Much has happened the last two days and I will get info and pics up very soon. But I hear BLM is tweeting each load that comes in. But they are only giving you times… not any other info.
I’ll fill in the gaps soon.
Here’s a preview.
Dust and heat... great combo
What the BLM doesn't Tweet
Help keep gas in the tank: http://wildhorseeducation.org
This is the last video that will be posted for a bit. Editing video takes an incredible amount of time. I will go back to archiving the video in case the documentation is required and posting still images. But I think this series of three days gives you an idea how frustrating this is. It will not give you a clear picture of the wear and tear on your vehicle, the damage done to your equipment or the toll it takes on your face.
Day 4 began at holding and the lame excuses about the medical treatment of these foals (that were now euthanized) set the tone. Sometimes my hands will shake from the stupidity. It is like being a teacher in Kindergarten… but the Kindergartners make the rules.
Yes, the tone of this report is terse. But being with this contractor every day but two during Antelope, and now watching this at Triple B, is like chewing on tin foil.
I am usually very patient and quiet. I do my observations and reports.This time I am trying very hard not to allow the frustration to drive me.
On another front there may be some good news soon, but that will have to wait for another day. So pray that sanity can begin to take root somewhere.
Day 4 brought with it frustration after frustration.
It began with the excuses about water and food, with no indication that anything would change. It continued with the absurd assertions about the injured foals.
At the trap the radio was again left so I could not hear anything until one time Heather Emmons left it loud enough that I could pick up a call. It was the pilot asking Alan Shepherd to glass a horse that could not keep up. I was given no further information as to the age or reason the horse could not keep up… and of course I was held to a position that did not allow me any observation.
The horses the pilot drove into the trap came in two groups.
Then 4 runners went out and the pilot. The pilot asked Shepherd the location and was told it should be “right under you.” It was apparently a bush.
I asked if I could go to the rise and look. I said that all eyes should be utilized. I was not granted permission, nor was it denied. I stayed behind the tape. It is my belief that this agency attempts to push the limits of control until we are tempted to break them… only to utilize the unreasonable restraints against us.
After almost an hour of no information, BLM personnel reading newspapers, I asked to go give my dog water and check on him. That permission was granted. I hung out in the vehicle with the dog, as it is much cooler there. I saw two runners beating it back to the trap so I went back to the observation area only to find out that the runners were coming back… not because they had found anything… but because the pilot was driving horses to the trap.
Shepherd had given the authorization for resources to abandon the search and begin operations. The other two runners also returned to the trap. I expressed my outrage in no uncertain terms. I informed personnel that I had called people from my vehicle and the public knew they had stopped looking. I informed them I was not leaving until the horse was located.
After the drive Heather was called down to speak with Alan.
Miraculously the horse that had now been missing for over an hour and a half had been found. It had “run back home” and hooked up with a stud. A trailer went down the road and in less than ten minutes came back… with a load that looked much like it did when it left.
As I am not permitted to travel the same road as the trailer it would take me about an hour longer to reach holding. I would not see this animal unload.
The animal was allegedly a 4 month old that was so deformed it couldn’t run correctly and was euthanized. The same animal that ran almost to the trap and back again… I can not confirm that there was an animal even picked up off that range.
Have you pulled out all your hair yet? Have you gritted your teeth so badly that you have broken molars? Have you bitten your lip so hard it bleeds? Have you vowed to god you will not allow this “spoiled child agency” to continue without challenge… no matter what it takes?
If you can help me with expenses please donate to http://wildhorseeducation.org
EDITED to add:
They killed the babies in this report today.
~~~~~
At the roundup we had runners go off with no explanation. We had a baby come in that I could see was injured.
So I added an extra two hours of driving to my day and headed to holding.
There I saw three youngsters treated for injury. I do not know how many were treated prior to my arrival. (note: it is interesting that I asked about the injuries and am only given information on the treatment I actually saw, with no other information offered. It always seems like “If they don’t see it, it didn’t happen”).
A big bay stud and his band have really hit me hard. He was in the last group (or at least the last group I knew of). One of his foals (the only one that came in with his band) was injured. They put his mare and injured foal in the pen next to him. He kept all the other horses from the fence line. He called to them non-stop while I was there. He was there at the fence line when I arrived in the morning. I was pretty upset by some comments Alan Shepherd made so I got a few quick takes and did not get one of his calls as they began to load that am.
I quickly headed to the roundup site instead as the day before they had already captured 40 horses before my arrival. Leaving holding early didn’t change anything, they still had about 40 prior to my arrival on Day 4. Keep in mind we leave our “meeting” spot at 4:30 am, that’s how much driving is involved.
The comments from Shepherd that were so distressing go like this: ”The palomino foal had weak tendons. The little chestnut has a bad mom. The other foal that was treated has a laceration to a leg, but it’s pre-existing. The animals drain the water and it needs to be refilled a couple times.”
Did that hit you like it hit me from the State Lead for Nevada’s Wild Horse and Burro program, Alan Shepherd? Did that hit you like it hit me from the man that constantly blames the animal for it’s situation? (Old Mare at Antelope) Did that hit you like it hit me from the man that took part in several “Final solution” conversations for our wild horses? (2009 Article animal Law Coalition) Did that hit you like it hit me from the man that answered in Federal Court that there were “no fences, no cows, no water” in the Owyhee HMA? (Gorey’s explanation to Horseback)
At the Antelope Complex Roundup this past winter there was the exact same situation with this contractor, Sun-J (it is a pattern). When I pointed out the deficiency Ben Noyes, the WH&B specialist in Ely, simply grabbed more tubs for water and placed them in the pens. He directed the contractor to appropriately distribute feed. He made no excuse.
