Straight from the Horse's Heart

Horseback Mag Banned from Horse Slaughter Summit « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-28T08:48:00.000-06:00

Horseback Mag Banned from Horse Slaughter Summit « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – Horseback Magazine had hoped to cover the upcoming pro-horse processing Summit of the Horse in Oklahoma City beginning April 2, however, the fiery tempered president of United Horsemen, the presenting sponsor, has barred this magazine’s first amendment right to cover a news story of interest to all horse owners.

Wild Horses and Burros: Plaintiffs for the Day « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-26T09:56:00.000-06:00

Wild Horses and Burros: Plaintiffs for the Day « Straight from the Horse's Heart

As the sun slowly peeks it’s glowing orb above the mountains and hills that surround Reno, Nevada it may just appear to be another day for most, but well out beyond those hills the few remaining wild horses and burros are going to be, virtually, crowded into a courtroom, today.

It’s January 27^th 2012, a brisk and invigorating Thursday morning in northern Nevada, or at least I think it is morning. I blasted into town well after midnight by my Houston biological clock but a quick call to Laura Leigh reminded me that the evening was still young, by local time, and she still had a lot of work to do. Could I help her with that work, nope, just go to the hotel and get some rest in preparation for tomorrow, which is now today, and we would pool resources in the morning. So here I am, once again with my mind exclusively on the horses and burros while sitting alone in a hotel room, wondering what we will be feeling twelve hours from now and what the future will look like for our four legged plaintiffs. Perhaps, after drinking a pot of coffee, the most obvious statements that swirl around behind my forehead can be broken down into just two statements, the first is:

“War Horse” Message Touches the Heart of America « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-25T06:51:00.000-06:00

“War Horse” Message Touches the Heart of America « Straight from the Horse's Heart

My in-laws were not horse people until Terry and I got hitched; not that I brought horses with me into the relationship but I did bring the means that allowed Terry to live her dream, and her parents were there, in Brazil, when she was given Apache the Mongalarga Marchador who now lives with us in Texas. My in-laws were hooked and always insist on taking care of the “GrandAnimals” when we travel. So the invitation for a movie and a dinner was quickly accepted with great relish.

We attended a Monday afternoon matinee for not only the rock-bottom price of the tickets but because we knew that there would be few patrons present to distract us. And we were right, there were only 9 total, including us, but one felt that she was above the rules and not only left her cell phone on but answered it in the middle of the movie. I activated my death ray and vaporized her, immediately…in my mind.

The Last of the Real Cowboys « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-24T07:27:00.000-06:00

The Last of the Real Cowboys « Straight from the Horse's Heart

I’ve known a lot of ranchers in my life; good, honest men with a work ethic born of pride in the job they do, men who think nothing of rolling out round bales of hay in minus 20 degree weather, who would go out in a rainstorm and bring an abandoned calf into the barn and bottle feed it for days on end because, “he deserves a chance.” On the flat plains of north Texas, life on the range could destroy the weak, but for those who persevered it could turn them into the very best of the human race.

Beau Jacques Case Not Only Sad, But Worrying « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Beau Jacques Case Not Only Sad, But Worrying « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The sad demise of former racehorse Beau Jacques will upset any horse lover.

Here was a thoroughbred gelding who, at five, was at the end of his racing career.

Owner Kevin Patterson had spent $US1000 in veterinary care to help Beau Jacques over a tendon injury suffered on March 29 last year, in the first step in getting him right for a new career after racing.

Kelsey Elva Lefever, 24, met with Patterson in May and held out the promise of a bright future for Beau Jacques.

Patterson gave Lefever Beau Jacques on the understanding she would find him a new home and he was not to be sold for meat under any circumstances, according to a probable-cause affidavit signed by Trooper Colleen Shelly, of the Pennsylvania State Police Department.

THE REQUIREMENTS OF JUSTICE « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-23T07:04:00.000-06:00

THE REQUIREMENTS OF JUSTICE « Straight from the Horse's Heart

RT Fitch and I each placed $1,000 on the table as an award to anyone who can prove that equine slaughter has a basis in need other that sticking money in the pockets of the pro-slaughter crowd. Without fail, the customary propaganda spewed forth like sewage from an overflowing cesspool. Not a single statement held any factual backing. Several tried to turn the tables, challenging us to provide the answer to, “Why not?” Nor was a word uttered on this blog by the high and mighty “authorities,” although some person named “Wallis,” who thinks she is a leader of some sort, did post on several other blogs that I was an idiot and should be “investigated.”

The Force of the Horse® « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Force of the Horse® « Straight from the Horse's Heart

It had been a while since they had spoken with him. They knew that he had been busy, particularly since the hurricanes. Before the storms, he used to come out and sit with them, often sharing conversation and stories over the round bale; but it had been a while. They missed the contact, but could feel the clutter in his mind and the battle raging in his soul. So they calmly waited, knowing that he would return to them. Tonight, he was sitting on the fence, thoughtfully watching them munch on the new round bale in the back pasture.

Horses Aren’t The Only Victims « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-21T07:08:00.000-06:00

Horses Aren’t The Only Victims « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Can we trust anyone? This lovely looking horse trainer lady pretended to give horses a good home, and sold them to kill instead. Her constant deceiving and lying is not the exception amongst kill buyers, it is the rule.

Many a previous owner would be distraught and traumatized if they knew of the torturous ways in which their former companion has come to its bitter end. The predatory horse slaughter industry doesn’t only victimize horses, it victimizes people.

Congress Considering Ending Horse Slaughter Once And For All « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-21T06:19:00.000-06:00

Congress Considering Ending Horse Slaughter Once And For All « Straight from the Horse's Heart

U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (R., Pa.) on Thursday urged his colleagues in the House and Senate to pass legislation to halt horse slaughter after reading a report in The Inquirer that Kelsey Lefever of Honeybrook was allegedly selling animals for slaughter in Canada under false pretenses.

“This is a tragic example of why we need federal law to prohibit the transportation and sale of horses for slaughter in the first place,” said Meehan, one of 150 cosponsors of anti-slaughter legislation in the House. “Horses are not raised for human consumption, and their slaughter for sale overseas is a cruel and inhumane practice that is not consistent with our values here in Pennsylvania.”

Investigation of BLM Roundup Contractor Requested « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-21T05:50:00.000-06:00

Investigation of BLM Roundup Contractor Requested « Straight from the Horse's Heart

WASHINGTON (Jan. 20, 2012) – The Cloud Foundation (TCF) of Colorado Springs, CO has requested an investigation into the contracting process which led to Sun J Livestock of Vernal, Utah, receiving millions of dollars in Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contracts to round up wild horses and burros in the West since the Fall of 2010. The request for an investigation was filed yesterday with the Interior Office of the Inspector General.

Donkey-Powered Protesters Marched on Texas Capitol « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-20T07:23:00.000-06:00

Donkey-Powered Protesters Marched on Texas Capitol « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Words matter in life. And the case of the the wild donkeys of West Texas is no exception.

If you call them “Wild Burros” you could be inclined to see them as scrappy survivors, emblems of the Old West. If you call them “Feral Donkeys,” well, then they sound like pests that need to be exterminated.

In Texas, what we have here is a failure to communicate.

Gov Rick Perry’s Office Says “NO” to Petitions to Stop Shooting Wild Burros « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-19T10:07:00.000-06:00

Gov Rick Perry’s Office Says “NO” to Petitions to Stop Shooting Wild Burros « Straight from the Horse's Heart

At a Statehouse dominated by elephants, the donkey got some love in a short parade in downtown Austin on Wednesday.

