This is from 2008 but an excellent video and report. The updated report is online here: Revised 2009 Report
- Comment
- Reblog
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
This is from 2008 but an excellent video and report. The updated report is online here: Revised 2009 Report
thecloudfoundation.wordpress.com 
April 2, 2010 at 5:04 am |
Outstanding report! I do believe we can get an accurate count of the horses with the use of global imaging..The USGS suggested that back in their 2002 managenment plan for the BLM..They said using PZP in combination with the global imaging could eliminate the need for roundups. At that time the military was using it to surveile terrorists and so it was unavailable..I think we should be demanding they use it.
April 2, 2010 at 5:17 am |
Meanwhile we do our best to get counts on herds. The largest areas and most remote herds will always need the most sophisticated methods for any accuracy.
We are not in a position to be getting anything done by BLM/DOI as they have sabotaged their budget with holding horses for years now. If Change can return horses to their range it will reduce costs and initiate new management methods.
Building bridges now with debate on real goals that will lead to stable herds in the future seems all we can ask for. mar
April 2, 2010 at 3:25 pm |
Nicely done report!
April 2, 2010 at 7:42 pm |
I just read another comment online from some one who basically said that these are just ranch horses turned loose.
Is there any statitistical data to refute that claim?
It seems like the BLM would use that argument as an excuse to round up these horses. They could easily say, “Well, these are just feral domestic horses, not the descendents of Spanish horses” and so on.
But interestingly enough, I’ve never heard of the BLM using this as a rationale for rounding up horses.
Curious what you all might know about this…
April 3, 2010 at 1:48 am |
Turn the tables on them and ask them how they know that? Did they see someone turn horses loose…ask them where those horses came from that the indians were riding when lewis and clark explored the west..there were no ranchers out here to turn horses loose. Were the native americans in the import export business?
April 3, 2010 at 10:56 am
Very good points, Sandra. I had wondered, though, if any researchers have, indeed, discovered ranch horses on the range, running with wild horses. It would be interesting to know.
I find it highly unlikely that they would be, given the rough terrain, locations of forage and water sources, and even a domestic horse’s ability to FIND other horses after being turned loose.
What seems more likley is that ranchers/business people who make their money by using pulbic lands start rumors like this — telling and re-telling until people acutally believe them.
April 3, 2010 at 3:55 pm
The truth is yes before their were laws protecting the horses, the ranchers managed the herds as their own, horses were an important and valuable part of settling the west. When the calvary was an important part of the military the calvary remount division had pens full of thourbred remount stallions, that horse breeders could go back to the midwest and get for free to turn out with their herds in the west..But you have to keep in mind..that all horses will trace back to the wild horse, be it the thourbred or arabian and most certainly the quarter horse and paint breed in the US…horses were inspected in order to gain registration, but many have “unknown’ listed, back in their pedigree, westerners needed a tough pony, that could cover alot of ground out west…It stands to reason the wild horses would have been the perfect place to start incorporating those characteristics..I donot think it demeans the mustang at all..as purebred only demeans the overall quality of any breed…horses from any continent are going to trace back to wild horses. I posted a link over at The mustang Project Blog that shows that all horses trace back genetically to one stallion, in the same way that humans can be genetically traced to one female in Africa.
April 3, 2010 at 1:43 am |
Our friend of the horses, Senator barbra boxer, who wrote that great letter to Ken Salazar, is up for re election this fall, and is having a challenge. It is just my opinion, but we should really help those that have stood up to help the cause of the wild horses..Its a lonley stand to make if no one has your back, and we REALLY need those people to get re-elected. I do not live in calif., so i cannot vote for her but I donated today for her reelaection campaign..If you can donate a small amount and let her know how much we have appreciated her help at her facebook page.
http://action.barbaraboxer.com/page/st/volunteer
April 3, 2010 at 4:34 am |
SANDRA, SENATOR BOXER IS ALSO SPONSORING THE PREVENTION OF EQUINE CRUELTY ACT.