Perhaps a man like Ben Noyes, that is able to admit a deficit and comprehends that the equation for the amount of horses translates into water consumption, should be the state lead and Mr. Shepherd should go muck at the Burns Corral until he comprehends what horses are?
I was told the runners went out to get the two injured foals. We already know that is also not the truth.
This IS foaling season. ALL foals have weak legs, that is why you don’t run a foal. It IS over 90 degrees during the day and horses need water. The fact that this conversation has to occur at all with an agency tasked for the last 40 YEARS with the humane treatment and management of our wild herds is OBSCENE.
note: and the more I review my tapes the more I believe that the roan is NOT that little chestnuts mom. The chestnut mare at the trap is most likely his mom. They even look alike. A bay dad and a roan mom will most likely not produce a chestnut baby. That baby was leaning against ANY family member he could because he could NOT stand. I’ll bet that’s why she was so agitated. I wonder where her baby is? I wonder so much about the ability to actually OBSERVE and not just process inventory in this agency. I need to see that chestnut foal.
Day 4 video coming soon… and more on Mr. Shepherd
When you are at a roundup what you don’t see is as important as what you do see. Realize that the PR folks sitting with you are very good at what they do, that’s why they are there. Conversation can be extremely pleasant but a real distraction if you can’t talk and work at the same time.
Conversation began the first day I was there about Director Abbey’s “new normal.” The “new normal” just means “get better at hiding.” So you have to be very sharp. I told Jeff “new normal” just means Abbey sends cuter memos.
At Antelope and Eagle I was often able to listen to radio transmissions that filled in the gaps… as I am held to positions that limit my ability to assess. This roundup I guess I would scare horses if I could hear what is happening.
If you see riders (runners) go off you know it is for a reason. Open your eyes and ears and try to figure it out. Often you will not know, nor will you ever be able to confirm what you are told.
This day, in spite of every effort to keep pilot performance hidden, I saw the same evidence of fractured bands I saw at Antelope.
A lone stallion came over the rise…. and in spite of assertions that observers scare horses…. this poor baby came up over the rise to address us several times in an attempt to figure out how to save his family. Seated observers do not scare wild horses.
Again please note what you don’t see. Gather reports will not tell you how many are treated for injury. Gather reports will not tell you how many were fractured from their families and left. Gather reports will not tell you an awful lot. But here is the link: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/ely_field_office/blm_programs/wild_horses_and_burros/triple_b__maverick/gatreports.html
At the end of the “roundup portion” of this day it was vital that I add an extra 2 plus hours driving time to the already long day. The amount of driving you need to do at roundups in Eastern Nevada can be staggering. The roads can be rocky and filled with alkali dust that is like driving in baby powder. I have gotten several nose bleeds from the combination of dust and dry air.
You will see why the extra time was absolutely needed in Triple B day 3_Part 2, coming soon.
PLEASE if you can donate to help me stay out here you are the gas in my tank! http://WildHorseEducation.org
Day 3 and 4 videos coming soon.
(It is taking a long time to load on this connection).
The single edit was over 40 minutes of all three days combined. As there seem to be conflicting issues and a need for folks to “see” I have taken the time to deal with several issues including these video edits.I had to cut this into three days to be able to upload.
Day 2
Please realize that what is presented is the same activity we saw at Antelope. It is a better “package.” However that package contains the very real issue of foaling season in the desert. The idea that rounding up new babies in 90 degree heat as the alkali blows… in the most arid state in the nation… is an assault to any sense that this agency comprehends the most basic of mandates, humane treatment.
I do point out my observations. My questions are relayed but never answered in the moment. Radios stay silent as PR folks tout Bob Abbey’s “new normal.” I guess in the “new normal” my actually hearing transmissions creates a “safety hazard.”
These issues will be addressed as the First Amendment fight moves forward.
Horses coming in are not family bands. Actually discovered as the sexes of horses could be observed through sorting immediately after capture, something we can’t usually see.
In the morning these horses are loaded and go to Palomino Valley.
A semi has three compartments. Two dry mares are left behind to avoid overcrowding. Yet the mares and foals load together. I warn that this increases risk f injury. I believe there have been reports of a foal arriving at PVC with lacerations.
Day 3 and 4 will be more telling of the climate of this roundup. I can not get up at 3, drive 3 hours each way and attend roundups and write reports and edit video. I will get back to the roundup as soon as possible. I am observing several other areas but cannot operate in the schedule and distances required to travel to the roundup… just not enough hours in a day.
They will be posted shortly.
BLM update page link: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/ely_field_office/blm_programs/wild_horses_and_burros/triple_b__maverick/gatreports.html
I am almost out of battery. Need to find a place.
Will post tomorrow.
What do you get when you round up babies in July?
Injuries.
DUH!
I saw three youngsters treated. Have no idea how many before I got there. No one to answer questions. Saw Alan Shepard has the “honcho.” He saw me and turned away from the camera.
I will file EXTENSIVE report tomorrow night…. with lots of pictures and video.
July Roundups = Injured babies
My readership has risen over the last month. Many are wild horse advocates that have come to expect me to report on the issue. But many of my readers are government personnel from various agencies.
I realize that my observations today will not make officials “happy.” But I report what I observe and the logical conclusions that can be made.
If it is good I will say so.
The Kiger/Riddle roundup had serious access issues at both the trap and holding. But with what could be observed there were no issues with pilot performance, so it was not mentioned nor criticized. At the Burns Corral I was actually given access. What I saw was reported honestly. Yes, it was a professional (that is what I am) assessment of performance. The staff at the Corral has every right to be proud of what they do.