The occasion was a protest of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department‘s shoot-to-kill policy concerning feral burros in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Marjorie Farabee , founder of the Wild Burro Protection League and director at the Wild Horse Freedom Federation, had a helper drop some 103,000 petitions against shooting the burros at Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s office.

“Because Gov. Perry’s office refused authorization of delivery,” Farabee said. “Be sure you write that.”

Woman charged with lying about rescuing horses, instead sends them to slaughter « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-19T05:45:00.000-06:00

Woman charged with lying about rescuing horses, instead sends them to slaughter « Straight from the Horse's Heart

It was not illegal for Kelsey Lefever to bring rescued horses to auction to be sold for slaughter. But it was illegal for her to tell the horses’ owners that she was finding them good homes, according to Pennsylvania state police.

Burros to Deliver Petitions to Governor Rick Perry « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-17T22:28:00.000-06:00

Burros to Deliver Petitions to Governor Rick Perry « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Tomorrow, 1/18/2011,the Wild Burro Protection League and Red Horse Nation will be herding burros to Austin to deliver more than 100,000 signatures to Governor Rick Perry.

The signatures are part of a Change.org petition demanding that the Presidential hopeful stop his administration’s wild burro slaughter in Texas’ Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Equine Welfare Advocates Issue Slaughter Argument Challenge « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-17T00:53:00.000-06:00

Equine Welfare Advocates Issue Slaughter Argument Challenge « Straight from the Horse's Heart

In November, passage of a federal agricultural budget bill restored USDA funding for horsemeat processing plant inspections. Now, a pair of equine welfare advocates is offering $2,000 to anyone who can make a convincing argument in favor of reviving the horse processing industry in the United States.

Children’s Horse Saving Writing Campaign Building Groundswell of Support « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-16T08:46:00.000-06:00

Children’s Horse Saving Writing Campaign Building Groundswell of Support « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Chicago (EWA) – The Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) children’s letter writing campaign to end horse slaughter, first announced on January 5^th, has now received the support of The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Humane Education Committee.

The Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) was contacted by the committee to offer their support and to obtain additional information on the campaign. The committee enclosed a letter from one of their teachers with an email voicing support from Senator Joe Lieberman.

The $2,000.00 Horse Slaughter Challenge « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-16T07:29:00.000-06:00

The $2,000.00 Horse Slaughter Challenge « Straight from the Horse's Heart

It might not be a lot of money but Jerry Finch, Founder and President of Habitat for Horses, called out the propaganda perpetuating horse-killers only to have the dark-side fall flat on their faces. He threw down one thousand dollars as a challenge for the horse-haters to verify why horse slaughter is necessary and from the handful of mindless followers of “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis and Dave “Doink” Duquette only the lamest dared to show their faces and still not one solid, scientific, moralistic, ethical fact has been brought forward to support why it is necessary to butcher our companion horses and then eat their flesh. Not one single reason; so we are going to up the ante and I will, personally, throw in an additional thousand in an effort to get these money mongering cockroaches to crawl out from under their rocks and stand in the light of day and attempt to support their failed philosophy. Just one, can any of them truly debate and substantiate their bloody stance without subverting the truth and manipulating legal actions from behind closed doors? I don’t think so. We may as well make it $1,000,000.00 and watch the circus because there is no chance on this green earth that these unenlightened cult of misguided livestock dealers will ever be able prove their point beyond any reasonable shadow of doubt.

Love of Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-15T07:33:00.000-06:00

Love of Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“All week long, day and night, we battle the BLM, the bloody horse haters and even the President of the United States on behalf of those that cannot speak for themselves; our horses either wild or domestic. The bought politicians and the horse-eaters wonder at our resilience, our tenacity and our conviction; without admitting it they are in awe and envy pervades their consciousness.

So today, being Sunday, we will reach out to them and briefly explain why we do what we do and what fuels the fire within our souls. The passion in our lives is born in the depth of soul from within the eye of the horse and the power that drives us is knowing from the very core of our being that we are right, we are just and we will never go away.” ~ R.T.

Horse-Haters: Put Up or Shut Up « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-14T00:57:00.000-06:00

Horse-Haters: Put Up or Shut Up « Straight from the Horse's Heart

They like to call themselves “Pro-Slaughter” as if there is an ounce of good in them but the bunch that supports the uncivilized practice of brutally slaughtering companion horses and then feasting upon their carcasses has nothing “Pro” about them, in fact they are about as “Anti” as you can get: Anti-Horse, Anti-Eduction, Anti-Truth, Anti-Morals and above all, Anti-American. They speak to all that is wrong with our society as they pervert and twist our governmental processes for the sake of a few extra coins in their pockets as they torment the gentle equine soul and spout untruths, lies, rumor and innuendo as if it were fact and one American has called them out and said enough is enough.

C Minus: Subpar Score for Obama Administration on Animal Welfare Issues « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-12T23:54:00.000-06:00

C Minus: Subpar Score for Obama Administration on Animal Welfare Issues « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Obama administration had B-level scores for the first two years of the term, but earned only a C-minus from The Humane Society of the United States for its performance on animal welfare issues in 2011. The Obama administration had a wide range of opportunities to advance a constructive animal welfare agenda for the nation in 2011, but it was responsible for only a few noteworthy beneficial actions for animals. It stalled, weakened, or exhibited indifference to some overdue reforms, and it even took some highly adverse actions against animal protection.

Feds Defend Press Limits to Wild Horse Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-10T19:33:00.000-06:00

Feds Defend Press Limits to Wild Horse Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) – A photographer appeared before the 9th Circuit on Monday to defend press freedoms against the federal agency that barred her from attending a roundup of wild horses in Nevada.

Laura Leigh sued in September 2010 for a temporary restraining order that would stop the Bureau of Land Management from conducting a wild horse roundup in the Silver King Herd Management Area, which is about 150 miles north of Las Vegas in Lincoln County.

Horse Eater Attempts to Justify Slaughtering Companion Animals « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-09T18:22:00.000-06:00

Horse Eater Attempts to Justify Slaughtering Companion Animals « Straight from the Horse's Heart

As the Pro-Horse movement becomes more mainstream and expands the awareness of the public through billboards, video commercials and print media the horse-eaters are scrambling to fine tune their propaganda machine and expand their war chest of misinformation and bogus facts. The leaders of their tiny ranks have been Wyoming State Rep. Sue Wallis and an unheard of horse trainer David Duquette who sits as president of their latest list of befouled 501(c) 3 United Horsemen. It’s odd that neither of these individuals come forward with any sort of substantial credentials be they educational or professional yet a handful of misguided cultists follow them as if their word was gospel and what falls from their mouths is 180 degrees out from anything approaching the truth.

Why Deer are Not Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-08T07:49:00.000-06:00

Why Deer are Not Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

I had this idea that I could rope a deer, put it in a stall, feed it up on corn for a couple of weeks, tame it and have a little petting zoo for the grandkids when they come over, they are getting bored with the cattle and I don’t have any horses so this could be a very cheap and natural way to go.

The first step in this adventure was getting a deer. I figured that, since they congregate at my cattle feeder and do not seem to have much fear of me when we are there (a bold one will sometimes come right up and sniff at the bags of feed while I am in the back of the truck not 4 feet away), it should not be difficult to rope one, get up to it and toss a bag over its head (to calm it down) then hog tie it and transport it home.

