Seven Tears Into the Sea
Phantom Stallion Series
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
You Do the Math
Cat Kindsfather's My Family, My Future, My Heart
Dear Readers,
Today I'll be attending the trial of two men accused of killing five wild horses.
Reno, NV --Wild horse advocates are coming to Reno on April 27, 2010 to witness Todd Davis and Joshua Keathly make their first court appearance for allegedly harassing and killing five federally protected American wild mustangs—shot on or about November 28, 2009 in Washoe county, Nevada. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. McQuaid, Jr. will preside in Federal District Court, 400 S. Virginia Street, Reno.
Wild horse advocates find it unsettling to learn that Davis & Keathley are only charged with one count of causing the death of five wild horses for each man. Advocates are calling for charges of five counts, one for each horse as is standard with murder cases. If convicted of one count, each man will face a maximum of one year in prison and a maximum $100,000 fine.
I'll be taking notes and letting you know what happens.
Best,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:15 AM 0 comments
Monday, April 26, 2010
The rest of the story
To those of you who wanted more of the scene with the young stallions -- here you go!
Best,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 3:35 AM 1 comments
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Still, I Am Wild
photo by Cat Kindsfather
Dear Readers,
Prehistoric power like that exploding from this young stallion is a rare sight in modern America. We see physical violence -- shootings on TV, a wrecking ball spraying bricks from an old building, fly-overs dropping death on a village, but not the short-fuse power of a stallion protesting some kind of trespass.
The mystery of a creature so powerful, yet protective, thrills us. It's part of what's helped wild horses to survive.
And it's part of what BLM has stolen and will continue to steal from us tomorrow, and the next day.
Already hundreds of Calico stallions have been spooked into a squeeze chute and shot up with anesthetic and paralytic drugs. Then, they're released. Bursting free of confinement, they gallop a few strides before the drugs take hold. Then, the stallions collapse.
Conscious, but unable to move, they are subjected to surgery. Perhaps it doesn't hurt, as we were told, but a wild stallion will run, when he's beaten. And these stallions must know this fight is stacked against them.
This is a fight he can't win. Neither can he run. He must lie motionless during 4-10 minutes of irreversible castration.
Take a second look at this horse.
Even collared by man's designation of his identity, this horse knows who he is, what he must do. But he has not yet been gelded.
Yesterday, a staffer said BLM has a "reasonable expectation" that these Calico geldings will be adopted. Never mind the thousands of geldings grazing like cattle in long-term holding, far from their rangeland homes.
I hope BLM is right. I hope we swap partnership for what we've allowed to be stolen. I really do.
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 9:29 AM 0 comments
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Stranded horses
Dear Readers,
Those of you who've read the WILD HORSE ISLAND books might feel a sense of deja vu as you watch this!
Stranded Horses
Enjoy,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:23 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Grass Roots Horses !
visit
GrassrootsHorse.com
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 5:40 PM 1 comments
Monday, April 19, 2010
Wild Horse Poet
Dear Readers,
Katie said I could share her poem with you & this is what inspired her:
I had just read your post on you blog titled, Death in the Desert. The picture and blog just sparked something in me. That video that was posted as well showed what happens to happy, healthy stallions and their families and it gave me inspiration to show what it's really like, or what I imagine it to be, from the stallion's view. The heartbreak he feels at seeing his mares and foals diminish, till there is only one left.
What the BLM is doing just kills me, and I'm sure many others, but for some reason, not the BLM workers.
I'm glad you like the poem, it's one of my favorite things I've done.
photo by Cat Kindsfather
Blind by Katie Bucklein
From the Mustang's View
Are you just blind?
Can't you see what you're doing to me?
To me and my family?
I remember just yesterday
Just yesterday I was playing with my foals
Nipping their hooves and racing through the wind with them
Just yesterday, I was happy and carefree.
Then, overnight, I smelled men
I rushed my family to our hiding place
Hoping no one would find us, “Stay silent” I say
We stayed there, shaking and scared.
We awoke to the sound of buzzing
A giant, silver bird flew through the sky
My family screamed and ran
The little foals falling behind, I tried to stay with them.
We were funneled through strange-looking grass
Grass that stood straight up
Grass that didn't blow in the breeze
My family grew tired, giving in to the silver bird.
We were forced, screaming into a silver tunnel
A silver tunnel with no way out
We were locked in, fearing for our lives
We huddled close, trying to remain comforted with our family.
Near the end of the journey in the silver tunnel
I began to smell horses
Horses that I didn't recognize
I puffed up my chest, ready to fight for my family.
We were funneled out of the tunnel
I raced around my family, trying to keep them together
I heard my foals whinnying for their mothers,
Their mothers were gone; I was left with my young foals
I am pushed into a crevice that leads to other horses
I see a few that look like my mares
I rush to them, eager to rejoin them
But I soon find out that these are other stallions, just like me.
I look around for my foals
They're gone from sight
I look for my mares
I can't see them anywhere, they are gone too.
I turn back to the stallions, looking for a friendly face
I see none
One lone black stallion in the back catches my eye
I move toward him.
“What is this place?” I ask the black stallion
He raises his head and looks at me
“The end. No way out.” He says.
I look around, scared that I will die here.
A short while later, I am pushed once again into a strange ring
I recognize my mares and rush to them
They whinny in greeting and we nuzzle each other
We can't find our foals anywhere.
Suddenly, a hot stick is pressed against me
I jump away and scream
I see a man, holding the stick and pressing it to a mare
I charge him but another man slaps me with a long stick.
My mares are collapsing
I feel my legs shaking but remain standing
I must remain strong for my mares
We are once again separated and pushed back into the strange rings.
I remain next to the black stallion,
Breathing deeply and glancing around at other stallions
I hear neighs that sound familiar
I raise my muzzle and neigh back, longing for my freedom.
