of Lameness on the Mountain, Oops, He’s Not Lame « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "HOUSTON, (Horseback) – Employees of the Bureau of Land Management’s Billings, Montana, office hit a windfall as the summer months on Pryor Mountain came to an end. They had to work on the Labor Day holiday, September 7, and by federal regulation received double their regular pay, piling more costs onto an already expensive outing for the agency."

While Cloud was running for his life, BLM employees were awash with double-time pay « Straight from the Horse's Heart

While Cloud was running for his life, BLM employees were awash with double-time pay « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Mustangate; Yet another chapter

It appears that the more you study the BLM’s bumbled round-up of Cloud’s herd in the Pryor Mountains the more it just doesn’t look, taste or smell right. Every action, each flawed decision leaves an after taste of possible corruption, collusion and derision in the mouth of American tax payers."

Coming to PBS – Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Coming to PBS – Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Considering the occurrences of the past week it is heart wrenching to view the preview of PBS’s upcoming premier of Emmy Award winning cinematographer Ginger Kathrens’s third Wild Horse installment, Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions."

Cloud Capture Draws Capitol Attention « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Cloud Capture Draws Capitol Attention « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "HOUSTON (Horseback) – The hasty labor day “gather” of the iconic equine star of the PBS “Nature” series, Cloud, has sparked interest and consternation from coast to coast as wild horse lovers rally to put a halt to Bureau of Land Management “gathers” on the nation’s public lands."

CLOUDS GATHERING OVER BLM HORSE PROGRAM « Straight from the Horse's Heart

CLOUDS GATHERING OVER BLM HORSE PROGRAM « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "It is recognized by most wild horse advocates that the herds of wild horses that roam on our public lands require some degree of management. Herd population growth, loss of predators, intrusion by other land uses, extreme weather events, and the horses’ inability to migrate to new ranges due to man-made barriers require some intervention so that the horses remain in balance with range resources. It is in the application of horse management techniques where the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has demonstrated both competent resourcefulness and gross incompetence. The recent roundup of the iconic “Cloud” and his herd in the Pryor Mountains have provided a shining example of incompetence."

Cattleman Ken McNabb in bed with the BLM « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Cattleman Ken McNabb in bed with the BLM « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "While Emmy award winning cinematographer Ginger Kathrens was held in a designated “protest area” , during the Pryor Mountain round up, and required to have “security” escort herself and a small group of professional photographers, writers and authors about the Britton Springs BLM holding facility; cattleman and purported horse trainer Ken McNabb and his family were granted free and unfettered access to the entire facility. Mr. McNabb’s children had free rein to run and play anywhere they wanted while the unbiased professionals were held under close watch and moved only when they could be escorted by security on this publicly owned property. Is this not a contradiction of terms, morals and clear acts of discrimination? We think so."

Cloud Update: Footsore and Lame in the Mountains « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Cloud Update: Footsore and Lame in the Mountains « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Cloud, the world’s most famous wild horse, was released from the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) holding pens on September 09, 2009. Cloud’s family was ripped to pieces by the BLM leaving him with only half of his band’s population and all of the mares chemically sterilized with PZP. There is little hope that Cloud’s bloodline will be able to survive this brutal and unwarranted attack perpetrated by the very federal agency that is charged, by law, with protecting our wild horses and burros, the BLM."

Letter from Ginger Kathrens « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Letter from Ginger Kathrens « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "We have always believed that 20 young Pryor wild horses ages 1-2 could be successfully adopted even during these rough economic times. Now BLM is holding 57 horses and three foals at the Britton Springs Corrals located at the base of the mountain. Most are over 1-2 years of age. We continue to push for BLM to return the oldest back to their home."