From the Mouths of Babes the Horses are Saved « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-08T07:03:00.000-06:00

From the Mouths of Babes the Horses are Saved « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Of course, it’s Sunday and we like to stay away from the gross, grim and perverted (so normally we don’t talk about Mustang abuse and horse slaughter). But today I would like to share with you some good, wholesome and uplifting news, the news about the children of the nation bonding together in an effort to convince our alleged animal friendly President to sign an Executive Order to ensure that horse slaughter plants will never open in the U.S and to stop the transportation of American horses across our borders to be the tainted delicacy on a rich foreigners plate.

American Indians Offer Programs for Horses That Treat the Sacred Animals as a Way of Life « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-07T02:13:00.000-06:00

American Indians Offer Programs for Horses That Treat the Sacred Animals as a Way of Life « Straight from the Horse's Heart

On November 18, President Obama approved the lifting of a congressional ban on domestic horsemeat inspections. In doing so, he raised the possibility that horses could be legally slaughtered for human consumption in the U.S. for the first time in years. Just as important, he spotlighted a major clash of cultures.

America’s Youth Appeal to Obama to End Horse Slaughter « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-07T01:12:00.000-06:00

America’s Youth Appeal to Obama to End Horse Slaughter « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Chicago (EWA) – Jo-Claire Corcoran of the Equine Welfare Alliance’s Research Team has launched a children’s letter writing campaign to end the slaughter of American horses. Canadian partners have launched a parallel campaign aimed at stopping horse slaughter in Canada.

A similar campaign forty years ago resulted in the passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burros Act that was passed on a unanimous vote in both houses. Jo-Claire commented,

“As Wild Horse Annie proved in 1971 congress listened to the children of this country. Sometimes we do not give our children credit for their ability to comprehend. Children growing up on farms which raise animals for food, are aware those animals are going to slaughter to become food, they understand those animals were raised for that purpose.” She added, “My grandson understands the difference between animals raised for food and animals that are not raised for food.”

Horseback Interview: BLM Shuts the Doors by Hiding Wild Horse Traps on Private Land « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-06T07:42:00.000-06:00

Horseback Interview: BLM Shuts the Doors by Hiding Wild Horse Traps on Private Land « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – Last winter when about 160 horses died in the bitter cold of a Nevada desert’s winter, wild horse advocates issued howls of protest climaxing when a foal, exhausted after being stampeded for miles over rocky ground, lost his hooves and perished.

Animal advocates will not witness such an event this year because the horses are being held in a compound on private property leased at taxpayer’s expense but closed to the public.

Business as Usual as BLM Hides Behind Contractor, Ropes Off Stampede From Public View « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-06T07:11:00.000-06:00

Business as Usual as BLM Hides Behind Contractor, Ropes Off Stampede From Public View « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – The federal Bureau of Land Management has talked a good game in recent months with its appointment of a veteran agency bureaucrat to head the division that controls U.S. wild horses and burros. During that period statements from Director Bob Abbey on down have promised a new era of openess in BLM’s treatment of wild horses which have been systamatically removed from federal lands and replacd by cattle. Hundreds have died in helicopter driven stampedes in the dead of winter and the heat of a desert summer.

Erasing the Memory of Cloud the Stallion « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-06T06:42:00.001-06:00

Erasing the Memory of Cloud the Stallion « Straight from the Horse's Heart

I know many of you have already sent in your comments to the BLM regarding the planned permanent removal of 30 young Pryor mustangs, but I’d like you to consider adding a special plea for Echo, Cloud’s little grandson (BLM name is Killian).

In April 2010, Bolder’s black mare, Cascade, gave birth to a pale colt. It was early May before Makendra and I could get up on the Pryors to look for the colt that supposedly looked like Cloud. We spotted Bolder and his family far out on a still snowy, finger-like ridge on Sykes. We could see a little colt lying in the snow under a juniper tree. He looked snow white but, on closer examination, I could see his stockings and the blaze on his face. On the tip of his nose he had a pink snip, just like his great grandpa Raven, his grandpa Cloud, and his father, Bolder.

Talk of Wild Horse Reform “has delivered nothing” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-05T19:57:00.000-06:00

Talk of Wild Horse Reform “has delivered nothing” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Talk of reform within the Bureau of Land Management‘s wild horse management program has failed to deliver any changes, the Wild Horse Freedom Federation says.

The group, which funds legal challenges against the Governmental agencies that it considers are acting against the wellbeing of wild horses and burros, says 2012 is mirroring 2011, with hundreds of wild horses again targeted for removal from public lands.

BLM’s 2012 Wild Horse Management Plan Looks Like 2011 « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-05T07:54:00.000-06:00

BLM’s 2012 Wild Horse Management Plan Looks Like 2011 « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (WHFF) – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is demonstrating that the New Year of 2012 mirrors 2011 for the hundreds of wild horses that are currently being extracted from public lands. Despite recurring declarations made by the agency toward reform, no changes are apparent as the BLM recently resumed helicopter driven wild horse roundups after taking a brief break from operations over the holidays.

Exclusive: Nebraska Mustang Murderer’s Parole Hearing Transcript « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-04T05:15:00.000-06:00

Exclusive: Nebraska Mustang Murderer’s Parole Hearing Transcript « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“In early November of 2011 a three person Parole Board, in rural Nebraska, met with convicted Wild Horse Killer, Jason Meduna, and discussed setting him free; very, very early. If you are not familiar with this convicted animal abuser and his heinous crimes please click (HERE) as the record is long and to retell the gory details is beyond me at this point. But his former neighbor, the one who was forced to bear his abuse and accused of poisoning his horses as he let them die of starvation and no water, took the time to order the CD of his hearing and transcribe it for your review. We offer no commentary, at this point, but simply the recorded conversation that went back and forth between four individuals who, obviously, have no love for the gift of life and the beauty of equines but instead only see the narrow-minded path that best serves their individual needs. May God have mercy on their souls.” ~ R.T.

Where do the GOP Candidates Stand on Animal Issues? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-03T18:26:00.000-06:00

Where do the GOP Candidates Stand on Animal Issues? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The Humane Society Legislative Fund has not yet made any recommendation in the 2012 presidential race, but over the coming months we will be evaluating President Obama’s animal welfare record during his first term and looking at where the major Republican candidates stand on animal issues. Three of the major candidates remaining are current or ex-governors, one is a former U.S. Senator and House member, two serve in the U.S. House, and one served in the House and was Speaker of the House.

Opinion: Cattle Grazing Impact on Public Land « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-03T05:18:00.000-06:00

Opinion: Cattle Grazing Impact on Public Land « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“As most of you know the BLM’s favorite, trumped up excuse to remove wild horses and burros from their rightful public land is usually centered on range protection from their grazing; even if private cattle out number the native horses 200+ to 1, it makes no difference. But recently the BLM got caught with their pants down as they tried to interfere with a scientific study and the editorial staff of the Salt Lake Tribune is not impressed, nor are we.” ~ R.T.

To Kingston, Kohl, Blunt, Baucus, Wallis; “…as long as we have resources and they are in office.” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-02T17:05:00.000-06:00

To Kingston, Kohl, Blunt, Baucus, Wallis; “…as long as we have resources and they are in office.” « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – The Chicago based Equine Welfare Alliance continued its national assault on five politicians the day after New Years with a strongly worded press release targeted toward the national media and members of Congress. The release went out under the names of EWA President John Holland, and Vice President Vicki Tobin, the day after the resignation of Sue Wallis (R) Wyoming from the group she helped found. “This year and into the future Sue will be focusing on the business of humane horse processing, and helping those who seek to develop responsible and successful business ventures,” the pro slaughter group said in a statement.