I never once again see my foals
I catch glimpses of my mares
They are slowly diminishing
Until only a few are left.
I ask the black stallion again,
“What is happening to my family?”
The black stallion sighs and looks sadly around
“They are dying, just like mine.”
These words scare me
I want my family back
I want my freedom back,
I wish to be running through fields again, playing with my foals.
Won't someone help me?
I don't want to live like this
I have been here for many months,
Never again seeing my family.
I catch word of one of my mares still alive
I wish I could see her,
To see which mare is left
But I never do.
My foals are all gone
No longer living on this earth
What strange creature is doing this to us?
What have we done to them?
Someone save us
I want to run again,
To be out of this strange ring
With the strange food and strange customs.
I am alone
Alone with hundreds of stallions that I do not know
None are my sons, all grown up
What has happened to them?
I raise my muzzle once again,
Neighing loudly into the wind
Wishing to be out on the mountains again,
And then I collapse onto the ground, breathing deeply.
As I close my eyes one last time,
I feel the black stallion sniffing my neck
“Save my family if you see them.”
I whisper to him, one last time.
I take my last breath,
Exhausted and scared
Never understanding what is going on
Or why.
Are you just blind?
Can't you see what you’re doing to me?
To me and my family?
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 4:24 PM 2 comments
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Real Phantom Stallion
Dear Readers,
I hope you enjoy this photo of the real Phantom and his lead mare Shy, shortly before Phantom's Pride was born.
If you haven't seen the Phantom's YouTube video, you might enjoy it here:
Mustang as Muse: the real Phantom Stallion
Happy trails,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 9:28 AM 2 comments
Friday, April 16, 2010
Your Friday, their Friday
This update comes from BLM staff at the Fallon facility. It includes the news that mares are actively foaling, but BLM doesn't keep track of how many are born.
In the wild, foals' ears would open to birdsong, the thump of rabbit paws, the comforting nickers and chewing of their families. Here, their first sounds are mixed with the screams of young stallions in terrified pain.
Friday,
April 16
Most stallions and weaned colts are doing well and gaining weight. Mares from Black Rock East, Black Rock West and most Granite horses continue to do well. Mares from Warm Springs and Calico are improving. Mares that have been isolated for poor condition are gaining weight. No miscarriages occurred. Mares are actively foaling and new foals are born daily. Work to geld horses four years and younger began today.
Facility Death: 0 Cumulative Death total: 79
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:13 AM 3 comments
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Librarians' Wishes Are Horses
photos by Cat Kindsfather
Library budgets slashed! Librarians fired! Libraries closed!
As a mother, writer and reader, these decisions make me heart sore and angry.
One of the reasons I bought my house is because it's a short walk down a dirt road and across the street to the nearest library; it's now open 10 hours a week.
Although there's not enough money for libraries, America's wild horses are pursued in multi-million dollar helicopter roundups, then confined in dirty, deadly feedlot style corrals.
The price to catch and process ONE horse -- $3,000
Proposed budget increase to BLM's wild horse program -- $12 million
Price of buying new lands to put Western mustangs on-- $42 million dollars
Most taxpayers would rather see these funds spent on books, librarians, and the improved future of children.
Librarians: what could YOU do with a few wild horses worth of Federal funding?
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 11:20 PM 2 comments
Trauma
Dear Readers,
Humane observer Elyse Gardner's most recent blog has many excellent photos and good commentary on what it means to be PROCESSED by BLM when you're a wild horse.
Watching over the Wild Ones
Best,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 11:11 PM 1 comments
Monday, April 12, 2010
WRITING ABOUT HORSES : free workshop
BOOK SIGNING &
WRITING WORKSHOP
Sunday, April 18
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Terri Farley, author of
Phantom Stallion & Wild Horse Island books, presents
PONY EXPRESSION !
Ever wanted to WRITE about horses?
Terri shows you how FREE
at Grassroots Books, 660 E Grove St, Reno
RSVP: 775-828-2665 or [email protected]
Visit PhantomStallion.com
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 5:31 PM 1 comments
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Hug A Librarian!
Dear READERS,
One of the very first places I felt at home outside my own house was the library. Before I could write my name clearly (in those days, you had to sign out books), I remember a librarian turning the card to "read," then smiling at me and saying, "You must be Phyllis, because that means lover of horses." I've been a fan of libraries and librarians ever since!
Celebrate!
Terri
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 6:37 PM 0 comments
Death in the Desert
Photo by Craig Downer
" What you are seeing are the remains of a wild horse, discovered by Craig Downer, Terri Farley, and Don Molde on a recent excursion into the Calico Mountains looking for the living remnants of the herds..."
To read a report by biologist Craig Downer and human observer Elyse Garder, click here:
Humane Observer Blog
This wide-ranging blog includes feelings and facts, comparing the past and present plight of the Calico Range horses, their capture, captivity and Craig's coverage of our first trip back to the Calico range following BLM's disastrous round-up.
Best,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 3:36 AM 2 comments
Friday, April 09, 2010
Texting for Horses
Wild Horses Win Attention In 1ST-of-a-Kind Billboard & Text Campaign
Lexington/Louisville,KY As horse enthusiasts flock to Lexington and Louisville in April to attend three BIG equine events Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, Keeneland Race and Sales, and the Kentucky Derby they'll be greeted by billboards urging them to take action to save America’s wild horses.
STOP WILD HORSE ROUNDUPS Text MUSTANG to 44144 is the message of the billboards showcasing large photos of low-flying helicopters chasing horses. The billboards are sponsored by American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign (AWHPC) which partners with partners with Return to Freedom’s American Wild Horse Sanctuary, Madeleine Pickens, The Cloud Foundation and Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue.
