Wild horses roam free in family bands across the American west in several different states. A family band consists of at least a stallion, a lead mare, and a foal; to a stallion, a lead mare, other mares, yearlings, and foals. Bachelor bands are stallions that roam together until they can acquire their own families. Most wild horses are protected in wild horse sanctuaries which are open land where the wild horses are watched to make sure they aren’t being threatened or killed by anything not caused by mother nature. All wild horses are protected under federal law.
The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-195)
“To require the protection, management, and control of wild free- roaming horses and burros on public lands. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress finds and declares that wild free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people; and that these horses and burros are fast disappearing from the American scene. It is the policy of Congress that wild free-roaming horses and burros shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment, or death; and to accomplish this they are to be considered in the area where presently found, as an integral part of the natural system of the public lands.” http://www.saveourwildhorse.com/
The Bureau of Land Management can conduct roundups to keep the wild horse population in control. But many people as well as myself feel they are threatening the wild horse population by rounding up too much. Roundups threaten the healthy breeding population of wild horses so that inbreeding could occur and cause wild horse herds to die out. Roundups also frighten horses and tear apart family groups essential to wild horse development and procreation. Roundups shouldn’t be taken away completely though because population should be controlled but they are rounding up way too many wild horses. Wild horses are so essential to the spirit of the west and the ecosystems they roam. I love horses so much and wild-born horses deserve to remain free.
This is an interesting subject. I agree that wild horses are an important part of our western history and continue to be today. You explained some of the technical terms about horses well, because I never would have known what any of those terms meant. The dangers these wild horse herds face, are intriguing. You focused on several different areas of these dangers, so I am interested in finding out more specifics of the dangers they face, and how these problems can be fixed. You have a good subject that you are passionate about, and It relates well to you subject.
ReplyDeleteGreat first picture fits your blog very well
ReplyDeleteA very deep topic to discuss. I admit, I never knew anything about this until I read your blog. The terminology of horses would've made me lost if you didn't describe it as well. I find this disturbing how the roundups are done, and I agree about the stress the horses go through. make sure that you make a stance (which I assumed you did with later posts) and keep up the good work. It's a very well written topic, and good luck going deeper into the subject.
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