Treachery of Congressional Horse Slaughter Cabal Exposed in Ad Campaign « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-02T07:15:00.000-06:00

Treachery of Congressional Horse Slaughter Cabal Exposed in Ad Campaign « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wyoming Equine Terrorist Quits Horse Eating Cult « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2012-01-02T00:20:00.000-06:00

Wyoming Equine Terrorist Quits Horse Eating Cult « Straight from the Horse's Heart

On January 1st alleged horse trainer and President of the front for horse slaughter lobbying, United Horsemen, issued a communique to their handful of cultist followers stating that Wyoming State Rep. “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis has resigned her post as Vice President effective immediately.

With the organization and it’s leadership’s history of dancing with the truth and coming up short on facts it’s difficult to ascertain exactly the reasoning behind the biggest mouth in the horse eating business making such a rapid departure from the questionable organization. The only reason given during Duquette’s rambling is that the infamous horse butcheress is going to utilize her ample free time in studying new ways in which to kill, mutilate, desecrate and eat equine companion animals.

Straight from the Horse’s Heart 2011 in Review « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-31T18:00:00.000-06:00

Straight from the Horse’s Heart 2011 in Review « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Here’s an excerpt:

London Olympic Stadium holds 80,000 people. This blog was viewed about 600,000 times in 2011. If it were competing at London Olympic Stadium, it would take about 8 sold-out events for that many people to see it.

Equine Welfare Alliance Launches “War Horse” Assault on Three Troubled Political Careers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-31T06:32:00.000-06:00

Equine Welfare Alliance Launches “War Horse” Assault on Three Troubled Political Careers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – The Chicago based Equine Welfare Alliance launched the most sophisticated assault yet against the return of equine slaughterhouses with a 90 screen breakout ad to be shown within 10 minutes of the opening credits of Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse.” The ad campaign will target three Washington politicians who pushed the cancellation of a prohibition against funding horse slaughter inspectors. The targeted ads will run in the districts and states of Georgia Republican Rep. Jack Kingston, Sen. Roy Blunt (R) Missouri, and Wisconsin Democrat Sen. Herb Kohl.

“Real” War Horse Shares Screen with Spielberg’s « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-30T23:32:00.000-06:00

“Real” War Horse Shares Screen with Spielberg’s « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Our first attack on those who betrayed our horses has landed. It will leverage the movie War Horse.

We teamed up with Robin Hutton of the Sgt. Reckless Memorial Fund and today, the ad below will appear on 90 theater screens within 10 minutes of the start of the movie War Horse. The ad will be aired in selected theaters in the following states: North Eastern Georgia, Missouri, Wisconsin, Montana and Wyoming. Why those states, you ask? Very simple – Kingston, Blunt, Kohl, Baucus and Wallis! The ad will run for 30 days.

Pro-Horse Billboard Campaign Gains Ground Against Horse-Eaters « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-30T05:12:00.000-06:00

Pro-Horse Billboard Campaign Gains Ground Against Horse-Eaters « Straight from the Horse's Heart

A provocative billboard along Florida’s Turnpike is getting attention from drivers going through Palm Beach County‘s northern horse country.

The sign, which went up last week about a mile south of Indiantown Road, shows two horses nuzzling each other next to the words “Stop Slaughtering Us!” in red and white slash-style letters

Nonprofit: Feed America's hungry -- and their pets - Local News - Houston, TX - msnbc.com

2011-12-29T19:04:00.000-06:00

Nonprofit: Feed America's hungry -- and their pets - Local News - Houston, TX - msnbc.com

Steven Spielberg’s epic drama War Horse opened this week, banking on the raw cinematic power of horses to do what they do so well in their everyday lives: perform brute work for humans and get almost nothing for it.

Horse Eating Minority Attempt to Make a Point « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-29T05:30:00.000-06:00

Horse Eating Minority Attempt to Make a Point « Straight from the Horse's Heart

In our last post we shared with you a letter from an astounding 14 year old young lady, Cheyenne Little, who is actually educated enough and adequately enlightened to the point that she “gets it” when it comes to the cruelty and inhumanity that is at the heart of bloody, predatory horse slaughter. I was both motivated and enthralled when I read what she had written as it was years beyond her time and several levels above the tripe that you get out of the public ramblings on the Horse-Eaters side, I had to pinch myself to remember that this was a fourteen year old speaking out, hats off to Cheyenne; we sure hope that there are a ton more of young folks like you out there as our fight is for you.

14 Year Old Campaigns to Save U.S. Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-29T00:08:00.000-06:00

14 Year Old Campaigns to Save U.S. Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

My name is Cheyenne Little, I’m a 14-year-old girl who lives in Grass Valley. You might remember me as the kid who wrote the “More than a little help” article a few months back.

My horse China’s doing great, I’m doing great. But there’s one thing that’s not so great. And I’m asking for the help and support of my community to change that status.

I recently started a petition against the reopening of equine slaughter in the U.S. Before equine slaughter was made illegal in 2007, over 25,000 horses each year were being processed and shipped out of the country for human consumption.

Download Steven Spielberg Pro-Horse Flyer « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-28T05:11:00.000-06:00

Download Steven Spielberg Pro-Horse Flyer « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“In this day, people don’t have exposure, they don’t have interaction with horses. I hope this movie [War Horse] makes people appreciate the innate and natural intelligence of horses. And I also hope this movie brings an aware- ness to the plight of horses both after World War I and the plight today in a very sad turn of events in which the slaughtering of horses is being permitted for food as a renewed export industry, which makes us all very sad.”

- Steven Spielberg

Double Talk and Dancing: BLM Can’t Spin Fast Enough « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-27T07:13:00.000-06:00

Double Talk and Dancing: BLM Can’t Spin Fast Enough « Straight from the Horse's Heart

On December 7^th, 2011 (Pearl Harbor Day) the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a report on an internal investigation put forward to supply a response to a Federal Judge presiding over a law suit alleging inhumane care and treatment of wild horses and burros from helicopter roundups all the way to long-term holding and the one and only singular plaintiff in that case was and still is Ms. Laura Leigh, Vice President of the Wild Horse Freedom Federation (WHFF). Sitting alone in a Reno Nevada Federal courtroom with her attorney Gordon Cowen and the backing of WHFF Leigh came before the Honorable Judge McKibben and stated her case regarding the observed acts of alleged cruelty displayed by the BLM and their contractors against the country’s wild horses and burros as they were rounded up on protected public land.

Everything You Wanted to Know about “War Horse” but were Afraid Ask « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-26T06:34:00.000-06:00

Everything You Wanted to Know about “War Horse” but were Afraid Ask « Straight from the Horse's Heart

As of late it has been a difficult ride for the horses of the United States of American, both domestic and wild. From the gaff of language being stripped from an Ag bill that defunded horse slaughter plant inspections and then signed by the President to the rapid, cruel and possibly unlawful trapping and removal of protected wild horses and burros from public lands by Obama’s BLM; things have been bleak and looked like they were heading south, until…enter stage left, Steven Spielberg with his latest epic film War Horse. If ever the American public needed to be informed on the plight of the American horse it is now and Mr. Spielberg just opened up that conversation on Christmas Day.