Cloud’s Herd: the death of a promise « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Cloud’s Herd: the death of a promise « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "here was a feeling of foreboding doom running through the occupants of a small motel room in distant Lovell, WY on the eve of September 2nd, 2009. Many had worked for weeks preparing a legal case to block the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from capturing and removing the world’s most famous herd of wild horses from their designated sanctuary in the Pryor Mountains – Cloud’s Herd. Only a few hours earlier, they had learned that their attempt to stop the madness had failed and the government agency would commence the brutal “gather” the following day. They huddled together in hopes of formulating a plan, a focus point on which they could rally around; even though they felt the cold bite of virtual steel handcuffs on their wrists."

Fight continues to save Cloud’s herd « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Fight continues to save Cloud’s herd « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Dear Supporters,
We’re sorry to announce that the District Court judge in DC denied our request for a temporary restraining order today
and the roundup of Cloud’s herd is to start tomorrow. You can read the court documents here. BLM’s reasoning for this roundup is pathetic. Please don’t give up - we are doing everything we can to monitor this operation and influence the outcome. Young foals only DAYS OLD are on this mountain. Horses in their LATE TEENS and TWENTIES will be removed- this is unacceptable."

The BLM, Uranium and the Pryor Mountains: a perfect mix for a Collusion Cocktail « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The BLM, Uranium and the Pryor Mountains: a perfect mix for a Collusion Cocktail « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "So out of the clear blue sky the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decides to round up the small, yet internationally famous, wild horse herd in the Pryor Mountains, MT while the public screams stop and they refuse to listen. We think that there is something that does not smell, or taste, just quite right, here."

Circumventing the Wishes of Congress and the American Public: BLM Moves Forward with Massive Removals of Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Circumventing the Wishes of Congress and the American Public: BLM Moves Forward with Massive Removals of Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "CHICAGO, (EWA) – The Cloud Foundation and Front Range Equine Rescue have filed a lawsuit and a request for an injunction in Federal Court in Washington, DC to prohibit the Bureau of Land Management from removing horses from the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, and to stop the unprecedented round up of the Pryor Wild Horses slated to begin September 1, 2009."

Don’t let BLM destroy national treasure in Pryors « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Don’t let BLM destroy national treasure in Pryors « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "While living in Bridger in the mid to late 1990s, I discovered the wild horses in the Pryor Mountains. I have lived with and photographed them ever since. I have met people from all over the world who come to the Pryors just to see these horses and their home. I have taken at-risk youth to the Pryors in an attempt to turn their lives around. All of them fell in love with the horses and were positively changed, some averting suicide. I have witnessed young and old drawing, painting and photographing the horses."

Government Accused of Land Grab in Fight Over Rangeland in the West « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Government Accused of Land Grab in Fight Over Rangeland in the West « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "And you thought the Wild West lost its punch at the turn of the 19th century. Well, think again. There are still wars going on over land and water, much as they did in the late 1800s. Only this time, it’s not cowboy vs. cowboy, it’s people vs. big government."

Friday is National Call in day for Cloud's Herd

Straight from the Horse's Heart: "National Call in Day for Cloud is Friday, August 28th – SPREAD THE WORD! Have your kids call in and write too– These horses need to be preserved for future generations and we must act NOW"

Siezed horses making strides in recovery « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Siezed horses making strides in recovery « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "BONHAM, TX — The future looks much brighter for horses rescued earlier this month from a Fannin County pasture. Now, their rescuers are asking for the public’s help in healing and adopting the animals.
'These horses were in extreme pain and unable to walk,' says Deanna Murillo of Habitat for Horses

'These horses were in extreme pain and unable to walk,' says Deanna Murillo of Habitat for Horses

After receiving a call about the welfare of the horses, investigators from the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office and Habitat for Horses, a statewide rescue group, met the horses’ owner at the pasture. Three horses were found dead in the pasture and several more had to be euthanized due to their poor condition. A majority of the remaining horses were removed, by owner consent, to another Bonham location, according to Deanna Murillo of Habitat for Horses."

Brits use wild horses to promote biodiversity « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Brits use wild horses to promote biodiversity « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Wild horses have been let loose to roam around and help sustain an environmentally important nature reserve in Kent.

