Freedom for Wild Horses

The BLM's controversial new plan, “The Path Forward”, is a fast track to extinction for our beloved wild horses, and we need to talk about. Joining me for this important conversation is Debbie Coffey, writer, speaker, and long-time advocate known for her extensive work with many organizations to help the wild horses and burros.

Debbie helps me break down the deceptive language and faulty premises behind this plan, which aims to round up a staggering 130,000 horses over the next decade. Plus, we propose alternative solutions to keep these majestic creatures wild and free for generations to come. Listen in to discover the real forces driving this misguided policy and what you can do to help protect America's wild horses and burros.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/40

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently reused an outdated assessment and failed to conduct a new count despite severe winter conditions that reduced horse numbers. The roundup of the White Mountain Herd, which involved the use of helicopters, resulted in significant stress for the horses. 

In this episode, I explain why I call the BLM's White Mountain wild horse roundup “a pre-zero roundup,” and how The Rock Springs Grazing Association’s influence in limiting wild horse populations, and the subsequent lack of transparency regarding post-roundup counts, are significant concerns. To safeguard the future of wild horses and prevent further herd reductions, it is crucial to spread awareness. This episode shares how you can make a difference.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/39

The stories of the Pryor Mountain and McCullough Peaks herds are more than just tales of survival; they are narratives of resilience, adaptation, and the deep interconnections between wildlife and their environments. This week, I delve into the lives of two remarkable stallions from these herds, Shaman and Tecumseh, drawing on firsthand experiences and observations. 

As you'll hear, preserving wild horses is not merely an act of conservation but a commitment to safeguarding the natural world. Their unique personalities and lives contribute to the rich tapestry of life on public lands, and ensuring their continued freedom and health is a responsibility we all share.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/38

If you’re interested in learning about what a wild horse roundup entails, listen in today. For the past three weeks, the Bureau of Land Management has been rounding up and removing wild horses from the North Lander Complex in Wyoming. This roundup started on July 1st and will likely wrap up in the next couple of days as they are close to their goal for removal. This week, I'm sharing what I saw at this roundup, what the horses experienced, and why standing with the horses is more important than ever.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/37

If you're interested in learning about the complexities of wild horse conservation, the ongoing battles against outdated practices, and the critical role of public support, listen in this week. I sat down with Simone Netherlands, the dedicated founder and president of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group.

Simone opens up about the challenges her organization faces, from dealing with state and federal agencies to managing public outrage and support. Her stories are both heart-wrenching and inspiring, highlighting how collective action and a relentless spirit can make a real difference. This episode is a call to action for all horse lovers and advocates, showing that even the smallest effort can contribute to a significant impact.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/36

Today’s episode serves as an update for the continuing litigation against the BLM. The BLM has plans to zero out herds in one area, reduce herd size in another area, and do a land grab spurred by the Rock Springs Grazing Association. To discuss this, I'm joined by the executive director of American Wild Horse Campaign, Suzanne Roy.

Listen in this week to find out how you can help with this very important, and perhaps the most significant, litigation issue brought against the BLM by the American Wild Horse Campaign. Roughly 2,000 horses and 40% of wild horse habitat in Wyoming are at stake, and that’s just the start. Suzanne and I recount the history, the parties involved, and the decisions that led to this action.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/35

Have you ever wondered what a Curly horse looks like? Where wild Curly horses live and roam? What makes Curly horses so special? If so, this episode is for you.

I introduce you to a wild black stallion named Bubba who was my first introduction to Curly horses and tell you about these amazing animals. As you listen to this episode, I hope you will take action to help these special wild horses. Salt Wells Creek is one of two herds, along with the Great Divide Basin, that is slated to be zeroed out under the new land use plan. There are currently three lawsuits pending to stop this action, so please, listen in and consider helping if you can.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/34

The BLM’s online auction ended two weeks ago. My personal experience tells me that for both wild horses and their future human partners to benefit, you need to witness the horses in person. How they interact with other horses. How they move. What is their personality? This is very important. An online event simply cannot offer this. We need to make significant changes or completely dismantle the program.

If you have ever wondered what it would be like bidding to adopt a wild horse or burro in the online corral, don't miss this episode. I also share my thoughts after going through this process myself, why I think it needs to change, and why my goal is to see reforms that prioritize the well-being of the wild horses being adopted out of the BLM's system.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/33

I met Thor for the first time in 2011 when I saw him napping in the flowers on a summer's day with several families of wild horses, some of the wildest on the range. Immediately I thought that Thor was the most beautiful foal I had ever seen, with his blue eyes and distinctive faded Sabino Pinto markings. I would go on to follow Thor for the remainder of his life.

This week, I dedicate this episode to Thor and all the wild horses who were recently captured during the McCullough Peaks roundup. Tune in to hear about the impact Thor made on my life, what the BLM's plans for McCullough Peaks were versus what actually happened, and how you can support my fundraiser for the McCullough Peaks horses in honor of Thor.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/32

39 McCullough Peaks wild horses were rounded up in Wyoming recently, and these beautiful but scared beings are currently at the Rock Springs corrals awaiting adoption. So for this week's episode, I'm sharing what you can do to help give them a soft landing.

I'm joined by Sandy Sisti of Wild at Heart Images and Gina Kuttrus of For the Love of Aria who are working diligently to inform everyone about the upcoming adoption process and needs of the horses. Listen in to find out how you can help these 39 wild horses find safe and caring homes where they can live out their days in peace.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/31