Video: A Christmas Wish of Good Cheer from China « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-25T05:59:00.000-06:00

Video: A Christmas Wish of Good Cheer from China « Straight from the Horse's Heart

For the safety and security of my wife, Terry, and our ranch I rarely divulge my location, travel plans or activities. But being that it is Christmas I will open up and transparently report that I am not at home with Terry nor am I even in the United States of America on this Christmas Day. I am on the other-side of the world with our sister nation, China, and sharing our Western Christmas traditions with our Chinese friends.

The Wild Horse and Burro Christmas « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-24T17:52:00.000-06:00

The Wild Horse and Burro Christmas « 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.

Disturbing Video Prompts Calls for Ban on Horse Slaughter in Canada « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-24T06:44:00.000-06:00

Disturbing Video Prompts Calls for Ban on Horse Slaughter in Canada « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Animal advocacy groups are calling for a ban on the sale of horse meat after disturbing video emerged from a Quebec slaughterhouse showing horses being knocked unconscious before they are butchered.

One of the videos, shot with a hidden camera in Les Viandes de la Petite Nation in western Quebec, shows an agitated-looking horse standing in a small stall.

Lobbyists Work Through Holidays To Block Humane Legislation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-24T03:24:00.000-06:00

Lobbyists Work Through Holidays To Block Humane Legislation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Lobbyist Charlie Stenholm has been working hard since before Thanksgiving. First, there was his Opinion piece in The Washington Times blasting proposed legislation protecting circus elephants, tigers and zebras from abuse—something that would hurt his client, Ringling Brothers.

Then, there was the push to get horse slaughter inspection bans reversed, which was accomplished a week later by three U.S. lawmakers who quietly revised a long-overdue spending bill behind closed doors.

Infamous Wyoming Equine Terrorist Has Head Up Horse’s Butt, Again « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-23T06:41:00.000-06:00

Infamous Wyoming Equine Terrorist Has Head Up Horse’s Butt, Again « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Well America, the scourge of our society and the symbol of all that is wrong with our political system has firmly planted her over inflated head right up the arse of her fictional unwanted horse, again.

“Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis is spouting words of stupidity and fiction as she has announced to her handful of unenlightened cultists that Ginger Katherns and all of the rest of us who litigate against BLM injustice are parasites as we are spending U.S. tax dollars via the use of Equal Access to Justice Funds to finance our legal actions. All I can say is I WISH! Our suits are brought forward with our OWN personal funds and the kind donations of other tax paying, decent Americans…something Wallis would know nothing about. Too busy with plans for equine carnage and abuse she bathes herself in the blood of the horses and uses it as a mask while she doles out massive doses of misinformation and blatant lies to her groveling worshipers. It is enough to sicken the average soul and truly an ugly blemish upon the morale fabric of America. This reject from a class B horror film is enough to try the patience of Satan himself.

The Unwanted Puffball Coalition « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-23T05:23:00.000-06:00

The Unwanted Puffball Coalition « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“The mission of the Unwanted Puffball Coalition is to reduce the number of unwanted fluffy white dogs (Puffballs) and to improve their welfare by education, buying politicians and planting false stories in the press, combined with the efforts of organizations who say publicly that they are committed to the health, safety, and responsible care but are really interested in the profitable disposition of these creatures.”

How Many Congressmen Does It Take To Screw A Horse? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-22T05:28:00.000-06:00

How Many Congressmen Does It Take To Screw A Horse? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Only three. This is the number it took to remove language from an agriculture appropriations spending bill on November 18, reversing a five-year ban on horsemeat inspections. The culprits? Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA). Their strategy? The old closed-door-session-on-Capitol-Hill trick.

Horse Slaughter Not Welcome in Texas, Again « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-21T00:13:00.000-06:00

Horse Slaughter Not Welcome in Texas, Again « Straight from the Horse's Heart

When it comes to the issue of horse slaughter, the Star-Telegram’s Monday editorial got one thing right: The American people, and Texans in particular, love their horses — but because they are trusted companions, not dinner.

Action Alert: Your Help Needed to Protect the Pryor Mustangs « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-20T23:55:00.000-06:00

Action Alert: Your Help Needed to Protect the Pryor Mustangs « Straight from the Horse's Heart

The BLM is proposing another significant removal of wild horses on the Pryor Mountains. I know. Just when you thought it was safe… they’re back!

BLM’s recently released Environmental Assessment (EA) seeks to remove via bait trapping and potentially water trapping, 30 young Pryor mustangs, ages 1-3 years. Bait and/or water trapping could begin as early as mid-January. Comments are due by January 6, 2012. We urge you to comment and to support the NO Action Alternative, the only alternative that keeps a viable population of horses on the mountain

Horsemeat is Big Business « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-20T03:50:00.000-06:00

Horsemeat is Big Business « Straight from the Horse's Heart

When Barack Obama signed the 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Bill on Nov. 18, it opened a door for the renewed slaughter of over 100,000 horses per year on American soil. Some of the president’s most ardent loyalists felt personally betrayed by this move because Obama had initially supported the 2009 Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503) which outlawed the transportation or purchase of horses for the intent of human consumption.

Profile: For the Love of Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-19T09:08:00.000-06:00

Profile: For the Love of Wild Horses « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Laura Leigh’s 1998 Ford Explorer is coated in a fine alkaline dust. Sometimes caustic, it makes eyes water and noses bleed when kicked up while driving endless miles of bumpy, unpaved desert road.

Scrawled in the dust of one window is “NO MORE RHETORIC!” — the war cry of a woman who’s been working out of her truck for the past two years to monitor the Bureau of Land Management‘s wild horse roundups.

Mystery Surrounding Abandoned Horses Finally Solved « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-18T23:07:00.000-06:00

Mystery Surrounding Abandoned Horses Finally Solved « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Chicago (EWA) – A six month investigation by the EWA and other animal investigation organizations has finally determined the predominant source of abandoned horses in the Southwestern US. The findings show that most or all of more than 5,000 horses a year are being abandoned after being rejected for slaughter at the Mexican border.

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

2011-12-18T06:58:00.000-06:00

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

Today is Sunday, precisely one week before Christmas so I tender for you, this day, an original equine related Christmas story. But today’s story tugs at my personal heart-strings with more vigor than necessary. This tale was written several years ago, immediately after the loss of my German Shepherd companion, Nikki. With her passing many creatures were living with a gap in their hearts, this feeling does not only apply to humans but to our animal companions as well. Her partner in arms and constant friend was Terry’s good buddy, Kenny, a massive white Shepherd that cried, howled and looked for Nikki weeks after her departure. The story that follows was one I wrote as Kenny and I tried to find our way through our sadness and grief and is forever alive in our book “Straight from the Horse’s Heart“. The hole is still there but both of us learned to live with it, except that today the hole in my heart is much wider as our good friend and trusty companion, Kenny, crossed over the bridge on Friday, December 16th 2011. We miss him, even the horses wonder where the evening guardian is that watched over the barn while they ate…it is now so empty without the bouncing, forever happy German Shepherd.

The Shame of the BLM « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-17T07:45:00.000-06:00

The Shame of the BLM « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Forty years ago this week, the American people spoke with one voice on an issue that clearly touched the heart of the nation. The Wild Horse and Burro Act was signed into law, over the objections of the powerful cattle industry. Congress was flooded with more letters and telegrams about wild mustangs than for any other issue save the Vietnam War. They insisted that wild horses must be preserved on public lands. That demand became law.

