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
Donation sent. That dust is awful. No wonder the horses come down with upper respiratory problems. Holding my breath for that baby that was getting knocked around by the other horses. Too easy for the babies to be trampled in such a melee.
How horrible ! How many are they going to pack in there anyway ??!!
Very sad ,
I pray for our horses , i pray for you .
I can’t stand to watch this anymore. I curse the BLM and all those who work for them. I curse them and hope they are followed the rest of their lives with bad Karma. They make me sick!
Laura I will send you money for you tank but not on line……do you have an address to mail it to………Thanks Pam
Pamela ,
Go to her official website and help , it’s the best way , she needs our support Morally and Financially ,
you can Donate by PayPal to :
http://wildhorseeducation.org/
Pamela ,
the best way is the Monthly support ,
Go here :
http://wildhorseeducation.org/mission-statement/monthly-support/
Pamela, There is also a PO Box at Wild Horse Ed where you can send a check or money order. Thanks! mar
Another day at the “soiree”, and too many more to come! I hope that foal is okay. A lot can happen before they’re “safe” (HA!) at PV, or wherever. What’s the distance to PV and Gunnison? Even a short trip is a long trip when you’re scared, packed in with strange companions, and stressed from rough handling and “separation anxiety”.
To our BLM readers: I’m not anthropomorphizing wild horses. Anyone who’s handled green, domestic horses knows what I’m talking about. It goes double (triple, quadruple … add your own exponent!) for wild horses fresh off the range.
Probably should have said “multiplier”. I’m not a math wiz, but I’ve spent some time handling green horses. No disrespect intended, but I suggest BLM contractors and higher-ups watch some “Natural Horsemanship” videos and go to a few clinics. Horse-handling techniques have changed for the better. The “good ol’ days of ‘cowboy’ ways” should stay where they belong … in the past!
Dear Ginger ,
Do you think if they would learn “Natural Horsemanship” , “Equine Behavior” or “Equine Body Language” , they would work for the BLM and they would attend these roundups ?
Persian Horse … unfortunately for our Mustangs, that’s an excellent point.
Lots of heat, dust, tired horses, foals being exhausted and no way to know how many have been lost, foals or adults, before they reach the pens.
With barely enough places to keep these horses they must end these roundups and allow the herds to stay and the moratorium put in place and an Independent and fully professional census done. This is the arrogant removal of wild horses who have never been properly studied or their ‘program’ even put through public review and reform. This is not a democratic system. This is the theft of our wild horses and their lands.
I received the following reply after writing first to Tom Gorey and then Chris Hanefeld, re: the riders who went out Saturday. Wondering if you saw the baby come in safely / uninjured? Thanks for any info (and your efforts there), Lisa
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From: chanefel@blm.gov
During gather operations Saturday, an approximately four-month-old foal was separated from the group. Riders were sent to locate the foal. He was located, brought in and reunited with his mother. We thank you for your concern.
Respectfully,
Chris
Chris Hanefeld 775-289-1842
Ely District Office public affairs
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Laura, was that saddle horse tied to a panel of the trap?
The order to kill the foals….do you know who gave that order?
The buck stops with Alan Shepherd