The Konik horses, which are the closest living relatives of the extinct Tarpan, a wild forest horse that lived in Britain during Neolithic times, have been released at Wraik Hill near Whitstable.

Kent Wildlife Trust, which manages the reserve, and the conservation charity Wildwood Trust, which has another five herds of wild horses across the county, said the horses would graze the area and keep the grass short."

11th Hour for Cloud’s Herd « Straight from the Horse's Heart

11th Hour for Cloud’s Herd « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Please act now to stop this unnecessary and cruel round up— the BLM still plans to move forward on September 1st

The Bureau of Land Management is rounding up and eliminating 12 herds (650 horses) off 1.4 million acres in Nevada right now– next they plan to destroy Cloud’s herd with a massive removal of 70 horses that would include OLDER HORSES and YOUNG FOALS."

The One Dollar Horse « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The One Dollar Horse « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "I’m not going to get into wild horses tonight. I’m not going to rant and rave about the idiocy of the Federal Government and the BLM or about what a wild horse really is and who really has control of them and why they are a dime a dozen. It doesn’t matter that the BLM is going to round up 6,000 more of them in Nevada this year just to satisfy the cattle ranchers. It doesn’t matter that any horse over 6 will then be assigned to a pen and will stand there for the rest of its life while the BLM tries to adopt all the horses under 6, but never succeeds. It doesn’t matter because the government, our government, doesn’t care."

Horse Welfare Groups ask Canadian Food Agency to Respond to EU Directive « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Horse Welfare Groups ask Canadian Food Agency to Respond to EU Directive « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "CHICAGO, (EWA), WESTBANK, B.C. (CHDC) – Today, the Canadian Horse Defense Coalition (CHDC) and Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) are asking the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to respond regarding a European Commission requirements letter dated 17 April, 2009 from Paola Testori Coggi, deputy director-general of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection"

The clock is ticking for the wild horses of the Pryor Mountains « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The clock is ticking for the wild horses of the Pryor Mountains « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Since the fateful day of September 11th, 2001 early autumn has had the propensity to give Americans the jitters and this year will be no different. There is the feeling of impending doom surrounding us, an unsettling sensation of upcoming loss and the smell of future deaths lay heavy in the air; something, again, is about to rip our American hearts out in the early days of September. But this time, we can do something about it."

Doomed to be pregnant « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Doomed to be pregnant « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Mary Anna is a Standardbred race horse. She won her owner a lot of money, so when she broke her leg, it was fixed and her life was saved. Now, she gets to spend the rest of her life pregnant!

Wild Horses as Native North American Wildlife « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horses as Native North American Wildlife « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Alberta Wild Horse Shootings: Crime Stoppers Video Prompts Tips « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Alberta Wild Horse Shootings: Crime Stoppers Video Prompts Tips « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "A televised re-enactment of wild horse shootings in Alberta has prompted tips from the public on the crimes, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)."

United States in Error About Wild Western Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

United States in Error About Wild Western Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "We published this essay last month and considering what is happening in the Pryor Mountains, MT with Cloud’s Herd it is a timely piece to revisit and utilize as a tool to aide in explaining to people how very, very important it is to cherish and protect our natural, indigenous American Wild Horses. Please, spread this research around either via the internet or printed word. As usual, Joe Camp has done an excellent job of getting the point across so let’s ensure that those that are uninformed of this situation are brought up to speed as quickly as possible. Thanks ~ R.T."

85 abused horses rescued in Oklahoma « Straight from the Horse's Heart

85 abused horses rescued in Oklahoma « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "WYNNEWOOD, Oklahoma — Garvin County authorities are dealing with the largest case of horse abuse they have ever seen after 85 horses were rescued near Pauls Valley.
Eighty-five horses were rescued in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Many of them were in poor health.

Eighty-five horses were rescued in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Many of them were in poor health.

The horses, many of whom were in poor health, now reside at the Wynnewood rodeo grounds. Authorities said they were taken from their old home after their owner could no longer care for them properly."