Think Our Wild Horses Are Safe? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-17T07:22:00.000-06:00

Think Our Wild Horses Are Safe? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Forty years ago this Saturday, on December 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon was moved to quote Henry David Thoreau. “We need the tonic of wildness,” the president announced in a statement released from Biscayne Bay, Florida, on the day he signed into law the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, the first federal law designed to protect and manage our wild horses. Nixon wrote that the new law was “an effort to guarantee [the] future” of the horses. and he credited grassroots public support for the political impetus behind the measure.

BLM Targets Famous Wild Stallion Cloud’s Babies « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-16T09:49:00.000-06:00

BLM Targets Famous Wild Stallion Cloud’s Babies « Straight from the Horse's Heart

BILLINGS, Mont. (Dec. 16, 2011) – The Montana Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Billings Field Office issued a Preliminary Environment Assessment outlining plans to strip at least half of the young wild horses from the Pryor Mountains in 2012. The BLM preferred alternative would result in a loss of 20% of the herd and 50% of the young horses, ages one-three, in order to reach their Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 90-120 set in the Herd Management Area Plan (HMAP) of 2009.

Italian Horse Group Exposes Dangers of Imported U.S. Horse Meat « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-16T06:33:00.000-06:00

Italian Horse Group Exposes Dangers of Imported U.S. Horse Meat « Straight from the Horse's Heart

In the USA there is no differentiation between FPA (Food Producing Animal) and non-FPA equidae; horses are simply not considered as part of the food chain. US’ horses are slaughtered in Canada and Mexico (and perhaps in the USA re-starting in 2012). Horse meat is exported primarily to Europe (France, Belgium, Italy and Germany are the main horse-meat eating countries). The significant point here is therefore that any horse, not being considered part of the food chain, can be treated with any and all drugs which the vet – or indeed simply the owner – considers necessary, with no formal requirements to observe or fulfil.

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

2011-12-16T06:01:00.000-06:00

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

Yesterday, December 15th 2011th, was the fortieth year anniversary of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act and thousands, if not millions, of compassionate equine advocates were lighting candles in memory of all the wild horses and burros who have lost either their lives or their freedom since the law first went into effect. Diluted, twisted and bastardized by multiple administrations for the sake of special interest profits the very horses and burros that the law intended to protect are now hunted, abused and removed from their rightful land by they very federal agency that was charged to protect them. How have we gone so terribly wrong?

Obama Administration Issues Impotent Horse Slaughter Commentary « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-14T07:43:00.000-06:00

Obama Administration Issues Impotent Horse Slaughter Commentary « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Frustrated by a “do nothing” Congress full of posturing, self-righteous old farts who couldn’t broker a simple business deal if their lives depended upon it? Sick of seeing the feds piss your hard-earned money away while you can’t get a single elected official to acknowledge your existence let alone actually listen to what you are saying? Tired of broken promises, dashed hopes and the death of the American Dream? Well we have some good news for you; the President of Change has now officially been inducted into the hall of “Do Nothing” with special honors for being a self-serving, narrow minding, promise breaking twit. And we are surprised, why?

BLM Abuse Continues at Nevada Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-13T15:27:00.000-06:00

BLM Abuse Continues at Nevada Roundup « Straight from the Horse's Heart

RENO, Nev. (Dec. 13, 2011) – During the helicopter roundup of wild horses and burros in the Calico Complex of northwestern Nevada last Thursday, Ginger Kathrens, director of the Cloud Foundation, filmed the hotshotting of a group of 10 burros that had been captured and were being loaded into a stock trailer by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contractors, Sun J Livestock.

Wild Horse Advocates Recommend BLM Follow Own Findings « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-12T07:08:00.000-06:00

Wild Horse Advocates Recommend BLM Follow Own Findings « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Just days after releasing the results of an internal investigation on allegations and ongoing legal action noting “inhumane conduct” in the handling of wild horses and burros the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has come under pressure to immediately implement the very procedures for “humane care” that their own findings recommend.

Laura Leigh, VP of Wild Horse Freedom Federation (WHFF) and founder of Wild Horse Education (WHE) has released a detailed, point-by-point analysis of the BLM’s report and along with WHFF’s president, R.T. Fitch, is calling for the BLM to move forward with implementing appropriate humane procedures prior to the ruling to be handed down by a U.S. District Judge on Leigh’s case against the BLM over the very same issue.

Holiday for Healing « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-11T05:54:00.000-06:00

Holiday for Healing « Straight from the Horse's Heart

It’s Sunday and time for a little respite from the fight; but today our story actually takes you to a small skirmish within the battle to save our wild horses and burros, a story right to the heart of the problem and the soul of those who are fighting the battle.

Horse of a Different Color « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-10T18:23:00.000-06:00

Horse of a Different Color « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Last week the BLM issued a report on an internal investigation into on going allegations of inhumane treatment of wild horses taking place during their controversial helicopter roundups. The internal panel was split on the issue of what constitutes inhumane care and handling but landed on multiple issues of inappropriate behavior by both BLM employees and their hired federal roundup contractors. Overall, the report is just a heartbeat away from admitting wrongdoing but what gives, here? Why this report, why the split of the team and why offer to generate some form of humane standards when handling wild horses and burros from roundup to long-term holding? Why now?

WHFF “Humane” Wild Horse Case Goes International « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-09T07:10:00.000-06:00

WHFF “Humane” Wild Horse Case Goes International « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Incidents of aggressive handling of wild horses have been acknowledged in a Bureau of Land Management report into Triple B muster in Nevada.

BLM Responds to Wild Horse Litigation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-09T06:43:00.000-06:00

BLM Responds to Wild Horse Litigation « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) personnel and contractors involved in wild horse gathers should receive clear instructions on what constitutes humane horse handling, according to a panel appointed to review procedures during a controversial mustang round-up which took place in Nevada earlier this year.

Breaking News: BLM Issues Report on Inhumane Wild Horse Roundup Allegations « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-07T22:15:00.000-06:00

Breaking News: BLM Issues Report on Inhumane Wild Horse Roundup Allegations « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (WHFF) – Today the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the long awaited report on their internal investigation into allegations of inhumane treatment in connection with the Triple B wild horse roundup that occurred in Nevada during July and August of this year.

Pro-Horse Movement on a Roll « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-07T09:45:00.000-06:00

Pro-Horse Movement on a Roll « Straight from the Horse's Heart

As all of you equine advocates are aware, the past several weeks have not been the best for our companion, four-legged friends, the American horse. Between the roar of helicopter blades and the gavel of Congress there has been a full-scale war waged upon the benevolent friend of all Americans, the horse, but please take heart…we are NOT going away. In fact, we are becoming more galvanized by the second, hence, the lack of a lot of news coming out of SFTHH. We are busy.

California Rodeo Company Shipping Horses to Slaughter in Mexico « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-05T19:38:00.000-06:00

California Rodeo Company Shipping Horses to Slaughter in Mexico « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Following a USDA/IES investigation and dismissal of Animals’ Angels’ concerns that horse trader David Misner may have violated California law by knowingly selling and shipping California horses that were then sent to slaughter, the most basic questions remain:

Pasture to Plate: Congressional Christmas Gift to the U.S. « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-04T07:51:00.000-06:00

Pasture to Plate: Congressional Christmas Gift to the U.S. « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“Warning – this report and associated videos included are graphic in nature. This Canadian Horse Slaughter Plant has been touted as the most humane plant in the world. It is what several rouge politicians and big AG lobbyists want to see on U.S. soil as they brainwash the American public. Lies, corruption, falsified paperwork and blatant inhumanity surround the predatory business of horse slaughter and there has been, is not nor never will be anything “humane” about it. We are smarter than this and better than than this. This brand of cruelty cannot be allowed back onto U.S. soil. The sold-out politicians have to go. Again, proceed at your own risk!” ~ R.T.