Read more here:
WILD HORSE PRESERVATION.COM
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:46 PM 1 comments
Virtual Visit to Your Horses
Hola Readers,
On March 28, mustang advocate Tara Kain took these photos at the wild horse holding pens in Fallon & she is allowing me to share with you.
Above, you'll see some phantom foals, whose births and deaths are not recognized by BLM until the foals are branded.
High spirits can get you hurt in crowded conditions, but these two mustangs have found a somewhat open spot for play.
This mustang's chest shows signs of the pigeon fever which BLM first said was 1) impossible this time of year 2) showing up at Fallon, but not worth treating.
What will that do to wild horses' chances of being returned to the range or transferred to other BLM facilities? And if BLM deemed these same horses healthy when they came in off the range AND say the time of year AND soil conditions aren't right to transmit the disease at the Indian Lakes facility, where did it come from? Some are suggesting horses were infected in the trucks of their captors.
The Cattoor family website claims the company has "humanely" rounded up 150,000 wild horses, burros and wild cattle. Horse experts have mused that one of the main symptoms of Pigeon Fever, seeping pus, might remain behind in even a washed trailer. If it wasn't completely disinfected, they tell me, it could become a crucible of contamination.
I know some of my readers are experienced with Pigeon Fever. What do you think?
Adios,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:22 PM 4 comments
Thursday, April 08, 2010
May I borrow your brains and flying fingers?
Dear Readers,
Just like Brenda Starr, the comic book girl reporter first published in the 1940's, I need some newsy tidbits!
Have you ever seen articles -- online, in newspapers, magazines -- about me or the PHANTOM STALLION, WILD HORSE ISLAND, SEVEN TEARS INTO THE SEA or my horsey activities which you think I should share?
As you might've guessed, I'm putting big dollops of my time into helping the horses, but it's really time for me to update my press kit (which is something journalists and book publishers look at to see who I am and what I'm up to), and many of you have been keeping up better than I have.
I'm especially interested in articles published in other countries.
Any help would be wonderful and you can email me links at [email protected].
Thanks SO much!
Terri
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 4:57 PM 0 comments
Monday, April 05, 2010
Ghost Dancer: still there
Dear Readers,
The Medicine Hat mare with the magnetic mood is still at the Indian Lakes BLM holding facility in Fallon.
She's shown here, photographed by Mark Terrell, just a few weeks after capture.
In these two photos -- one by Craig Downer and the other by Tara Kain -- she's been put in a pneumatic cage,vaccinated, hung with a red rope and numbered tag, then neck branded. You can see the freeze brand on her neck if you look closely. It will be there forever.
She looks thinner, even though food is delivered at the fence.
I'm calling this mustang Ghost Dancer because she once roamed Native American lands and the Ghost Dance ceremony was one of rebirth.
That's what I wish for these horses, a return to the range where their spirits can run free again.
Best to you all,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:52 AM 4 comments
Sunday, April 04, 2010
GLORY!
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 3:12 AM 6 comments
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Phantom foals
photo used by permission of Cat Kindsfather
Three things to think about:
1) Newborn horses like the dun foal above -- trying to rise and nurse despite a broken leg suffered in a corral crowded with adult horses -- do not exist in the world of BLM until they are branded.
2) Only one vet is under contract to care for the thousands of mustangs in BOTH the Fallon and Palomino Valley facilities.
3) Despite promises to welcome the public at wild horse gathers and holding pens, program manager Don Glenn allows NO humane observers at the wild horse facilities except "by appointment"
If you object, please sign this petition to President Obama, asking for
an immediate moratorium on wild horse roundups
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:00 AM 7 comments
Friday, April 02, 2010
Pigeon Fever Plagues Calico Horses
photo by Cat Kindsfather
Dear Readers,
The misery visited on the wild horses of the Calico mountains goes on.
Pigeon Fever was diagnosed by visitors to the feedlot style holding pens in Fallon, a place called Indian Lakes. Sounds nice, doesn't it?
Sadly, the photo I showed you a few days ago -- -shown again above -- could be a horse suffering from this condition.
Treatment for Pigeon Fever includes warm compresses, ISOLATION and hygenic conditions. Wild horses at Indian Lakes are getting none of this treatment.
Why?
"The incidence of Pigeon Fever at the Indian Lake Facility is at the same percentages that exist on the Calico Complex," BLM's contract vet, Dr. Sanford says, so "no treatments have been administered to date."
Even if this condition crops up on the range, too, horses running free do NOT stand around with two thousand other mustangs in crowded conditions where they can't avoid contact with each others' streaming pus.
Gross? Yes, and maybe that's why BLM is not only closing Indian Lakes to visitors on Easter Sunday, but director Don Glenn has refused to schedule a make-up day.
Secrecy leads to suspicion, and since day 1 of the Calico round up, it's been justified.
If BLM won't take even basic precautions -- like putting infected horses in hospital pens -- could it be because they want an excuse NOT to free them back to their home range? Or is it just too much trouble?
Best,
Terri
More info on Pigeon Fever from Colorado State veterinarians:
Clinical signs: Early signs can include lameness, fever, lethargy, depression and weight loss.
Infections can range from mild, small, localized abscesses to a severe disease with multiple massive abscesses containing liters of liquid, tan-colored pus.
External, deep abscesses, swelling and multiple sores develop along the chest, midline and groin area, and, occasionally, on the back.
Incubation period: Horses may become infected but not develop abscesses for weeks.
Animals affected:The disease usually manifests in younger horses, but can occur in any age, sex, and breed.
A different biotype of the organism is responsible for a chronic contagious disease of sheet and goats, Caseous lymphadenitis, or CL. Either biotype can occur in cattle.
Disease forms: Generally 3 types: external abscesses, internal abscesses or limb infection (ulcerative lymphangitis).
