Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Horse Slaughter Defunding Language Remains Intact!! « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Horse Slaughter Defunding Language Remains Intact!! « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Congressman Moran's amendment passed 24 to 21 so the language remains to defund inspections for horses. After the vote, they said the Nays had it but then one of the reps asked for a roll call.
While it was a close vote, the Ag committee is always difficult so this was a most welcome victory. We now need to ensure the language stays intact for the full house vote.
Thank you all for your support and hard work on this important legislation. We'll have more details but wanted you to hear the good news.

Calls Needed TODAY to Save American Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Calls Needed TODAY to Save American Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Late last week the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved the FY2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill. The language defunding the required USDA inspections of horse slaughter facilities was not included for the first time since 2005, despite strong bipartisan support in Congress. This first step, if successful, may allow foreign investors the opportunity to reestablish horse slaughter in the US.

Monday, May 30, 2011

De-Funding of Horse Slaughter Inspections in Jeopardy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

De-Funding of Horse Slaughter Inspections in Jeopardy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug, Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Committee has released its proposed appropriations budget for FY 2012.

The proposed bill does not include a provision de-funding inspections for horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. The proposed bill does not prohibit use of funds to inspect horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. The subcommittee report does not mention it.

It is the de-funding of these ante-mortem inspections in appropriations measures that has prohibited commercial horse slaughter for human consumption in the U.S. since 2007. Now, if the subcommittee bill passes, it could mean the return of commercial horse slaughter to the U.S.

Fight Continues to Expose Obama’s BLM Lies to the American Public « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Fight Continues to Expose Obama’s BLM Lies to the American Public « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“A journalist published photos and videos of the methods employed by the government when rounding up and warehousing wild horses removed from public lands. The photos sparked public debate and concern. The photos resultantly became became unpopular with the government. The government then crafted protocol that continually changes, which effectively forecloses meaningful public observation of these same activities.”

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Happy Birthday Cloud, For What It’s Worth « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Happy Birthday Cloud, For What It’s Worth « Straight from the Horse's Heart

On behalf of all self-actualized and compassionate human beings I would like to extend to you a most heartfelt congratulations, this day, on the advent of your sixteenth year of accompanying us on this voyage across time and space upon the spaceship we call Earth.

Sixteen years ago a wonderful cinematographer and her friend witnessed you entering this world. At that time you probably had no idea of the mantle of responsibility and notoriety that you would bear upon your withers and soul. As a young palomino, born wild amongst some of the most wondrous grandeur known on earth, you didn’t have a clue as to your destiny or the part you would play in the trivial game of human ego, greed and cruelty. And if I had my way, you still would not know.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Ambassador of American Wild Horses Honored In Congress « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Ambassador of American Wild Horses Honored In Congress « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Mr. GRIJALVA: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the wild horse stallion known as Cloud, born May 29, 1995 in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range of Montana.

This majestic stallion has become the most famous wild horse in the world, and serves as the ambassador and emblem of wild horses and burros living free and protected on public lands.

No other wild horse in United States history has had his life story known and shared throughout the world.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Wild Horse Advocates Ask BLM to Keep Domestic Horses Clear of Native Mustangs « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse Advocates Ask BLM to Keep Domestic Horses Clear of Native Mustangs « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Concerned about the threat of a catastrophic outbreak of a herpes virus among wild horse herds in the West, national animal advocates on Thursday called on the federal government to keep potentially infected domestic horses away from mustangs and burros on public lands.

Senator Blocks Obama’s Chief Wild Horse Hater’s Pay Raise « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Senator Blocks Obama’s Chief Wild Horse Hater’s Pay Raise « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Ya gotta love it; you might not agree with why Louisiana Senator David Vitter is blocking former rancher, now Director of the Department of the Interior, Ken Salazar’s pay hike but you have to admire him for taking a stand and putting it all out on the table. The good Senator’s privates must clank when he walks because he sure is proving to be made of solid steel as he stands up against this current inept and do nothing administration. Vitter’s reason for denying the government’s Chief Wild Horse Hater from an increase in his salary can be summed up in one simple and to the point quote, “completely unsatisfactory” performance.