The Force of the Horse: Because of Love « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-04T07:06:00.000-06:00

The Force of the Horse: Because of Love « Straight from the Horse's Heart

It is Sunday and once again time to catch our breath and reflect on why it is we do what we do as we charge forward in our battle to better the welfare of our equine companions, both domestic and wild. And being that we have rushed into the Holiday season, with little fanfare or warning, I would like to submit for your reading refreshment a story that appeared in my inbox, this morning. Likewise, we published this story last year and it, too, was submitted by another kind and caring reader.

For the Horses: Occupy Obama’s Phone AND Fax Line « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-02T07:06:00.000-06:00

For the Horses: Occupy Obama’s Phone AND Fax Line « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“As a tax-paying American I demand that President Obama live up to his campaign promises and immediately sign an Executive Order prohibiting predatory horse slaughter in the United States and to ban the cruel transportation of American horses to slaughter across our borders.”

Call President Obama on Promise to Stop Horse Slaughter « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-01T08:12:00.000-06:00

Call President Obama on Promise to Stop Horse Slaughter « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Here at WHFF volunteer headquarters we are besieged with emails, calls, press interviews on the atrocity of 3 Congressman covertly working to bring foreign owned horse slaughter plants to the United States and we, have had enough. To echo our good friends at the Equine Welfare Alliance we are tired of mailing, faxing, calling our legislators only to get back canned and condescending responses, we are MAD and mad enough to do something about it, TODAY!

Equine Advocates Take Horse Slaughter Debate To Air Waves « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-12-01T06:10:00.000-06:00

Equine Advocates Take Horse Slaughter Debate To Air Waves « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON – The horse-flesh back of the Fitch’s Magnolia home is considered “family”.

No question about it.

“All four of these guys were throw away horses,” said Terry Fitch as she kissed a nuzzling gelding.

Even the possibility their “friends” could some day reach a dinner table in Belgium or France has spurred a need for the Fitch’s to fight.

Covert Equine Terrorist Attack Backfires on Horse Slaughter Cult « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-30T07:29:00.000-06:00

Covert Equine Terrorist Attack Backfires on Horse Slaughter Cult « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Wrap your brain around this concept for a minute; would any sane, educated adult hand over the keys to the family’s pickup truck, a credit card and a loaded AK47 to a spoiled 10 year old bully with severe personality disorders? Not in the real world; only in a science fiction, slice-and-dice, B-grade thriller would you expect to see such carnage and anarchy. But you are all in for a low cost treat as that is exactly what is going on with the two laughable cartoon characters that head the pro-horse eating organization called United Horsemen. All the cockroaches have come out on the kitchen counter to feed and poop while not one of them has a plan.

When it comes to America’s Horses, Honesty is Not always the Best Policy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-29T07:45:00.000-06:00

When it comes to America’s Horses, Honesty is Not always the Best Policy « Straight from the Horse's Heart

In 2006 Congress decreed that the USDA would no longer have the funding to send inspectors into the three remaining, foreign-owned, horse slaughter plants in the United States. No inspection, no sales and the states of Texas and Illinois were quick to follow with legislation to prohibit the slaughter of American horses for human consumption with the backing of over 70% of the U.S. public. In May of this year, Rep. Jim Moran of Virginia, with full disclosure, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives received the votes to add the de-funding amendment only to have it secretly and covertly removed, behind closed doors, by a small committee of U.S. Congressman.

BLM Wild Horse Stampede Pilot Continues Dangerous Antics « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-28T06:07:00.000-06:00

BLM Wild Horse Stampede Pilot Continues Dangerous Antics « Straight from the Horse's Heart

In a matter of days, a federal judge will either rule or hold a hearing on the “Humane Care” case brought by plaintiff Laura Leigh, of Wild Horse Education (WHE) and the Wild Horse Freedom Federation (WHFF), against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for their alleged gross negligence in the handling of wild horses chased and captured by their contractor Sun-J during wild horse helicopter stampedes. One of the most glaring and motivating pieces of documentation is Ms. Leigh’s video of an exhausted horse being dangerously prodded by the landing skids of a helicopter. This footage was so provocative that the federal judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the BLM and their contractor only to have the BLM conclude the contested stampede.

A Time To Be Thankful « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-27T06:32:00.000-06:00

A Time To Be Thankful « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Once again, it is Sunday, a day when we like to add something refreshing and uplifting to your day so that we can hit the ground running on Monday. And not that I want to demean the message but we do not have a super, thought provoking message to send your way, this morning…just a simple thought to share and a few words to speak.

United Horsemen Cult’s President May Have Stepped Over Line « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-24T07:01:00.000-06:00

United Horsemen Cult’s President May Have Stepped Over Line « Straight from the Horse's Heart

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – Pro horse processing followers of Wyoming GOP State Rep Sue Wallis demonstrated a woeful ignorance of the nation’s libel laws in Facebook postings on the group’s United Horsemen ”closed” Facebook website the day before Thanksgiving. Among those posting was Dave Duquette, currently listed on the Internet site as the group’s president.

Revival of Horse Slaughter to Cost Taxpayers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-24T06:25:00.000-06:00

Revival of Horse Slaughter to Cost Taxpayers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Last week while you weren’t looking Congress and the president did something the vast majority of Americans oppose. The president signed an omnibus-spending bill approved by Congress that makes it legal to slaughter horses in the United States once again. Polls show more than 70 percent of Americans oppose horse slaughter and few if any eat horse meat. Given the fact we are divided politically by a gap the size of the Grand Canyon, recognize that a 70 percent majority is an unheard of amount of backing.

Texas Wild Burros Getting Stubborn Allies « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-23T11:56:00.000-06:00

Texas Wild Burros Getting Stubborn Allies « Straight from the Horse's Heart

ALPINE — While it wasn’t exactly Occupy Wall Street, the indignation and hyperbolic class rhetoric sounded quite familiar when local residents met here recently to protest the killing of wild burros at the Big Bend Ranch State Park.

“The 1 percent are dictating policy, which is for the bighorn sheep. The 99 percent, the average people going to that park, are never going to see a sheep,” said Marjorie Farabee, founder of the Wild Burro Protection League and a Director of Wild Horse Freedom Federation.

Fanatical Equine Terrorist Lies to Public on Facebook « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-22T09:51:00.000-06:00

Fanatical Equine Terrorist Lies to Public on Facebook « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“I get to sit back and sip on a Wrangler Iced Tea while my good friend and fellow equine advocate Vicki Tobin exposes even more of the propaganda and lies perpetuated by the horse slaughter cultist, Sue Wallis from Wyoming. Deception and perversion run amok in the camp of this half-baked nut case and her loose lips are about to sink her ship of horsemeat sooner than she may realize. (When you post to Facebook, you idiot, it is out there for the whole world to see, including your tainted backers and even they have had enough) Glug, Glug Sick-O Sue, you are all washed up!” ~ R.T.

Simple Math Butchers Horse Slaughter Terrorist Propaganda « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-22T03:43:00.000-06:00

Simple Math Butchers Horse Slaughter Terrorist Propaganda « Straight from the Horse's Heart

When it comes to the years that we have all been working to ensure that predatory horse slaughter stays out of the United States I rank way down on the food chain of the “Who’s Who in Equine Advocacy.” There are many more knowledgable and eloquent individuals such as Jerry Finch and John Holland, and many others, who carried the torch long before my eyes were opened and my heart-broken by the butchering of companion animals for the profit of foreign interests. But one thing that I do possess is a nose for business and, at the very least, the ability to know what makes a product profitable versus being a dog on the market and it does NOT take a PhD in economics to see that horse slaughter not only tanked in this country but it will never amount to anything, again.

