Wild Horse Dilemma
By Arla Ruggles
18 Nov 2008
For the past few years, I have been blessed by the opportunity to observe this, and a few other small bands of wild horses that inhabit the open range in my area. Each spring, I look forward to seeing the new foals as they begin their life's journey on wobbly legs. At the same time, I contemplate with dread, the prospect that some, or all of them may be removed from the range in the annual BLM (Bureau of Land Management) roundups.
My concern for the horses has been intensified, since learning of the BLM's proposed disposal of 2,000 of the more than 33,000 horses now in captivity. The agency has run out of funds for their mainenance and upkeep. Proponents of the plan use the word "euthanasia" (implying "merciful death"); opponents call it "slaughter".
If there were a simple and clear-cut solution amenable to everyone, the problem would be solved. But this is not a simple issue, and the answers are not black-and-white.
Without human intervention, it is likely that the herds would have become extinct in North America. Left to their own devices, the herds would have starved long ago, due to over-population. Another problem arises from the fact that the horses are not indigenous to the region -- yet most Nevadans see them as symbols of our own independence and determination to survive in this harsh and rugged country.
As public lands decrease - due in part to urban expansion in the southern part of the state, and diminishing access to public lands created by the establishment of Wilderness Areas in the north -- competition over available grazing land becomes an increasingly hot issue for ranchers.
For now; for this year only; the endangered horses in captivity have been spared in an eleventh-hour dramatic move by Madeleine Pickens, wife of billionaire, T. Boone Pickens. Mrs. Pickens has agreed to "adopt" all 2,000, and is negotiating with the BLM to take responsibility for all 33,088.
What is not immediately apparent, is what changes will the BLM make, to ensure that a situation this critical is avoided in the future.
4 responses
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Mykola Swarnyk gave props (19 Nov 2008):
I use to observe the orchard of horses in the Carpatian Mountains during the summer - they just migrating from one hill to another - beautiful!
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Matt. Fletcher gave props (14 Dec 2008):
Oh Yeah that Rocks!!!!
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May Lattanzio gave props (25 Dec 2008):
Unfortunately, as I understand it, the plan was to round them up and also take the ones in BLM corral facilities and ship them off to Mexico to be slaughtered, including the wild burros. A horrible plight and it must be stopped.
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Regenia Brabham gave props (21 Jun 2009):
I do hope this can be solved and the horses can be saved. A great story and beautiful images.