Feds say Imprisoned Wild Horses Dodged Deadly Mid-West Tornadoes « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Feds say Imprisoned Wild Horses Dodged Deadly Mid-West Tornadoes « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Houston, (SFTHH) - Many wild horse advocates have recently expressed concern over the safety of the unnaturally transplanted wild horses of the west being warehoused in the mid-west’s infamous “tornado alley”. Left alone, in the wild, the horses would manage well as large numbers of tornadoes are not known to frequent the arid western United States plus the horses know to stay out of the way of trouble. But thanks to the mismanagement of Obama’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) our federally protected wild horses and burros are inhumanely stampeded by helicopters, captured and then shipped off to the mid-west where they are forced to live out their lives eating an unfamiliar forage and separated from their families while living in same sex herds.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Scientists Demand Obama’s BLM Cease Stampeding Wild Horse Foals and Mares « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Scientists Demand Obama’s BLM Cease Stampeding Wild Horse Foals and Mares « Straight from the Horse's Heart

As an outraged citizen I am writing you to beg for the mercy of week and
month old babies that will be the victims of the planned Round-ups starting
in July.

The BLM handbook states that round-ups should NOT be conducted during
foaling season. In July there are still mares that are heavily pregnant and
babies that are only weeks old. Even babies that are one or two months old
cannot withstand the miles and miles of running over treacherous terrain.
July is in the middle of foaling season.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Wyoming Wild Horses in BLM Crosshairs « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wyoming Wild Horses in BLM Crosshairs « Straight from the Horse's Heart

You have got it right; the BLM wants to decimate the White Mountain and Little Colorado herds in Wyoming leaving only 274 horses on 1 million acres while allowing 6,000 cattle or 30,000 privately owned sheep to graze on your public lands, does that seem right, hell no!!

Obama’s BLM Confirms it Will Resume Wild Horse and Burro “Gathers” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Obama’s BLM Confirms it Will Resume Wild Horse and Burro “Gathers” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – After spending most of the last two years under attack for its wild horse “gathers” in the west, the federal Bureau of Land Management will soon resume the capture and possible extinction of the North American Mustang. The confirmation came early Monday from BLM Chief Washington Spokesman Tom Gorey.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Free Webinar on Equine Herpesvirus-1: What Horse Owners Need to Know « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Free Webinar on Equine Herpesvirus-1: What Horse Owners Need to Know « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The current outbreak of the sometimes fatal neurologic disease caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in several Western states and Canada has generated widespread concern throughout the horse industry. How many horses are really affected in this outbreak? Is this a new, mutated form of the virus? What are the signs that tell you a horse has EHV-1? Will affected horses recover? How can horse owners and veterinarians work together to prevent the disease from spreading?

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Parelli Produces Video on Equine Herpes Virus « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Parelli Produces Video on Equine Herpes Virus « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Linda sat down with Dr. Dwight Hooten, DVM to learn more about the EHV-1 outbreak in the U.S. and get his recommendations for protecting our horses from risk.

What are the symptoms? What should every horse owner know? What precautions should you take? What about farrier visits – do they put my horse at risk? If I have to travel, what should I keep in mind? …these questions and more are answered in this informative interview.

Many thanks to the Parelli’s for taking the time to inform and educate the public.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Wild Horse & Burro Advocates Win One in Nevada « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horse & Burro Advocates Win One in Nevada « Straight from the Horse's Heart

AB 329 – We did it folks! Thanks to all the advocates who worked so hard and spoke so well at the hearing. A job well done !

We can celebrate. Unexpected and confusing news here, but certainly welcome. The Senate Committee covered their tails politically from all directions with their decision, but the result was good. Senator Manendo wrote a letter of his own and had it read into the record. The basics of his letter stated that he is concerned about unintended consequences, conflicting testimonies and confusion. He suggested sending this on to the Public Lands Counsel or other appropriate interim committee. Sen. Rhodes spoke up saying that it belongs in Public Land Counsel. Manendo directed the Legal Counsel Bureau to investigate fully. He also directed the PLC to work with all sides – work together and come to an agreement. If that doesn’t work, they can bring it up again in the 2013 legislative session. The Committee voted to accept Manendo’s recommendation.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Wild Horses in Nevada Catch a Break « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wild Horses in Nevada Catch a Break « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Update: SFTHH has just received a phone call that Nevada Legislators did not pass the controversial bill AB329 which would have stripped wild horses and burros of their “wildlife” classification and left them without access to water in the one of the country’s most arid states.