Wild Horse Freedom Federation’s Work Continues Undaunted « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-22T01:06:00.000-06:00

Wild Horse Freedom Federation’s Work Continues Undaunted « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Over the last week we have been so immersed in a variety of issues perpetrated upon our American horses by elected officials that we have barely noted other activities taking place to support and save our wild horses and burros.

From the Mouths of Babes « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-20T15:59:00.000-06:00

From the Mouths of Babes « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“Sunday is the day that we like to give our readers something uplifting to read and to absorb. I must admit that after the events of the past week it has been pretty slim pickings here at Straight from the Horse’s Heart, but amongst all the bad news, a glimmer of hope has come forward. One of our readers submitted a report, via a comment, that her 12 year old son wrote on the night the congressional committee decided to strip language from an appropriation bill, behind closed doors no less, and leaves open the potential option of preparatory horse slaughter returning to the United States. Although the content may not be uplifting (mom says there are a few errors but heck, he is 12) but the intent is pure gold. This school report breaths life into the future and hope that even young Americans “get it”. Hence the reason we fight on, for them, for their generation and for their future. We need to ensure that we leave for them a compassionate society, one that does not eat their friends and a country that revels in its symbol of western freedom, the wild horse. A special thanks, to the young contributor.” ~ R.T.

The Night Wild Horses Came to Manhattan « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-19T22:48:00.000-06:00

The Night Wild Horses Came to Manhattan « Straight from the Horse's Heart

As near as anyone today can tell, America’s wild horse herds never came anwhere close to Manhattan before they were either slaughtered or confined to dusty rangelands out West. And it is hard to imagine a venue more different from those rangelands than brick-lined Vanderbilt Hall, at the New York University School of Law, where on a rainy Wednesday night a group of 50 or so wild horse enthusiasts met to discuss the past, present and future of the mustang, whom author Deanne Stillman calls “North America’s gift to the world.”

Horse Slaughter Fanatics Alleged Victory Rings Hollow in America « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-19T08:50:00.000-06:00

Horse Slaughter Fanatics Alleged Victory Rings Hollow in America « Straight from the Horse's Heart

There is a bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that once rang loud and proud for the liberty of the United States of American; founded on truth, virtue and the wholesomeness of strong morals and pride. It is a symbol that all true, red-blooded Americans hold close to their hearts and stand solidly in support of. But this past week another bell rang; it was one that did not sing but instead gave out an off-tune “thunk” and sent shivers down the spine of every decent, tax paying citizen in the United States; it was the special interest’s bell of corruption and collusion and it thudded its funeral dirge in the offices of our Congress when a handful of politicians decided to add more funds to an appropriation bill while striping it of language that would protect American horses from being brutally slaughtered on their native soil for the profit of foreign interests; unconscionable.

The Knappster: A Victory for the Horse Killers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

The Knappster: A Victory for the Horse Killers « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Been dying for a thick, juicy horse burger but can’t find a meat market that sells the good stuff anymore? Did killjoy animal lovers thwart your plan to send a holiday gift box filled with flash-frozen tenderloins de Flicka to your Uncle Pierre in Bruges? Are herds of dadgum wild mustangs running through your neighborhood again, dropping horse pucky all over your croquet course?

Well, don’t you fret, Tex. Sharpen up the old meat hook and fire up the barbecue because horse slaughter is on its way back.

Congressman Speaks Out Against Committee’s Inaction to De-fund Horse Slaughter Inspectors « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-17T20:54:00.000-06:00

Congressman Speaks Out Against Committee’s Inaction to De-fund Horse Slaughter Inspectors « Straight from the Horse's Heart

“I am committed to doing everything in my power to prevent the resumption of horse slaughter and will force Congress to debate this important policy in an open, democratic manner at every opportunity. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that Congress pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 2966) to permanently prohibit the slaughter of American horses.”

Congressional Conference Committee Appropriations Bill Would Require Taxpayers to Subsidize Foreign Horse Meat Industry « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-16T03:16:00.000-06:00

Congressional Conference Committee Appropriations Bill Would Require Taxpayers to Subsidize Foreign Horse Meat Industry « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Washington, D.C. – Last night, November 14, 2011, a Congressional Conference Committee tasked with reconciling differing House and Senate versions of the FY 2012 consolidated appropriations for Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science and Transportation, issued a report failing to recommend de-funding of inspections of equines for slaughter for human consumption. This means for the first time since 2006, and in the midst of the worst recession since the Great Depression, Americans would be required to subsidize a foreign owned industry that exports horsemeat served as a delicacy in fine restaurants in some European and other countries.

Calico Wild Horses, Then and Now « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-15T17:22:00.000-06:00

Calico Wild Horses, Then and Now « Straight from the Horse's Heart

he release at High Rock to “Low AML” will happen. The plan to wait to see what quota is at Calico has been scrapped. However… the game is ongoing. Today we have a flyover of the Complex to determine how many to release toward low AML. If you remember 1300 were in the Complex and a few more outside the HMA’s (but remember HMA’s are manipulated boundaries from the original lines). So now we will get “numbers” of horses still in the Complex and the release will be adjusted by the numbers they give. So we will still have a release (brands and descriptions have been requested as well as access to photograph the horses released so we can actually get some data on what happens AFTER a population has been disrupted). BUT that also opens the door for a “number” to then reflect horses that will be taken during Calico. The flyover map and corresponding data will be requested. (Remember these will be handwritten numbers on a map… not hard photographic “evidence.”) We will keep a close eye on that.

If you can continue to ask for a partial release of related horses (ie. partial family bands, stallions with familiar mares that will be PZP treated… again we need to know how PZP really effects the ability of band structure to resemble anything “natural” in a wild population).

Breaking News: Wild Horse Freedom Federation Moving Forward with Multi-State Campaign « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-15T02:24:00.000-06:00

Breaking News: Wild Horse Freedom Federation Moving Forward with Multi-State Campaign « Straight from the Horse's Heart

This day, November 15th, 2011 Wild Horse Freedom Federation‘s Board of Directors are on the move in both the states of Nevada and Texas in an effort to witness, document and speak out for our wild horses and burros as the organization pushes forward in the battle to save the last of our wild equines.

Animal’s Angels Investigates New Holland Slaughter Sales « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-14T20:15:00.000-06:00

Animal’s Angels Investigates New Holland Slaughter Sales « Straight from the Horse's Heart

New Holland, PA – Investigators arrived at the weekly auction at 4:00am. Trucks were arriving to unload animals and most of the pens in the sheep & goat barn as well as the pig barn were already occupied. No dying or injured animals were found. However, investigators saw several dead pigs in the pen area. Many of the pens still have no access to water for the animals.

Pro-Horse Slaughter Monsters: Are They Worth Any Notice? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

2011-11-14T18:48:00.000-06:00

Pro-Horse Slaughter Monsters: Are They Worth Any Notice? « Straight from the Horse's Heart

Would our readers be interested in learning that Equine Terrorist “Slaughterhouse” Sue Wallis and her trusty lap dog, Dave “Doink” Duquette were once again caught defrauding the public and legislators this time by using a picture of a dead Spanish horse in their printed propaganda claiming it was a horse that American Advocates had starved?