Today I saw very real indications that the issues I observed at the Antelope roundup with this same contractor are repeating at Triple B. The most basic assessment tool is still denied me, the ability to take a respiration rate. (That no official nor contract staff was taking either, btw) However being able to see the sexes of the horses and the time frame it took to bring them in, give me every pause that there are still serious issues. I could see the “signature” flying at the mouth of the jute for the first run and knew the pilot.
This time of year is extremely fragile in a wild equine population. Roundups should not be occurring in the state of Nevada at all in July. The combination of foaling season and heat create a dynamic where only the “best” should attempt any such operation. Any operation this time of year should be for emergent reasons only.
11 horses is not enough to confirm, but it is enough to raise the question. Yet the opportunity to further evaluate these issue through observation of sorting by sex as the horses leave the range will not be available again at this roundup and other “tools” will come into play.
The “padding” that could be seen was not on each bar that should have had it and it was significantly inadequate,no more than a “see we did it” statement. LOOK at your own Corral in Burns.
Today the PR staff was a pleasure to be with. Chris Hanefeld and I have spent more time alone together over the last year than I have with any man in a long time. He is a pleasant human being. Jeff Fontana came in from Twin Peaks. Jeff is also a very nice man who really does like his job and people. He is a great “front guy.” Jeff is also very willing to have discussions that contain mutual respect and a willingness to discuss areas that could be improved and Jeff and I agree on many things.
Yet neither Chris nor Jeff make policy. Too bad.
This is for those in DC reading my blog: Access to evaluate must occur. An actual discussion about how to assess a wild population must occur. I am amazed at how little basic tools are utilized by onsite “vets” and the lack of comprehension for the value of those tools.
There needs to be serious reform and standards of review that have consequence… and not just to the horses anymore.
Just had to get that “off the chest.”
Oh… and tell your Rangers to lighten up. Not one armed guard was there to glare and bark at Kiger, not one. They set at the area of operation entrance to monitor any incoming traffic and that was it. I’m a journalist and wild equine subject matter expert. I use “my big girl words” and have always followed directions.
Today saw 11 horses removed from the range to make a two day total of 33.
Horses were run into the trap and directly sorted into temporary. We usually do not have the ability to see the sexes of each group coming off the range as horses are captured and then sent in groups for sorting at temporary.The glare from the sun made the first group of 3 adults and one youngster hard to see.
Second group was two mature studs a mare and foal.
Third group a dry mare, wet mare and foal.
I will review tapes after I get sleep (two hours last night) but it appears the first group was much larger than four members before it hit the trap.
Do you think Sun J could possibly be repeating the same “crop dusting” patterns that broke apart bands at Antelope last winter? So far the we have every indication that the same type of flying is happening.
Will evaluate further tomorrow.
Sun J helicopter at Triple B
I will get video and real report out asap.
Literally am so tired I can’t see straight.
If you would like to help with documentation efforts go to: http://wildhorseeducation.org
~~ wrote a piece yesterday about Litigation. (And I did get my comments in… at 11:59!) I tried to break down what the process is, etc. It is posted on the
Litigation against a Government Agency toward evolving a National consciousness is not a simple process. Yet within the system there are ways to simplify theories toward explanation of that process.
1. A Complaint is crafted based on the Plaintiff’s standing toward a grievance. This first step is vital. You can have a grievance that your Plaintiff does not speak to and the case will be thrown out on “standing.” The grievance can be valid, the Plaintiff can make valid statements, yet the case itself will not be valid.
2. Next you must be able to find existing case law that demonstrates the validity of bringing the grievance to Court. There are levels of “authorities” within these citations. A ruling for example at a District level does not carry the same weight as a ruling in the Supreme Court. (Like in a card game you may need cards in the suit of clubs. You have a jack, but your opponent has an ace, you loose).
3. Your Plaintiff’s create your chain of evidence to support the legal argument. (If you are arguing that the Defendant put the oranges in the apple basket, you must be able to demonstrate clearly that the apple basket had oranges in it on the specific dates and times you claim, and that the apple basket was where that basket should have been and not labeled “oranges today”). If your Plaintiff can not demonstrate the issues in argument, the legal argument, even if valid, will not succeed.
4. Most of the process of “hearing” a case occurs outside of the Courtroom. The process includes filings of Briefs and Reply Briefs, Affidavits and Exhibits. Unless you go and read these documents you will not understand the evolution of a decision. To truly understand you must read what both sides present.
5. If you are denied at the District level you need to think carefully before going to Appeal. If your legal argument is cited in case law correctly, your argument speaks to your Plaintiff and your Plaintiff demonstrates that argument accurately, proceeding to Appeal is a wise course. If you are missing one of the above components, or what you have is not strong enough to proceed, the Appeal is a bad choice. It creates those “authorities” at a higher level that make any case more difficult to bring to a positive ruling. It is called bad “precedent.”
6. An Appeal is where you need to demonstrate, based on the Court record, that the Judge did not rule correctly according to law. You need to demonstrate that the Judge did not follow a rule or cite correct law in his ruling. It is not an opportunity to create a new argument nor present new evidence. You are Appealing the specifics of a specific ruling.
7. The Appeal process also occurs primarily out of the sphere of direct public observation. The Briefs and Excerpts of the Court record are available to the public, yet the public often does not read them and has a “wrong” impression over the issues in argument and how they were presented.
8. In Appeal a higher Court will determine the actions of the lower Court as being appropriate to the standards of law or not. If you win an Appeal it often means that the case must again be retried in the lower Court using the parameters outlined by the higher Court.
