Velma Johnston saw blood dripping out the back door of a horse trailer while driving home from work as a secretary in Reno, NV. It was the 1950's and mustanging was a sport and money-maker. Wild horses were caught by anyone, taken from their homes, and inhumanely slaughtered for money.
Velma was horrified. Most women didn't venture into a man’s world of business or politics, but everyone underestimated her passion. The men mocked her and called her "Wild Horse Annie," (her face was disfigured from polio). Instead of being embarrassed, she took the name with pride. (a lesson for us all to ignore those who bully us)
Because of Velma’s persistence, and with the help of many children and adults, the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 was enacted. For kids today, who think one person cannot make a difference, Velma proves them wrong.
However, Velma would be disappointed today as money and special interests have chopped away at the original Act, putting our wild horses in danger of extinction. They are trapped on the range with helicopters, separated from their families, and many die. Watch any of these videos. My stomach turns when I do, I want to cry at the inhumane treatment. The survivors are sent to holding pens, (about 40,000 living in captivity for their entire lives). Meat buyers adopt some and send them on a long journey in a crowded trailer to be inhumanely slaughtered in Mexico or Canada.
I believe it's time for children, especially horse loving kids, to step up and use their voice. Are we going to leave them with a future where the spirit of the West -- the wild mustang - only exists in their imagination or in books? Are we going to forget what horses have done for us throughout our history and allow the wild ones to go extinct? I believe the time has come for a change in how Wild Horses are handled. And I know kids can help.
I'm interested in hearing from any girl or boy who wants to help save wild horses. In future blogs I will be outlining some of the issues with Wild Horses and what kids can do to help the Wild Horses. Contact Me: joy@joysilha.com
In the meantime, anyone can learn more at The Cloud Foundation (named for a beautiful white wild horse), the American Wild Horse Conservation, or Wild Horse Education Stay tuned!
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