The ulcerative lymphangitis is the most common form worldwide and rarely involves more than one leg at a time. Usually, multiple small, draining sores develop above the fetlock.
The most common form of the disease in the United States is external abscessation, which often form deep in the muscles and can be very large. Usually they appear in the pectoral region, the ventral abdomen and the groin area. After spontaneous rupture, or lancing, the wound will exude liquid, light tan-colored, malodorous pus.
Internal abscesses can occur and are very difficult to treat
.
Treatment: Hot packs or poultices should be applied to abscesses to encourage opening. Open abscesses should be drained and regularly flushed with saline.
Surgical or deep lancing may be required, depending on the depth of the abscess or the thickness of the capsule, and should be done by your veterinarian.
Ultrasound can aid in locating deep abscesses so that drainage can be accomplished.
External abscesses can be cleaned with a 0.1 percent povidone-iodine solution
Antiseptic soaked gauze may be packed into the open wound
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as phenylbutazone can be used to control swelling and pain
Care required: Buckets or other containers should be used to collect pus from draining abscesses and this infectious material should be disposed of properly.
Consistent and careful disposal of infected bedding, hay, straw or other material used in the stall is vitally important.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect stalls, paddocks, all utensils and tack.
Pest control for insects is also very important.
Recovery time: Usually anywhere from two weeks to 77 days.
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 3:01 PM 5 comments
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Kids show HEARTS FOR HORSES in Washingon, D.C.
Dear Readers,
Amelia and Chloe spoke up for YOU and for your wild horses during a rally for mustangs in Washington, D.C. Since you couldn't all be there, I asked Amelia to write an account of what happened. Hope this inspires you to keep YOUR eyes open for ways to help the horses & maybe you can write something for my blog, too!
Hugs for horses,
Terri
Marching for Mustangs in Washington, D.C.
By Amelia Perrin
My best friend Chloe and I love horses. We have been riding horses for around 7 years. I have been raising money for Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary since I was 6 and now I'm a youth ambassador for the sanctuary. This summer Chloe and I got to visit Return to Freedom and we worked there. We rode on the feed truck in the morning and threw hay to the wild horse bands living in the hills. In the afternoons, we mucked stalls and paddocks, and we even got to help gentle Choctaw foals!!!!! We really love wild horses, so when we heard about the March for Mustangs rally in Washington D.C. we were really excited that we could go.
The drive to D.C. was long, so when we got there it was pretty late. We went to dinner and met up with Deniz Bolbol who volunteers for IDA (In Defense of Animals). Then went to our hotel and went to bed. The next day we met with the staff of Senator Jim Bunning from Kentucky. In the room where we met, he had put pictures of famous racehorses all over the walls!! Around 1:30ish we went to the rally. My friend Chloe and I held a banner, and we did an interview with a TV station from Europe. Some of the people who spoke at the rally are Ginger Kathrens the filmmaker of the “Cloud Wild Stallion of the Rockies” series; Wendie Malick an actress; Clay Canfield - he sang his song "Wild Horses," Suzanne Roy (my momJ) she works for American Wild horse Preservation Campaign, and me! This is what I said:
My name is Amelia Perrin and I am in the 6th grade at Carolina Friends School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I am 12 years old. I have been riding horses for 7 years.
Part of the BLM’s mission is to protect historic lands, plants and animals for future generations. My friend Chloe and I came today to speak for the kids who are those future generations. We are part of those future generations, and this is something we care very much about.
We’re here to ask Congress to save America’s wild horses. It’s time to stop the cruel wild horse round ups and let these amazing horses live free on our lands. In our minds horses mean freedom and wild horses should stay wild.
I work with a horse named Berry and he was abused before I knew him. So I know how horses hold on to things that people have done to them. The round ups terrorize horses and tear their families apart. They will carry this pain with them throughout their lives.
These horses can’t speak for themselves, so that’s why we’re here. The American people and especially the kids of America want our wild horses to stay free.
Another person who spoke is a BLM volunteer named Rob Pliskin. He brought his BLM badge and said he used to wear it proudly, but he can never wear it proudly again until we start to treat these horses right. He was amazing.
The whole rally was really fun and everyone was soo amazing! This rally was right in front of the White House! After that we went back to the hotel. Then my mom and Deniz went to a meeting and Chloe and I stayed in the hotel and we got room service!! Later, they came back and we went to bed. We had to get up early the next day L to meet with Rep. David Price's staff. He is my Congressman and a big animal lover. Then we picked up Deniz from her meeting with Senator Boxer's office and started on our drive home. We got out of D.C. OK. Then we hit traffic L but Chloe and I amused ourselves by sticking our heads out the window and waving at people! We also came up with ideas for names of horses at Return to Freedom. The drive took longer then it was supposed to, but we had fun.
It was so exciting to go to this rally but especially to meet Wendie Malick who is really nice and she has horses, and also Ginger Kathrens and Makendra from the Cloud Foundation. Just last week, they were in the Pryor Mountains and saw Cloud living free. Chloe and I believe that all wild horses should keep their freedom just like Cloud. That's why we went to DC.
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 12:34 PM 3 comments
You Do the Math
Cat Kindsfather's My Family, My Future, My Heart
Dear Readers,
Today I'll be attending the trial of two men accused of killing five wild horses.
Reno, NV --Wild horse advocates are coming to Reno on April 27, 2010 to witness Todd Davis and Joshua Keathly make their first court appearance for allegedly harassing and killing five federally protected American wild mustangs—shot on or about November 28, 2009 in Washoe county, Nevada. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. McQuaid, Jr. will preside in Federal District Court, 400 S. Virginia Street, Reno.