Who Will Cry for Me? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Who Will Cry for Me? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

He came to us because our vet asked us to pick him up. Nothing unusual about the call – a horse down, unable to rise. We’re used to those calls, and the ranch crew responded quickly and with practiced perfection. In a short time the horse, a young gelding, was on the Emergency Glide at the barn as the crew started hooking him up to the Anderson Sling.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Equine Herpes Virus Scare Spreads « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Equine Herpes Virus Scare Spreads « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Being both an Equine Advocate and a responsible horse owner I cannot help but keep an eye on the spreading news story regarding the outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus that occurred in Utah last week. Since that time there have been reports from the bulk of the western states, including Texas, and even up into Canada of infected horses being diagnosed but one may wonder if the news media may be driving this alleged “outbreak” harder than the reality of the situation.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Nevada Welfare Ranchers Cannot Compute the Wild Horse Debate « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Nevada Welfare Ranchers Cannot Compute the Wild Horse Debate « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Don’t stop me if you’ve heard this one before.

A horse walks into a bar.

The bartender comes over and says, “Why the long face?”

Who knows, maybe the equine was a mustang that had just heard about AB329, the malodorous pile of legislation that should be drawing flies and instead is attracting bipartisan support from Nevada elected officials who should know better. An element of the legislation, which has already passed a vote in the Assembly by a wide margin, changes the definition of “wildlife” to included “any wild animal, wild bird, reptile amphibian, mollusk or crustacean naturally found in a wild state whether indigenous to Nevada or not and whether raised in captivity or not. The term does not include any horse or burro.”

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Top Chef Canada’s Taste for Butchered Horse Flesh Unleashes Facebook Firestorm « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Top Chef Canada’s Taste for Butchered Horse Flesh Unleashes Facebook Firestorm « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“Top Chef Canada” came under intensive fire over the weekend leading up to Monday’s broadcast over an episode in which one contestant was asked to prepare a dish using proven drug tainted horse meat. While the show aired a Facebook group emerged, called “Boycott Top Chef — Protect the Horses” and the membership swelled to over 5,000 strong within minutes totally eclipsing the Top Chef Canada’s Facebook page of only 3,500.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Forked Tongue Horse Haters May Face Legal Woes Over Nevada Horse Tripping Bill « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Forked Tongue Horse Haters May Face Legal Woes Over Nevada Horse Tripping Bill « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Breaking News: The Associated Press has reported that the dead Nevada Horse Tripping Bill, SB364, may gain new life after the release of a video graphically showing horse tripping occurring in Nevada only a few weeks ago.

“Seeing that horse flailing on its back. It just got to me,” said Sen. Allison Copening, D-Las Vegas, the bill’s sponsor. “This is not a sport. It is animal cruelty.”

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Fringe Horse Eating Cult Feeds Off Food Network Frenzy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Fringe Horse Eating Cult Feeds Off Food Network Frenzy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

In a recent press release the Equine Welfare Alliance echoed the outrage of the American and Canadian people at the production of a Top Chef Canada episode airing May 16th on the Food Network where the featured “classic French dish” is created with drug tainted horse meat. Likewise Steven Long of Horseback Magazine covered the story of how a growing swell of Facebook users were compelling the Food Network to pull the upcoming episode.

The Huffington Post has picked up on this disgusting story along with many other news agency’s but right on cue, desperate for attention with butcher cleavers in hand, renegade Wyoming Rep. “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis and her clueless lapdog Dave “Doink” Duquette open their bloody mouths and sic their sick minions on the sane animal lovers of North America.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

BLM Briefly Opening Doors to Barricaded Wild Horse and Burro Concentration Camp « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BLM Briefly Opening Doors to Barricaded Wild Horse and Burro Concentration Camp « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Reno, Nev. —The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering public tours of its Indian Lakes Road Short-Term Holding Facility in Fallon, Nev., Friday, June 3, and Friday, July 15, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The tours can each accommodate up to 30 people and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The public can sign up to attend and get driving directions to the facility by calling the BLM at (775) 475-2222.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Horse Advocates Call Foul on Food Network « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Horse Advocates Call Foul on Food Network « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Chicago (EWA) – Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) joins its Canadian partner, Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) in calling for the withdrawal of an episode scheduled to air Monday, May 16 on the Food Network’s program Top Chef Canada.