Local Oregon horse therapy program helps disabled with stability « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Local Oregon horse therapy program helps disabled with stability « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "When people with disabilities ride a horse, experts tell us, the bond that’s formed can lead to positive strides in many other areas of their lives."

Bureau of Land Management on Rampage to Destroy Famous Wild Horse Herd « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Bureau of Land Management on Rampage to Destroy Famous Wild Horse Herd « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Cloud and the wild horses of Montana’s Pryor Mountains are world famous but fame it appears is not going to protect the herd from a drastic government round up planned to begin September 1st in their spectacular wilderness home."

Alberta wild horse shootings still unsolved « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Alberta wild horse shootings still unsolved « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "In April, a pregnant mare, a stallion and a yearling colt were found shot to death near Sundre, northwest of Calgary. The deaths brought the total number of wild horses killed in Alberta to more than 22 over the last four years"

Free Equine Anatomy Online Course Offered by Equinology INC « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Free Equine Anatomy Online Course Offered by Equinology INC « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Horse owners as well as individuals in the equine industry give this equine anatomy course a “thumbs up.” Registrants from all over the world are enjoying the opportunity to participate in the course which covers veterinary terminology as well as the equine skeleton and muscles."

Jockey Club projects smallest foal crop since 1977 « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Jockey Club projects smallest foal crop since 1977 « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The impact of the recession and related downturn in the bloodstock market are strikingly reflected in the Jockey Club’s projection of the smallest registered North American foal crop in 32 years.

New machine will save horse’s sight « Straight from the Horse's Heart

New machine will save horse’s sight « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "The Animal Health Trust (AHT) in Newmarket, England has launched a fund-raising appeal to pay for new technology that cures the most common form of blindness in horses."

76 horses found starved « Straight from the Horse's Heart

76 horses found starved « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "The horses ran across the bare, arid ground Friday morning and up to the fence when they saw people standing near their empty food buckets. The dozens of Arabian horses were starving and emaciated, but they were being rescued by Denton County Sheriff’s Office deputies."

3 Strikes Ranch owner gets delay in horse neglect trial « Straight from the Horse's Heart

3 Strikes Ranch owner gets delay in horse neglect trial « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "The scheduled September 9th jury trial for a Morrill County mustang ranch owner has been postponed, tentatively until the January jury term in Morrill County District Court. Three Strikes Ranch owner Jason Meduna is charged with 149 Class IV felony counts of cruel neglect of an animal regarding the malnourishment and death of horses and burros this past April. Meduna entered a not guilty plea July 14th."

Who’s Slaughtering Horses in South Florida? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Who’s Slaughtering Horses in South Florida? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

As Search for Horse-Killer Intensifies, Famous Horse-Hater Vanishes « Straight from the Horse's Heart

As Search for Horse-Killer Intensifies, Famous Horse-Hater Vanishes « Straight from the Horse's Heart

URGENT: BLM still plans to destroy Cloud’s Herd « Straight from the Horse's Heart

URGENT: BLM still plans to destroy Cloud’s Herd « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Massive Roundup Still Planned for Cloud’s Herd
Please act now to stop the destruction of this Unique Spanish Herd"

An Embargo on Breeding? Tough Talk in Ireland on Tackling Equine Overpopulation Problem « Straight from the Horse's Heart

An Embargo on Breeding? Tough Talk in Ireland on Tackling Equine Overpopulation Problem « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "What’s wrong with this picture? One of the world’s great horse events is going on right now. In Ireland, the Royal Dublin Horse Show is hosting not only the greatest show jumpers in the world, but dozens of classes for more than a thousand local horses, riders and hunts, and $1 Million in prize money."

Interview: Equine author R.T. Fitch « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Interview: Equine author R.T. Fitch « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM found guilty of violating Federal Law in Wild Horse case « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM found guilty of violating Federal Law in Wild Horse case « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "The Bureau of Land Management violated federal law when it decided to remove wild horses from an area in northwestern Colorado, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled."