Wild horse advocates find it unsettling to learn that Davis & Keathley are only charged with one count of causing the death of five wild horses for each man. Advocates are calling for charges of five counts, one for each horse as is standard with murder cases. If convicted of one count, each man will face a maximum of one year in prison and a maximum $100,000 fine.
I'll be taking notes and letting you know what happens.
Best,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:15 AM 0 comments
Monday, April 26, 2010
The rest of the story
To those of you who wanted more of the scene with the young stallions -- here you go!
Best,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 3:35 AM 1 comments
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Still, I Am Wild
photo by Cat Kindsfather
Dear Readers,
Prehistoric power like that exploding from this young stallion is a rare sight in modern America. We see physical violence -- shootings on TV, a wrecking ball spraying bricks from an old building, fly-overs dropping death on a village, but not the short-fuse power of a stallion protesting some kind of trespass.
The mystery of a creature so powerful, yet protective, thrills us. It's part of what's helped wild horses to survive.
And it's part of what BLM has stolen and will continue to steal from us tomorrow, and the next day.
Already hundreds of Calico stallions have been spooked into a squeeze chute and shot up with anesthetic and paralytic drugs. Then, they're released. Bursting free of confinement, they gallop a few strides before the drugs take hold. Then, the stallions collapse.
Conscious, but unable to move, they are subjected to surgery. Perhaps it doesn't hurt, as we were told, but a wild stallion will run, when he's beaten. And these stallions must know this fight is stacked against them.
This is a fight he can't win. Neither can he run. He must lie motionless during 4-10 minutes of irreversible castration.
Take a second look at this horse.
Even collared by man's designation of his identity, this horse knows who he is, what he must do. But he has not yet been gelded.
Yesterday, a staffer said BLM has a "reasonable expectation" that these Calico geldings will be adopted. Never mind the thousands of geldings grazing like cattle in long-term holding, far from their rangeland homes.
I hope BLM is right. I hope we swap partnership for what we've allowed to be stolen. I really do.
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 9:29 AM 0 comments
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Stranded horses
Dear Readers,
Those of you who've read the WILD HORSE ISLAND books might feel a sense of deja vu as you watch this!
Stranded Horses
Enjoy,
Terri
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:23 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Grass Roots Horses !
visit
GrassrootsHorse.com
Labels: BLM, Cloud Foundation, Grass roots horses, helicopter roundups, IDA, mustangs, wild horses
Permalink to this blog post
Posted by Terri Farley @ 5:40 PM 1 comments
Monday, April 19, 2010
Wild Horse Poet
Dear Readers,
Katie said I could share her poem with you & this is what inspired her:
I had just read your post on you blog titled, Death in the Desert. The picture and blog just sparked something in me. That video that was posted as well showed what happens to happy, healthy stallions and their families and it gave me inspiration to show what it's really like, or what I imagine it to be, from the stallion's view. The heartbreak he feels at seeing his mares and foals diminish, till there is only one left.
What the BLM is doing just kills me, and I'm sure many others, but for some reason, not the BLM workers.
I'm glad you like the poem, it's one of my favorite things I've done.
photo by Cat Kindsfather
Blind by Katie Bucklein
From the Mustang's View
Are you just blind?
Can't you see what you're doing to me?
To me and my family?
I remember just yesterday
Just yesterday I was playing with my foals
Nipping their hooves and racing through the wind with them
Just yesterday, I was happy and carefree.
Then, overnight, I smelled men
I rushed my family to our hiding place
Hoping no one would find us, “Stay silent” I say
We stayed there, shaking and scared.
We awoke to the sound of buzzing
A giant, silver bird flew through the sky
My family screamed and ran
The little foals falling behind, I tried to stay with them.
We were funneled through strange-looking grass
Grass that stood straight up
Grass that didn't blow in the breeze
My family grew tired, giving in to the silver bird.
We were forced, screaming into a silver tunnel
A silver tunnel with no way out
We were locked in, fearing for our lives
We huddled close, trying to remain comforted with our family.
Near the end of the journey in the silver tunnel
I began to smell horses
Horses that I didn't recognize
I puffed up my chest, ready to fight for my family.
We were funneled out of the tunnel
I raced around my family, trying to keep them together
I heard my foals whinnying for their mothers,
Their mothers were gone; I was left with my young foals
I am pushed into a crevice that leads to other horses
I see a few that look like my mares
I rush to them, eager to rejoin them
But I soon find out that these are other stallions, just like me.
I look around for my foals
They're gone from sight
I look for my mares
I can't see them anywhere, they are gone too.
I turn back to the stallions, looking for a friendly face
I see none
One lone black stallion in the back catches my eye
I move toward him.
“What is this place?” I ask the black stallion
He raises his head and looks at me
“The end. No way out.” He says.
I look around, scared that I will die here.
A short while later, I am pushed once again into a strange ring
I recognize my mares and rush to them
They whinny in greeting and we nuzzle each other
We can't find our foals anywhere.
Suddenly, a hot stick is pressed against me
I jump away and scream
I see a man, holding the stick and pressing it to a mare
I charge him but another man slaps me with a long stick.
My mares are collapsing
I feel my legs shaking but remain standing
I must remain strong for my mares
We are once again separated and pushed back into the strange rings.
I remain next to the black stallion,
Breathing deeply and glancing around at other stallions
I hear neighs that sound familiar
I raise my muzzle and neigh back, longing for my freedom.
I never once again see my foals
I catch glimpses of my mares
They are slowly diminishing
Until only a few are left.
I ask the black stallion again,
“What is happening to my family?”
The black stallion sighs and looks sadly around
“They are dying, just like mine.”
These words scare me
I want my family back
I want my freedom back,
I wish to be running through fields again, playing with my foals.
Won't someone help me?
I don't want to live like this
I have been here for many months,
Never again seeing my family.