The program features “French Cuisine” including horse meat and foie gras, angering both horse advocates and animal welfare groups across the globe. The timing of this episode coincides with CHDC’s May Equine Awareness campaign.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Points to Consider: Wild Horse and Burro Mortality « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Points to Consider: Wild Horse and Burro Mortality « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Save for the wolf, few animals living wild on what’s left of the West’s ‘wide open’ spaces engender as much contention as wild equines. To some, they are iconic, tough and unfettered living anchors to our past, worthy of respect and preservation. To others, they are competitors for scarce rangeland resources, to be stringently controlled through mandates and policies and inevitably, removals. Procedural documents outline reasons for proposed removals of Wild Equines from a home range; most allude to the lack of available forage or limited water resources. Nearly all cite the absence of predators and the vast proclivity toward over-breeding of these long-lived species as compelling cause for removals.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Movie Review: Wild Horses & Renegades « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Movie Review: Wild Horses & Renegades « Straight from the Horse's Heart

A few years back I wrote an article about the threat to America's wild horses in general and the small herd of Mustangs on the Blackjack Mountain preserve in Oklahoma in particular. At that time I laid the blame for the mismanagement of one of America's greatest natural resources at the feet of the Bureau Of Land Management (BLM) and their close ties to corporations buying leases on public land to run livestock. The BLM is supposedly responsible for the stewardship of all wild lands not currently national parks owned by the federal government in trust for the people of the United States. The acts which govern the terms of their stewardship spell out they are supposed to treat them in manner sensitive to the existing ecosystems. One of the pieces of legislation which applies to these territories is the Wild Free-Roaming Horse And Burro Actpassed in 1971 that was designed to preserve existing populations of wild horses and burros on all government owned lands.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Horse Eating Wyoming Politician Gets It Wrong, Again « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Horse Eating Wyoming Politician Gets It Wrong, Again « Straight from the Horse's Heart

With vision clouded by ignorance, narrow-mindedness, prejudice and lack of morals Wyoming State Rep. “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis and her main squeeze Dave “Doink” Duquette got themselves so wrapped up in another state’s business that they failed to even read or understand a proposed bill that was voluntarily withdrawn.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Cruel Horse Tripping DOES Happen in Nevada « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Cruel Horse Tripping DOES Happen in Nevada « Straight from the Horse's Heart

While the likes of Dave Duquette and Sue Wallis waved their out-of-state banners and declared that Horse Tripping does not exist in Nevada the cruel and inhumane practice was occurring right under their upturned, pig-like noses.

“Held Nevada Animals” has released a shocking video captured at the Winnemucca Annual Charreada on April 30, 2011. Not only shows horse tripping to be alive and well in a state that claims to not have it, but also that horses are downed, injured, prodded with electric cattle prods, used over and over in repeated events, and are not given water throughout an entire day of events. Blatant abuse to these horses, which are obvious domestics, is in no way in the spirit of a true rodeo and rodeo sportsmanship.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Captured BLM Wild Horse Gets New Home « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Captured BLM Wild Horse Gets New Home « Straight from the Horse's Heart

March 2011 – I have been crying for the wild horses and burros since my daughter called me on her way back from the Twin Peaks Roundup last summer – after she saw for herself what REALLY happens to the horses and burros during the BLM stampedes. This week however, my tears were of joy … it’s about time something GOOD happened … even if it is just a small step in a gigantic tragic story. One of only a few remaining Twin Peaks wild stallions was “sprung” from a BLM wild horse and burro facility … and is now safe and sound at his new home at DreamCatcher Sanctuary … a million thank-yous go out from his heart and mine to many, many people … he is YOUR horse and my horse and has always has been and always will be … but he belongs only to himself … as it should be and always will be. His name is ACE.