NOTE: In wild horse and burro cases after the “TRO” (Temporary Restraining Order) it is often assumed that a case is “over.” That is incorrect. A Complaint is filed first. A “TRO” is filed in conjunction with the Complaint and often a motion for Preliminary Injunction. A “TRO” is an emergency measure to hold the “status quo” for a brief period of time. A Preliminary Injunction holds the status quo until the case can be heard. Often in wild horse cases if a TRO is lost the underlying issues are no longer valid and the Plaintiff drops the case (or a TRO allows the Plaintiff to see how strong the case is under law). Many times a TRO and Preliminary Injunction can be ruled on at the same time, but not always. After a Preliminary Injunction the case itself is heard. Often a Judge can rue on an underlying case after an evidentiary hearing on Injunctive relief (in other words the parties don’t present the same info again if enough info has been given to the court).
Sounds impossible? Not really. Our laws have evolved within the Court system. If you look at the progression, for example in the Civil Rights movement, you can see the possibilities. Things that seem like a “no brainer” today had to go through the appropriate channels to evolve. At one point a child in the US, simply because of the color of their skin, was denied an equal education.
The system exists to evolve change of consciousness.
Read the rest here
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_information/newsroom/2011/june/preliminary_ea_available.html
Comments due today. Need to be marked with today’s date. If you have not commented take a moment to do so.
I am reviewing and making additions to mine.
Basically another roundup is planned in the same places at the same time of year as the 2009 winter roundup.
On Wed I will be on Marty Oakley’s “Truth Squad” radio.
There will be opportunity for “call in” questions.
Click Picture to go to Marty's site
When you spend as much time on the road as I do, days of the week become irrelevant. Each day is the same.
Driving, documenting and trying to find internet long enough to get information out. Trying to get all the documents read that I need to review and get back out to others. Trying to finish reports and articles and get the data from each roundup and survey logged.
Trying to get the grit out of my teeth.
The layers of road dirt inside and out of my truck are like the rings on a tree. I can see my fingerprints from past journeys that cut through a layer to be partially covered by the next… the ones from past journeys harder to see than the newer ones. I never stay still long enough… do not have a place to unload and clean the truck to remove the signs of travel. And in the “spend energy on this task” department, it’s not high on the list.
The comments on Calico are due tomorrow. I sent out a fast version a few weeks ago that was published in a “click and send” on another site… but will add my comments in a pdf to WHE later tonight.
I will get the “report” up on the Kiger/Riddle into the WHE archive later tonight.
But it’s Sunday, I think…
I remembered to call my mom and kids… to let then know that I haven’t been bitten by a rattlesnake, broken down in the desert or wandering, having forgotten my name, from sunstroke yet.
You all know I have a long history with the now titled “Tri-State Calico Complex.” I have been out documenting what I can find… and it’s breaking my heart.
I will get that piece to you today… but for “Sunday” I will take a page from “RT’s” book of philosophy and post something to make you smile.
I played “hide-and-seek” with a marmot… I let him believe he won.
"Hide-and-seek" at Sheldon
Read story at: http://wildhorseeducation.org/2011/07/14/blm-roundup-of-alleged-“estrays”-in-oregon/
In field can’t repost.
More later.
Edited to ADD:
HUGE misinformation alert!
There is a circulating rumor that no horses are in Riddle and Kiger anymore.
WRONG.
Animals are being released (and a few left) to create a breeding population that will continue to give the adoption program “Kigers.” It is how this “Kiger” thing works.
This has been, and will continue to be, more akin to a “range breeding program” than managing a wild population. In order to maintain that you need “breeding stock.” The herd was rounded up to remove the “white” in an attempt to create a specific outcome for the next foal crop.
My photos are being circulated with this rumor. Please be aware that these photos are copyright protected as stated on this website. Any insinuation that they come from another individual is against the law. Expressed permission is required from myself to include in any newsletter or publication. If you put the pics on a message board you must link to the source and not imply you took them. If it becomes necessary that I take the time to watermark I will. I have avoided it because it takes away from the content and focuses on author… but I will slow my process down if needed.
Onward.
Just quickly adding a bit more about conversation at the Burns Corral.
There were major philosophical differences but many areas of agreement.
Personal opinion on the wild v. feral debate is irrelevant.
That concept is not understood by many that support or work in this program, Burns was no exception.
Wild Horses are more appropriately reference as a “returned native species.” This makes them compatible with the ecosystem.
Wild herds of horses are not the same as European cattle on a range or a pack of golden retrievers. However if Congress said the retrievers were to be managed as “wild” then that would be the law.
But back to the Burns Corral.
While I waited for the first load of Riddle horses a couple pulled in with a trailer. They were returning a horse to the BLM.
They explained to me that they had taken two horses (8 year old geldings from Stinking Water) hoping to have two saddle horses. One worked out but the other did not. Their trainer said he was not ever going to be a “good candidate.”
They plan on adopting two younger horses at an event where the horses have already had some training.
Here he is:
I need a home with lots of patience... or maybe someone that can let me "just be"
I was told that they would not have trouble finding him a new home. I was surprised. An eight year old gelding that now has one strike, in this three strike system, that was returned “untrainable.” No problem?
I was then told a story about an old grey. Returned and needing a place to go. An “unofficial” email adoption chain was started and the boy now has his own website: http://argosjourney.blogspot.com/2008/06/history-of-kiger-mustang.html (link posted here, but I do not agree with the “feral” mindset of the adopter)
OK… an extra mile. I was told other stories about horses with “no where” to go. Including those that made their way to employees home corrals.