I catch word of one of my mares still alive
I wish I could see her,
To see which mare is left
But I never do.
My foals are all gone
No longer living on this earth
What strange creature is doing this to us?
What have we done to them?
Someone save us
I want to run again,
To be out of this strange ring
With the strange food and strange customs.
I am alone
Alone with hundreds of stallions that I do not know
None are my sons, all grown up
What has happened to them?
I raise my muzzle once again,
Neighing loudly into the wind
Wishing to be out on the mountains again,
And then I collapse onto the ground, breathing deeply.
As I close my eyes one last time,
I feel the black stallion sniffing my neck
“Save my family if you see them.”
I whisper to him, one last time.
I take my last breath,
Exhausted and scared
Never understanding what is going on
Or why.
Are you just blind?
Can't you see what you’re doing to me?
To me and my family?
Labels: mustangs, Phantom Stallion reader, wild horses
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 4:24 PM 2 comments
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Real Phantom Stallion
Dear Readers,
I hope you enjoy this photo of the real Phantom and his lead mare Shy, shortly before Phantom's Pride was born.
If you haven't seen the Phantom's YouTube video, you might enjoy it here:
Mustang as Muse: the real Phantom Stallion
Happy trails,
Terri
Labels: Mustang as Muse, phantom stallion, Phantom stallion series, YouTube
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 9:28 AM 2 comments
Friday, April 16, 2010
Your Friday, their Friday
This update comes from BLM staff at the Fallon facility. It includes the news that mares are actively foaling, but BLM doesn't keep track of how many are born.
In the wild, foals' ears would open to birdsong, the thump of rabbit paws, the comforting nickers and chewing of their families. Here, their first sounds are mixed with the screams of young stallions in terrified pain.
Friday,
April 16
Most stallions and weaned colts are doing well and gaining weight. Mares from Black Rock East, Black Rock West and most Granite horses continue to do well. Mares from Warm Springs and Calico are improving. Mares that have been isolated for poor condition are gaining weight. No miscarriages occurred. Mares are actively foaling and new foals are born daily. Work to geld horses four years and younger began today.
Facility Death: 0 Cumulative Death total: 79
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 10:13 AM 3 comments
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Librarians' Wishes Are Horses
photos by Cat KindsfatherLibrary budgets slashed! Librarians fired! Libraries closed!
As a mother, writer and reader, these decisions make me heart sore and angry.
One of the reasons I bought my house is because it's a short walk down a dirt road and across the street to the nearest library; it's now open 10 hours a week.
Although there's not enough money for libraries, America's wild horses are pursued in multi-million dollar helicopter roundups, then confined in dirty, deadly feedlot style corrals.
The price to catch and process ONE horse -- $3,000
Proposed budget increase to BLM's wild horse program -- $12 million
Price of buying new lands to put Western mustangs on-- $42 million dollars
Most taxpayers would rather see these funds spent on books, librarians, and the improved future of children.
Librarians: what could YOU do with a few wild horses worth of Federal funding?
Labels: budget, federal funds, libraries, mustangs, wild horses
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 11:20 PM 2 comments
Trauma
Dear Readers,
Humane observer Elyse Gardner's most recent blog has many excellent photos and good commentary on what it means to be PROCESSED by BLM when you're a wild horse.
Watching over the Wild Ones
Best,
Terri
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 11:11 PM 1 comments
Monday, April 12, 2010
WRITING ABOUT HORSES : free workshop
BOOK SIGNING &
WRITING WORKSHOP
Sunday, April 18
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Terri Farley, author of
Phantom Stallion & Wild Horse Island books, presents
PONY EXPRESSION !
Ever wanted to WRITE about horses?
Terri shows you how FREE
at Grassroots Books, 660 E Grove St, Reno
RSVP: 775-828-2665 or [email protected]
Visit PhantomStallion.com
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 5:31 PM 1 comments
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Hug A Librarian!
Dear READERS,
One of the very first places I felt at home outside my own house was the library. Before I could write my name clearly (in those days, you had to sign out books), I remember a librarian turning the card to "read," then smiling at me and saying, "You must be Phyllis, because that means lover of horses." I've been a fan of libraries and librarians ever since!
Celebrate!
Terri
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 6:37 PM 0 comments
Death in the Desert
Photo by Craig Downer
" What you are seeing are the remains of a wild horse, discovered by Craig Downer, Terri Farley, and Don Molde on a recent excursion into the Calico Mountains looking for the living remnants of the herds..."
To read a report by biologist Craig Downer and human observer Elyse Garder, click here:
Humane Observer Blog
This wide-ranging blog includes feelings and facts, comparing the past and present plight of the Calico Range horses, their capture, captivity and Craig's coverage of our first trip back to the Calico range following BLM's disastrous round-up.
Best,
Terri
Labels: BLM, BLM round ups, Calico Complex, Craig Downer, Elyse Gardner, mustang deaths, wild horses
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 3:36 AM 2 comments
Friday, April 09, 2010
Texting for Horses
Wild Horses Win Attention In 1ST-of-a-Kind Billboard & Text Campaign
Lexington/Louisville,KY As horse enthusiasts flock to Lexington and Louisville in April to attend three BIG equine events Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, Keeneland Race and Sales, and the Kentucky Derby they'll be greeted by billboards urging them to take action to save America’s wild horses.
STOP WILD HORSE ROUNDUPS Text MUSTANG to 44144 is the message of the billboards showcasing large photos of low-flying helicopters chasing horses. The billboards are sponsored by American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign (AWHPC) which partners with partners with Return to Freedom’s American Wild Horse Sanctuary, Madeleine Pickens, The Cloud Foundation and Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue.