Founder of Habitat for Horses speaks out on EU ban of US horse meat « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Founder of Habitat for Horses speaks out on EU ban of US horse meat « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "For decades, the gourmet diners of Europe and Japan have eaten American horse meat poisoned by chemical contamination. The horse flesh exporting by unscrupulous producers and horse slaughter plants will come to an end in April of 2010. The new rules enacted by the European Union will mandate chemical free horse meat entering those countries."

Undercover Horse Slaughter Investigation Underscores USDA – Documented Brutality « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Undercover Horse Slaughter Investigation Underscores USDA – Documented Brutality « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "A thirty month long investigation into the plight of horses who have been sold for slaughter has revealed the worst levels of inhumane treatment. The abuse and neglect of these horses, sometimes referred to as ‘kill horses,’ was uncovered during the investigation and is consistent with findings and photographs contained in a 906 page document released by the USDA last year."

Opinion: Slaughtering horses, poisoning people; is the U.S. asleep at the wheel? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Opinion: Slaughtering horses, poisoning people; is the U.S. asleep at the wheel? « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "It’s out in the open, there’s no denying or running away from it now. The anti-horse people have been attempting to keep it under wraps for ages but, today, it’s staring them right in the face and there’s a great big draft horse standing in their living rooms; the EU now recognizes that the meat from American horses, slaughtered in Canada and Mexico, is toxic and dangerous for human consumption due to the equine medications it retains (Link)."

Miami area horse owners take action to protect their own « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Miami area horse owners take action to protect their own « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "One horse owner is sleeping in her barn at night. Others are patrolling paddocks and pastures, shotgun at the ready.

They know someone is out there preying on horses, killing the majestic animals for their meat. And they’ll do anything to protect their own."

New EU rules may end slaugther if American Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

New EU rules may end slaugther if American Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "CHICAGO, (EWA) – The European Union (EU) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have announced that the rules on slaughtering horses for human consumption are about to change radically due to concerns regarding contaminated horse meat."

What did you say about my horse? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

What did you say about my horse? « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "The old adage, ’sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me’ constitute fine words to live by when verbal aspersions are recklessly hurled."

US House passes legislation to protect burros and wild horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

US House passes legislation to protect burros and wild horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Another Butchered Horse Found In Miami-Dade « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Another Butchered Horse Found In Miami-Dade « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Blind woman uses tiny horse as guide « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Blind woman uses tiny horse as guide « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "DEARBORN, Michigan – Mona Ramouni’s fingers fly across the text as she proofreads yet another page of a calculus textbook to be published in Braille — with her guide pony sitting patiently by."

Room for Emotion in Wild Horse Debate « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Room for Emotion in Wild Horse Debate « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Playboy bunnies hop on wild horse issue « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Playboy bunnies hop on wild horse issue « Straight from the Horse's Heart
But Hastings and others with reservations about the bill have three passionate opponents: former Playboy playmates Shane and Sia Barbi (aka "The Barbi Twins") and Amy Nelson, daughter of country superstar Willie Nelson. (Willie sits on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Horses)

Native Americans Refute Claims as Bogus Author Says « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Native Americans Refute Claims as Bogus Author Says « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Washington Activist Blasts Political Opportunists Using Issue

By R.T. Fitch

HOUSTON (SFHH) – On July 18th, 2009 an Associated Press story hit the
internet quoting sources saying the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs,
Oregon would attempt to reintroduce horse slaughter into the United States.
The headline, “Groups Push to Slaughter Horses for Meat Possibly in Oregon”
swept across the internet like wild fire."

Opinion: Unwanted Horses set Free – Where’s the Proof? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Opinion: Unwanted Horses set Free – Where’s the Proof? « Straight from the Horse's Heart: "Alright, it has finally happened, I have reached the tipping point. Day after day the American public is bombarded with main stream media stories about all of the “unwanted” horses that are set free and running all over the US. To take the stories for their word there should be a horse on every street corner in America begging for a bale of hay or a cup of grain but have you seen one? I know that I haven’t."