Then I meet the grey. The grey that wanted to jump the panels in holding. The grey that showed real fear. I said that if they can’t place him to let me know and I would give it a try. I was told that he will be adopted at the fall event, confidently. I will check back on him, though.
very pretty grey
Wanted to add a picture of the padding. It was nice to see this. It will be nice to see this at Temporary. If I have a competent BLM wrangler proudly express that they cut down “significantly” on injury there is no reason BLM contractors should not be using them as well.
To me this is an example of how a “simple” discussion gets turned into “battle lines in the sand” because of an obstinate connection with the past and prideful ways.
Simple improvement
This is why it’s needed
Riddle horse at Temporary
To me this is a clear example of most of the dialogue that occurs within this program. Simple conversations are met with an obstinate attitude that if you are an “advocate” you have no knowledge worth listening to. If you care about a foal that suffered hoof slough after a winter roundup over volcanic rock, you are an “emotional” responder without comprehension of horses. I’m getting tired of it.
I was not received that way at the Burns Corral and for that I thank them.
There are other horses at the Corral that need adoption. This sweet young thing saw me pull around and cautiously came to the fence line. After a minute to reassure I was touching a velvet muzzle. Cute bug.
Sweet horse
Another couple pulled into the lot. They were looking for a horse, maybe two. I also believe they were looking for information on the program itself. We talked and I showed them horses and talked about making sure they choose a horse suitable to their purpose and not just for color. We talked about the prison training programs and other HMA’s. They took an adoption application and asked for my card to help them find a horse. I then had to explain who I was.
They asked if I did training. I explained I live on the road but.. for me things can take two months, six months a year or never happen. For someone like me it’s about the journey of relationship and not the destination.
They shook my hand, took contact info and left. I think I will hear from them. When I do I think they will have adopted horses from Twin Peaks.
I will write more soon…
I’m tired and I apologize for the unedited rambling that may be a hard read. Yet I wanted to get these out before they are buried in the next chapter.
I am working on a piece that addresses the phrase most often used to dismiss an advocate: “Wild and Free”
I will get photos up after I can see enough to upload. I hope this makes sense… It’s hot and I thought I would have a day to “get things done” but the internet situation coupled with the glare has made it difficult.
I have had many interesting conversations and it will take a day to write it and edit video. But I do need to move…
I will be back on later after the sun goes down and I can see.
Edited to add pics:
Riddle mares and foals arrive at Burns Corral
Riddle mares and foals
Stallions removed from the Riddle HMA the day before
Every once in awhile I make a post that defines my blogging, as opposed to the articles I write and the reports for equine welfare agencies.
A blog is defined as an online journal or diary. It is where I post (as listed) information, thoughts, photographs and expressions with horses at the heart.
My articles can be found in several venues including Horseback Magazine. Often the publication I am doing a piece for will express a desire that I write first person and include personal thoughts or narrative. Photographs and video have been used by news broadcasting agencies to illustrate their stories including: CNN, BBC, KLAS-TV, local CBS and ABC stations.
Those are some of the different venues in which I am published.
But this venue IS my blog.
~~~ Riddle is now over. The Burns district will close this roundup with a release of dry mares well into the Riddle HMA tomorrow. I spent the day today at the Burns Corral for vaccination. These are beautiful horses… and yes there is one that I have gotten a “thing” from.
He is a beautiful grey. He is one of those horses that “are what they are.” He has a feel to him that speaks of not being a good adoption candidate and should be in sanctuary. At holding he ran the panels and I thought he might try to jump. He was one of the few horses today that showed fear and not just “cautious nervousness” going through the chute. He looked me in the eye… he needs to be as “free” as we can get him.
This one "talked" to me
There are a lot of things that other field offices and facilities can learn from this district. I’m a bit of a purist and intent to the Act is primary for me… but there are a number of things that I saw that could be expanded on as “food for thought.” More on that later…
For now… this is my blog. AND as long as we are with the Kigers….
A special note on the concept “Wild and Free.”
It is what we as Americans once attributed to ourselves. That the Freedom to have “wild thoughts,” like freedom of the Press and Religion, was at the core of what we were. We are now a “disposable” society where mainstream press only prints what is spoon fed and delivered. Where our children are taught that free thinking is “rebellious.”
I would ask those that dismiss “wild and free” how much time they have spent being free of the constraints of what others think is appropriate? How much have they defined themselves and not followed a pre-conceived notion?
AS far as horses… I would ask how much time they have spent on the range with the wild ones? How much do they understand that some of them “are what they are?” Some are suitable partners with man… and historically they have carried that relationship as beasts of burden, companions in war and any way we have determined their “usefulness.” But me… I would rather die out there with the mosquitos, rattlesnakes and wild horses than to sit in an expensive restaurant in my Armani suit rubbing elbows with “accomplished” humans.
There are horses like that too.
I put up two stories from the Kiger Roundup on the Blog at Wild Horse Education.
http://wildhorseeducation.org/blog/
One is of a mare and her foal
the other is titled “Get the White Out.”
I stink. So I’m going to shower instead of copying the stories here.
Riddel Observation?
Observation was the worst it could have been besides sitting behind a wall.
We were kept over a mile away.
Even after getting things onto the computer I can’t enlarge or enhance enough to give you anything but grains of sand.
I’ll write more later… but for now a couple of pics.
Please be patient. I will write some of the stories later… I need a shower and the video camera is defunct.
Riddle_Stallions in holding
Mar put in the comment section to watch for rattlesnakes. It is NOT a metaphor.
If you do go out to the range be aware that any brush, tree, rock or long grass can hide a snake. I have seen folks come to roundups in tennis shoes and shorts. The high desert IS rattlesnake country. Saw three the first day at Kiger.
Always wear boots and long pants, always.
I didn't take the pic until we decided who was giving ground first.
Kiger is over and there are some “stories” to tell. Too tired to type and need to be up at 4 am.