Read more here:
WILD HORSE PRESERVATION.COM
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:46 PM 1 comments
Virtual Visit to Your Horses
Hola Readers,
On March 28, mustang advocate Tara Kain took these photos at the wild horse holding pens in Fallon & she is allowing me to share with you.
Above, you'll see some phantom foals, whose births and deaths are not recognized by BLM until the foals are branded.
High spirits can get you hurt in crowded conditions, but these two mustangs have found a somewhat open spot for play.
This mustang's chest shows signs of the pigeon fever which BLM first said was 1) impossible this time of year 2) showing up at Fallon, but not worth treating.
What will that do to wild horses' chances of being returned to the range or transferred to other BLM facilities? And if BLM deemed these same horses healthy when they came in off the range AND say the time of year AND soil conditions aren't right to transmit the disease at the Indian Lakes facility, where did it come from? Some are suggesting horses were infected in the trucks of their captors.
The Cattoor family website claims the company has "humanely" rounded up 150,000 wild horses, burros and wild cattle. Horse experts have mused that one of the main symptoms of Pigeon Fever, seeping pus, might remain behind in even a washed trailer. If it wasn't completely disinfected, they tell me, it could become a crucible of contamination.
I know some of my readers are experienced with Pigeon Fever. What do you think?
Adios,
Terri
Labels: Cattoor, Fallon, Indian Lakes, mustangs, phantom foals, pigeon fever, wild horses
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:22 PM 4 comments
Thursday, April 08, 2010
May I borrow your brains and flying fingers?
Dear Readers,
Just like Brenda Starr, the comic book girl reporter first published in the 1940's, I need some newsy tidbits!
Have you ever seen articles -- online, in newspapers, magazines -- about me or the PHANTOM STALLION, WILD HORSE ISLAND, SEVEN TEARS INTO THE SEA or my horsey activities which you think I should share?
As you might've guessed, I'm putting big dollops of my time into helping the horses, but it's really time for me to update my press kit (which is something journalists and book publishers look at to see who I am and what I'm up to), and many of you have been keeping up better than I have.
I'm especially interested in articles published in other countries.
Any help would be wonderful and you can email me links at [email protected].
Thanks SO much!
Terri
Labels: phantom stallion, seven tears into the sea, terri farley, wild horse advocate, wild horse island
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 4:57 PM 0 comments
Monday, April 05, 2010
Ghost Dancer: still there
Dear Readers,
The Medicine Hat mare with the magnetic mood is still at the Indian Lakes BLM holding facility in Fallon.
She's shown here, photographed by Mark Terrell, just a few weeks after capture.
In these two photos -- one by Craig Downer and the other by Tara Kain -- she's been put in a pneumatic cage,vaccinated, hung with a red rope and numbered tag, then neck branded. You can see the freeze brand on her neck if you look closely. It will be there forever.
She looks thinner, even though food is delivered at the fence.
I'm calling this mustang Ghost Dancer because she once roamed Native American lands and the Ghost Dance ceremony was one of rebirth.
That's what I wish for these horses, a return to the range where their spirits can run free again.
Best to you all,
Terri
Labels: Craig Downer, Fallon, Indian Lakes, Medicine Hat, mustang, terri farley, wild horses
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:52 AM 4 comments
Sunday, April 04, 2010
GLORY!
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 3:12 AM 6 comments
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Phantom foals
photo used by permission of Cat Kindsfather
Three things to think about:
1) Newborn horses like the dun foal above -- trying to rise and nurse despite a broken leg suffered in a corral crowded with adult horses -- do not exist in the world of BLM until they are branded.
2) Only one vet is under contract to care for the thousands of mustangs in BOTH the Fallon and Palomino Valley facilities.
3) Despite promises to welcome the public at wild horse gathers and holding pens, program manager Don Glenn allows NO humane observers at the wild horse facilities except "by appointment"
If you object, please sign this petition to President Obama, asking for
an immediate moratorium on wild horse roundups
Labels: BLM, Don Glenn, Indian Lakes, mustangs, Palomino Valley, phantom foals, pigeon fever, terri farley, wild horse deaths, wild horses
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 2:00 AM 7 comments
Friday, April 02, 2010
Pigeon Fever Plagues Calico Horses
photo by Cat Kindsfather
Dear Readers,
The misery visited on the wild horses of the Calico mountains goes on.
Pigeon Fever was diagnosed by visitors to the feedlot style holding pens in Fallon, a place called Indian Lakes. Sounds nice, doesn't it?
Sadly, the photo I showed you a few days ago -- -shown again above -- could be a horse suffering from this condition.
Treatment for Pigeon Fever includes warm compresses, ISOLATION and hygenic conditions. Wild horses at Indian Lakes are getting none of this treatment.
Why?
"The incidence of Pigeon Fever at the Indian Lake Facility is at the same percentages that exist on the Calico Complex," BLM's contract vet, Dr. Sanford says, so "no treatments have been administered to date."
Even if this condition crops up on the range, too, horses running free do NOT stand around with two thousand other mustangs in crowded conditions where they can't avoid contact with each others' streaming pus.
Gross? Yes, and maybe that's why BLM is not only closing Indian Lakes to visitors on Easter Sunday, but director Don Glenn has refused to schedule a make-up day.
Secrecy leads to suspicion, and since day 1 of the Calico round up, it's been justified.
If BLM won't take even basic precautions -- like putting infected horses in hospital pens -- could it be because they want an excuse NOT to free them back to their home range? Or is it just too much trouble?
Best,
Terri
More info on Pigeon Fever from Colorado State veterinarians:
Clinical signs: Early signs can include lameness, fever, lethargy, depression and weight loss.
Infections can range from mild, small, localized abscesses to a severe disease with multiple massive abscesses containing liters of liquid, tan-colored pus.
External, deep abscesses, swelling and multiple sores develop along the chest, midline and groin area, and, occasionally, on the back.
Incubation period: Horses may become infected but not develop abscesses for weeks.
Animals affected:The disease usually manifests in younger horses, but can occur in any age, sex, and breed.
A different biotype of the organism is responsible for a chronic contagious disease of sheet and goats, Caseous lymphadenitis, or CL. Either biotype can occur in cattle.
Disease forms: Generally 3 types: external abscesses, internal abscesses or limb infection (ulcerative lymphangitis).
The ulcerative lymphangitis is the most common form worldwide and rarely involves more than one leg at a time. Usually, multiple small, draining sores develop above the fetlock.
The most common form of the disease in the United States is external abscessation, which often form deep in the muscles and can be very large. Usually they appear in the pectoral region, the ventral abdomen and the groin area. After spontaneous rupture, or lancing, the wound will exude liquid, light tan-colored, malodorous pus.
Internal abscesses can occur and are very difficult to treat
.
Treatment: Hot packs or poultices should be applied to abscesses to encourage opening. Open abscesses should be drained and regularly flushed with saline.
Surgical or deep lancing may be required, depending on the depth of the abscess or the thickness of the capsule, and should be done by your veterinarian.
Ultrasound can aid in locating deep abscesses so that drainage can be accomplished.
External abscesses can be cleaned with a 0.1 percent povidone-iodine solution
Antiseptic soaked gauze may be packed into the open wound
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as phenylbutazone can be used to control swelling and pain
Care required: Buckets or other containers should be used to collect pus from draining abscesses and this infectious material should be disposed of properly.
Consistent and careful disposal of infected bedding, hay, straw or other material used in the stall is vitally important.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect stalls, paddocks, all utensils and tack.
Pest control for insects is also very important.
Recovery time: Usually anywhere from two weeks to 77 days.
Labels: BLM, Craig Downer, Don Glenn, Fallon, Fallon facility, Indian Lakes, Pgeon Fever, terri farley
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 3:01 PM 5 comments
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Kids show HEARTS FOR HORSES in Washingon, D.C.
Dear Readers,
Amelia and Chloe spoke up for YOU and for your wild horses during a rally for mustangs in Washington, D.C. Since you couldn't all be there, I asked Amelia to write an account of what happened. Hope this inspires you to keep YOUR eyes open for ways to help the horses & maybe you can write something for my blog, too!
Hugs for horses,
Terri
Marching for Mustangs in Washington, D.C.
By Amelia Perrin
My best friend Chloe and I love horses. We have been riding horses for around 7 years. I have been raising money for Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary since I was 6 and now I'm a youth ambassador for the sanctuary. This summer Chloe and I got to visit Return to Freedom and we worked there. We rode on the feed truck in the morning and threw hay to the wild horse bands living in the hills. In the afternoons, we mucked stalls and paddocks, and we even got to help gentle Choctaw foals!!!!! We really love wild horses, so when we heard about the March for Mustangs rally in Washington D.C. we were really excited that we could go.
The drive to D.C. was long, so when we got there it was pretty late. We went to dinner and met up with Deniz Bolbol who volunteers for IDA (In Defense of Animals). Then went to our hotel and went to bed. The next day we met with the staff of Senator Jim Bunning from Kentucky. In the room where we met, he had put pictures of famous racehorses all over the walls!! Around 1:30ish we went to the rally. My friend Chloe and I held a banner, and we did an interview with a TV station from Europe. Some of the people who spoke at the rally are Ginger Kathrens the filmmaker of the “Cloud Wild Stallion of the Rockies” series; Wendie Malick an actress; Clay Canfield - he sang his song "Wild Horses," Suzanne Roy (my momJ) she works for American Wild horse Preservation Campaign, and me! This is what I said:
My name is Amelia Perrin and I am in the 6th grade at Carolina Friends School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I am 12 years old. I have been riding horses for 7 years.
Part of the BLM’s mission is to protect historic lands, plants and animals for future generations. My friend Chloe and I came today to speak for the kids who are those future generations. We are part of those future generations, and this is something we care very much about.
We’re here to ask Congress to save America’s wild horses. It’s time to stop the cruel wild horse round ups and let these amazing horses live free on our lands. In our minds horses mean freedom and wild horses should stay wild.
I work with a horse named Berry and he was abused before I knew him. So I know how horses hold on to things that people have done to them. The round ups terrorize horses and tear their families apart. They will carry this pain with them throughout their lives.
These horses can’t speak for themselves, so that’s why we’re here. The American people and especially the kids of America want our wild horses to stay free.
Another person who spoke is a BLM volunteer named Rob Pliskin. He brought his BLM badge and said he used to wear it proudly, but he can never wear it proudly again until we start to treat these horses right. He was amazing.
The whole rally was really fun and everyone was soo amazing! This rally was right in front of the White House! After that we went back to the hotel. Then my mom and Deniz went to a meeting and Chloe and I stayed in the hotel and we got room service!! Later, they came back and we went to bed. We had to get up early the next day L to meet with Rep. David Price's staff. He is my Congressman and a big animal lover. Then we picked up Deniz from her meeting with Senator Boxer's office and started on our drive home. We got out of D.C. OK. Then we hit traffic L but Chloe and I amused ourselves by sticking our heads out the window and waving at people! We also came up with ideas for names of horses at Return to Freedom. The drive took longer then it was supposed to, but we had fun.
It was so exciting to go to this rally but especially to meet Wendie Malick who is really nice and she has horses, and also Ginger Kathrens and Makendra from the Cloud Foundation. Just last week, they were in the Pryor Mountains and saw Cloud living free. Chloe and I believe that all wild horses should keep their freedom just like Cloud. That's why we went to DC.
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Posted by Terri Farley @ 12:34 PM 3 comments