Here is the “report.” I know it is a bit “dry” but I wanted to address the difference of “Kiger” and the rest of the agency. Kiger is a range breeding operation. This is a highly managed population. This is not “natural” management of a wild population. It has it’s plus side, adoptions. But I’m a purist. This is not what the Act intended. just my ever so humble opinion.
freezemarked studs going back to the range (Leigh)
Report:
contact-
Laura Leigh
wildhorseeducation@gmail.com
Kiger Roundup Completed
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kiger roundup completed today with the release of 15 studs (edit: 14. One was pulled for “white on a foot”)back to the range. Studs chosen for color and breeding potential were returned. Mares for release will be determined later.
The Kiger herd has historically been a successful “range breeding” operation for the BLM. Kiger horses have had an unheard of 100% adoption rate.
Yet the community and local offices work hard to promote them.
“Kiger” is the name of the Herd Management area. Yet you will here people say there are “Kigers” in South Steens or even in Twin Peaks. “Kiger” is more accurately described as a coloring and not a breed. However a very successful breed registry has been formed.
The horse used as a model for the Disney movie “Spirit: Wild Stallion of the Cimmaron,” was a Kiger and added to the popularity of the herd.
The criteria for selection to be returned to the range was “get the white out.” Any horse that had white on face or feet went to the Burns Corral in Oregon for the adoption program.
After reviewing photographs many of the released animals bore freezebrands. This indicates that they were released from a prior roundup, most likely for breeding potential.
Horses will be made available for adoption through the Burns Corral. A internet “book” of adoptable horses will be uploaded to the website this fall. The corral has horses there for adoption that are not “Kiger” that are worth consideration as well.
Two horses have been reported as casualties of this operation. A young horse found dead in holding and an older horse euthanized for a pre-existing condition.
I always fall in love with someone... "Little Man" colt will be up for adoption
Kiger Roundup Over, Released stallion (copyright Leigh)
Kiger Roundup over. 15 studs released today. Decisions on mares pending.
WE move to Riddle am.
I was on the road again all day yesterday. Got to bed at 1 am… woke at 4… going to sleep.
Lots to write about… will soon.
If you can help keep me out here: http://WildHorseEducation.org
Prelimnary count 30
Four foals
More than 50% studs
Two choppers flew
One run
Gelding prior to release is OFF the table. No horses to be gelded.
More later… exhausted.Got one hour sleep last night.
Spent sunset at Sheldon. Update on Sheldon soon.
Video edited later…
nap time.
Although horses were on the land we call the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge prior to the Refuge getting it’s designation, and before the passage of the Federal Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act, they have no enforceable protections. These wild horses are fair game for slaughter.
In 2006 a roundup occurred on public land that rocked the wild horse advocate community. In the sweltering sun of June, during foaling season, bands were stampeded through the desert with disastrous consequence.
Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife, USFWS) had their specially screened contractors poised and ready to take horses and the contractors would receive $300.00 a head for each horse they removed from the range. The public was assured that gathers are safe and not done during foaling season. Yet extreme measures were taken to attempt to hide all activity from the public. Police were hired, gates were installed and a two-mile distance was then established as a barrier to hide actions from the public. Cattoor, the company that flies the helicopters, took to the air.
USFWS announced that the roundup had gone off safely. They reported one injury involving a lip.
However reports began to come in from those in the field of the various deceptions. Those listening to radio transmissions during the gather heard talk of a horse that broke a leg and was shot. A ground search began that turned up dead and injured foals, some of them bound and left in the desert. Mares in the gather pens aborted.
The contractors were paid $300. per head as they removed truckloads of horses from the range. Two of the three contractors had slaughterhouse connections and the unbranded horses coming off of public land ended up in the kill pen.
This roundup became known as the “Sheldon Massacre.”
In 2009 I filed suit against the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Interior (Yes, they are under Dept. of Interior). In 2009 while the nations eyes were on the Pryor Mountains and the famed herd of the “Cloud” series by Ginger Kathrens, the horses from Sheldon disappeared again. The suit was based on the fact that contrary to the statements made by the Refuge horses from Sheldon had no protection when they left the range. USFWS is not mandated to manage horses and burros with the same “protections” granted in the Wild Free Roaming horse and burro act of 1971.The horses and burros leave with no freeze mark, microchip or any way to identify them as wild horses, with tragic consequence.
That suit was on the verge of becoming “moot” as Sheldon NWR signed an agreement with the Bureau of Land management to include Sheldon NWR in the “mega-complex” that included wild horse areas in three states. Grandiose statements were made by Winnemmucca BLM district manager Gene Seidlitz and Paul Steblien of Sheldon about actual management of “ wild herds across the landscape.” Those claims included studying migratory patterns and genetic viability.
I was to be included in range studies occurring at the Complex. Gene Seidlitz did an amazing rendition of the sidestep and the only documentation I received was the 2008 BLM in-house report on Assessment, Inventory and Management. That document is basically a self-study in the ineptness of and lack of data used within the Bureau’s management of public land. Useful, but not a “cooperative” toward data compilation.
The suit was dropped as it would have needed to be re-crafted and re-filed. The support for the suit was practically non-existent from the public as other more publicized actions were occurring. But in the process I made a friend. Attorney Gordon Cowan of Reno wrote off the rest of the bill and remained interested in the issue of wild herds and public land.
Last year, as I was returning from Twin Peaks to head to Reno to prepare documents for the First Amendment Lawsuit (BLM, Silver King) with attorney Cowan, I got a call from Katie Fite (Western Watersheds). She believed there might be a roundup occurring at Sheldon without public notice. Leslie Peeples, another “drive alone with your dog on public land gal.” I informed her of the situation as I could not go. Leslie went.
Her trip uncovered that indeed there was a roundup without public notice. Paul Steblien, now retired manager of Sheldon, confirmed that the action was taken in order to avoid public scrutiny. Her trip also uncovered photos of the “bone pit” at Sheldon. Bones were strewn about in what appeared to be a careless manner, “As if their deaths did not matter,” according to Peeples.
A few of the horses taken were fortunate and made their way to Carr’s of Tennessee, but the rest remain unaccounted for. How many were left vulnerable, and shipped, to slaughter?
No access was given to view the roundup.
It is going to happen again.
The Bureau of Land Management roundup schedule has a gap in it. During that gap the contractors, Cattoor, will be at Sheldon. It has been confirmed.
An Environmental Assessment for another winter roundup at Calico Tri-state Complex (new name for the “mega-plex”) is in draft form and open for public comment until July 18, 2011.
How is it possible that in an area where there claims to be “management across the landscape” that a part of the agreed upon area is not subject to the same review? How is it that horses can be rounded up from one section of the Complex and the action not mentioned in the document the public is supposed to comment on? How can horses from one section of this Complex be rounded up and protected by the mandates of Congress and horses from another section leave the range with no real protection from slaughter under law?
How is this in anyway a managed “Complex” for horses and burros that they recognize historically cross the border? One day the horse is on one side of a Federal boundary and protected and the next day on the other side and vulnerable to slaughter?
Is “management across the landscape” just another way of saying “wipe out the landscape?” It would certainly seem so.
Will the EA for public comment on Calico be revised to reflect the removal of horses from the Northern section of the Complex? It has yet to be determined.
Will these agencies ever manage horses in an honest effort to maintain a genetically viable herd on public land? It has yet to be determined.
Will we be given public access to observe? It has yet to be determined.
But if a chopper flies at Sheldon, I’ll be there. Sheldon is very close to my heart. When I die I want to go to Sheldon, as long as there are horses left there.
These horses will not leave public land without the public knowing what happens to them again.
~~ Laura Leigh’s field work is supported through http://WildHorseEducation.org and her Litigation efforts throughhttp://WildHorseFreedomFederation.org
My travels this last year have taken me over 60,000 miles since last summer. HMA’s in Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and California.
Since roundups ended at the end of February I have crafted reports, done facility checks in three states, tracked horses and done range recon. I have assisted in the crafting of the documents for the Ninth Circuit. In many ways I have been busier than when documenting roundups.
Hit with a stomach issue this week as I worked with the attorney I was “laid up” for a couple of days.
Trying to create the agenda for the next road trip several things have come to my attention. One of the greatest issues is that the contradictions within a National program again speak to petty kingdoms run by petty kings, with no accountability has not abated.
Last July Federal Judge Larry Hicks ruled that the closure of public land during a roundup is a prior restraint to First Amendment Rights.
In a Press Release on Summer Roundups, dated June 20th, Director Bob Abbey states:
“With the new gather season starting in July, we must carry out these gathers in a fully transparent manner,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “That includes taking full ownership of what we do and by sharing both the positive and negative news with our various publics, whatever criticism may come our way.”
Yet the plan for the Jackie’s Butte Roundup in Oregon states:
As needed for orderly administration of the gather and to ensure safety for personnel and horses during gather operations, there will be a temporary closure to public access, use, or occupancy on public lands adjacent to and within the Jackies Butte Herd Management Area.
There are a number of other concerns right now about Oregon.
It never stops.
If you can help get gas in my tank… I’ll go check it out.
Still tracking horses for adoptions and working on other issues. Yes, I hope to be there for Triple B (date has changed). But without your support I’m grounded.
Following Submitted by:
Bonnie Kohleriter
bkohlerite@yahoo.com
BLM’S GATHER ADDICTION
OREGON 2011
The BLM wants to spend our tax money to keep its wild horse and burro employees in business. It has gathered so called “excess” horses so vigorously these past few years that it now appears to be ‘scraping the bottom of the barrel.’ to try to justify its work. Meanwhile, the taxpayer is having to pay for the costly helicopter gather of the horses, the trucking, the corralling, and the 20 year long- term pasturing commitment to the horses when it is highly questionable if the horses even need to be removed from their range where they are free to live. After all, these horses are only to be removed if they are in excess.
At the start of 2011 around l940 horses were reportedly on the range although 2715 were allowed to be there.(Oregon BLM Wild Horse and Burro Population Data Report Date January 29, 2011) Bob Abbey set the appropriate management level for Oregon at 2715 horses. So Oregon would be allowed 775 more horses. In spite of this, this summer the Oregon Wild Horse and Burro Specialists will embark on an aggressive gather operation as set forth below.
1. Kiger in the Burns District can have 51 to 82 horses on its range. 127 will be there post-foal time. The BLM hikes up its numbers at gather time. It says 132 will be there, 82 need to be removed, leaving 50 or is it 45 which is below the range of what is to be there.
2. Ten horses each outside their range areas of Paisley in the Lakeview District and of Warm Springs in the Burns District will be gathered although about 70 more horses could be in each of their range areas. The wild horses once had a herd area in which they were found and in which they were to be left to live. But the boys of the BLM said they needed to lessen that area so they could manage their horses. So now when the horses step over those boys’ man-made management lines, they are gathered, removed, corralled, 20 years long-term pastured. Why not, the government has all kinds of money for such activity. Don’t try to just put them back in their managed range areas of there is room for them.
3. Riddle in the Burns District can have 33 to 56 horses on its range. 72 are there post-foal time. Once again, the BLM hikes up its numbers saying 87 are there, 54 need to be removed leaving 33 or is it 18 which is at or below the range of what can be there.
4. Jackies Butte in the Vale District can have 75 to 150 horses on its range. 210 are there post-foal time. The BLM in this district doesn’t hike up its numbers this time. The BLM says 210 are on the range, 135 need to be removed leaving 75 which is at the lowest range of what can be there. But the BLM is not done. It plans to geld 10 of its 75 and return them to the range so that only 65 reproducing animals will be left, numbers below the lower AML.
5. Three Fingers in the Vale District can have 75 to 150. About 314 are there post-foal but less may be there because of previous pzp treatments. 250 will be gathered, 175 removed, and 75 left. But once again, the BLM isn’t done yet. Of the 75 almost all or 32 will be pzp ed though pzp works best November through January and 10 will be gelded. Studies suggest mares pzp ed in August may birth in the winter which would be potentially dangerous to the foal and mother.
6. Coyote Alvord, Sheephead Heath, and Sands Spring are all in the Vale District and are a clue to be wary when the BLM wants to group Herd Management Areas or HMAs. Sand Springs can have 100 to 200 horses on its range. 72 are there post-foal. So why is it involved in a gather? Coyote Lake Alvord Tule, previously 74 pzp ed in ll-08 can have 198 to 302 horses on its range. 339 are there post-foal with 37 excess horses or perhaps less because of the previous pzp treatment and the harsh winter. Sheepshead Heath Creek, previously 46 pzp ed in 11-08 can have 1612-302 horses on its range. 333 are there post-foal with 31 excess horses or again perhaps less because of the pzp treatment and the past brutal winter. 31 plus 37 or 68 excess horses or maybe not. So why does the BLM want to gather 626 horses and remove 258…not to remove excess horses but to bring Coyote Lake Alvord Tule and Sheepshead Heath Creek down to its lower AML. Does an excess of 68 or lower in two areas and a below AML in another area justify such a large gather and removal. Oh, I forget the government has lots of money to spend on helicopter gathers, removals, trucking, corralling, 20 year long-term pasturing. But the BLM once again doesn’t quit here. Of the 368 not gathered assuming half are mares, 184, and half are stallions or 184, 140 or 76% of the mares will be pzp ed and 40 or 22% of the stallions will be gelded.
Inflating numbers to justify gathers and removals, taking numbers below their lower acceptable range levels, removing horses from the range when they could be put back in their managed range area, grouping herd groups to mask unwarranted gathering and removing in some herds, gathering and removing when excesses have not been established, gathering and removing far in excess of what is needed to stay long-term within your appropriate management levels, and using pzp inappropriately speaks to mismanagement.
It is not a wonder our long-term 21 pastures are almost filled to capacity. It is not a wonder thousands of our wild horses are languishing in barren, unsheltered corrals up to three years when they were only to be there 30-45 days.
Why is it the American public has to pay for this grossly mismanaged program? Why is it the American wild horses and burros whose ancestors gave so much to us and who are so majestic and unique have to suffer at the hands of a grossly flawed program denied their homes, their families, and their bands? Isn’t it time to change the guard?
Historic Wild Horse First Amendment Case Filed Against Feds
Advocate Challenges BLM Covert Wild Mustang Operations
brief can be read at Horseback Magazine Here
HOUSTON, (WHFF) – On June 30, 2011 the last reply brief was filed in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the landmark First Amendment case for the public’s “right to know” in matters of government action; these actions do not relate to issues of national security, military secrets or pan-handling on the White House lawn but solely speak to the meaningful access to assess and track wild horses and burros from range through holding and the hands-on management of those herds by a government agency.
Plaintiff Laura Leigh, Founder of Wild Horse Education (WHE) and VP of Wild Horse Freedom Federation (WHFF) writes:
“As a journalist and representative of equine welfare agencies I travel to roundups and holding facilities with the express purpose of documenting individual animals from range through the system.
The condition of horses coming off the range at Silver King could not be properly assessed. Wild Horses captured from Silver King ARE STILL in the system.
I was NOT able to track them like I did horses from Calico. I am STILL not able to track them. Horses from upcoming roundups cannot be tracked and their condition reported to the public.
I am extremely frustrated that I cannot fulfill my full obligations to the public and the horses.”
There is an expressed expectation that Leigh will continue to be frustrated in the quest to properly assess condition of horses removed from the range, the protocol of capture, the number of horses captured and the condition of these horses as they move through the system.
“The public has a right to be informed of actions by its government, guaranteed by the Constitution,” states Leigh’s noted attorney Gordon Cowan of Reno, NV “the government cannot be allowed to evade review through cessation of an action where there is every expectation the conduct will continue.”
“This case is bigger than many people understand” explains R.T. Fitch, author and President of WHFF, “The dialogue is reaching an audience much larger than our supportive wild equine advocate community. This case has been joined by the Reporters Committee for a Free Press and the National Press Photographers Association. The American public at large is beginning to understand the broad sweeping outrages of this issue.”
Award winning equine photographer Terry Fitch added, “Working as Chief Photographer for Horseback Magazine I have continually been denied appropriate access at wild horse stampedes. The government and their contractors go to great lengths to ensure that the free press and American public cannot see what is actually happening to the last of our wild equines.”
WHFF is funding the legal operations of this action while Ms. Leigh’s field work is supported by Wild Horse Education (WHE).
###
Wild Horse Freedom Federation (WHFF) is a registered, Texas non-profit corporation with 501c3 status pending. WHFF puts people between America’s wild equids and extinction through targeted litigation against governmental agencies whose documented agendas include the eradication of wild horse and burros from public, federal and state lands.
