Darn it…how frustrating!!! It is difficult to compete with big business and Government of Alberta is too busy worshipping the almighty dollar. The Wild Horse is a part of the Wild West and the history of the province. I still beleive that one person can make a difference and this organization is more than one person…I will continue to lobby and try to be heard.

Left by Michelle on January 13th, 2007

This just sickens me. Alberta is suppose to be this free, animal roaming province. Our government continues to turn its back on the wildlife that was present here before man. I intend to write letters and do anything I can to help.

Left by Maura on January 13th, 2007

From what I understand, Lands and Forest are responsible for issuing permits for the capture of wild horses. These permits are offered in limited numbers,if I am again correct. Is there a reason why private individuals or you as an association could not purchase these permits. By so doing, you could effectively end the removal of the wild horse in Alberta.

Left by Dusty Rhodes on January 15th, 2007

Hi Dusty, I wish it was that simple just to buy up all the permits. However, the guys that buy the permits go directly to the Sundre SRD office to purchase them. It is an old boys club from all appearances. In the unlikely event that any individual was refused a permit he would just set up an illegal capture pen. The government from what I understand, has turned a blind eye to such activities as well. There has always been illegal capture pens any given time of the year. However with summer having far more traffic in the forestry it is harder to do their dirty work and not be found out. Furthermore we did have one member who bought a permit for a specific area so that no one could,theoretically, capture horses there. However, they did anyways. Even individuals with known animal abuse convictions have been known to get permits. It is all so very sickening. Doreen

Left by Doreen Henderson on January 15th, 2007

Hi Doreen and Bob,
Saw the article in the Globe on the shooting of 3 more wild horses. The headline asks ‘who’s killing Alberta’s wild horses’. All kidding aside, the response seems to be either ‘who cares?’, since it seems so few people DO care, or else ‘you mean in addition to the slaughter plants?’. I’m not sure if you just didn’t want to go there with the reporter during this article but I know pretty well all the captured wild horses go for slaughter (what else?). A few weeks ago when we were at a neighbourhood horse dealer’s looking for a rescue or two, all the horses save one pregnant mare that he had in his pens were wildies. The very next day they all shipped to slaughter. Which is a worse fate for a wild horse, being shot dead out in a field while grazing, or being captured, terrorized, and then going through the whole inhumane slaughter process? I would never condone either, and the end result is the same - the decimation of the wild horses.
Kathy
Bear Valley Rescue

Left by Kathy Bartley on January 16th, 2007

This is completely rediculous! Wild horses do not have any right to be wild. At least not in North America. They are harmful to native ecosystems, just as all free-ranging livestock are. It seems riduculous to worry about the extripation of NON-NATIVE animials.

*edited by moderator for vulgarity

Left by Myles Falconer on January 16th, 2007

hi, if i had my way, the funds, could survive in the wilderness to protect all the wild horses iwould be there in a flash. they have all the right to run free.we r not aloud to kill our house animals , so there ! it pisses me off to think someone can hurt something so beautiful , leave it there to rot. to whom the person that did this to the foals, horses the same should be done to them!!!!!!!!guys out there u want help, let raise some funds , put a cabin up there, i;ll go live there to watch over the horses.i feel very sorry for the person i catch hurting them.sicken me to see the picture in the sat sun!and myles maybe ur the person that hurting these horses if that how u feel about them!!!!!maybe u should be hurt left somewhere to rot. i;ll tell u something i got alot love for horses. more then the love for some humans.so u know how it feels and how it hurt to see something so beautiful,and would only love u with all it heart if it had achange to!im so mad i can;t even finish this letter.

Left by debbie nickerson on January 17th, 2007

Myles, you are dispicable. a HORSE KILLED MY MOTHER BUT i FORGAVE IT. Just like the wild cows of alberta, horses should be able to roam free and if a male horse wants to fornicate with other male horses so be it. Who are we to say that horse love must be between a stallion and mare.

Left by Rachel on January 17th, 2007

Obviously, Myles does not know horses, their individuality, or their heart, or he would not come out with such a statement.

I personally had no idea permits were issued for the rounding up and shipping of wild horses. It’s a disgrace to say the least. Shame on the Alberta government for allowing something so disgusting to take place year after year.

This might be a stupid question, but how much publicity has this issue had? As I say, I had no idea that this takes place, and I have been a horseperson in Western Canada for 40 years. I hate to suggest it, I have no respect for many of the so-called environmentalist groups, but what about trying to get some of the animal activist people involved?

Horses deserve better, and those of us who know horses, know that.

Left by Carol Webster on January 17th, 2007

Hi, I whole heartedly agree with lead mare on this issue. Horses like all of mother natures lovely animals deserve our love and admiration since they are part of mother natures beautiful plan. Horses are the most intelligent cervids on Earth and should demand their own place in the charter of rights and freedoms. There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing a horse in the wild, and there should come a day when all of old McDonalds farm animals will be seen roaming free in the wilds of Alberta.
GUS

Left by Gus on January 17th, 2007

I must reply to what Myles has wrote. I think everyone will agree when I say the largest threat to the ecosystem is man himself! The biggest threat to all man kind is people like Myles!

Seems to me that Mr Falconer needs to be center of attention which is why he has posted such nonsense. He doesn’t care who it hurts so long as he gets his attention! Well Mr Falconer one day you will get the attention you DESERVE!

Left by Lana Bollers on January 17th, 2007

I had no idea this was happening and I have lived in Alberta all my life. I knew about Suffield but had not heard anything about further distuction. Comparatively speaking how can a few wild horses cause enough damage to warrent this? Hopefully our new Premier who is a farmer will have the necessary human kindness to stop this nonesense from continuing. I was riding by myself at 2 and half years of age and have loved animals all my life. Horses are beautiful, kind, gentle, exciting and love you back just like a dog that you love..if they are treated properly. Wild horses are what dreams are made of…running free…are these murderers against freedom or are they “Good Ole Boys” who have yet to get a clue and join society. The wild west is over..put your guns away, it didn’t work then why would it now? The pleasure of seeing wild animals at the side of a road or out in a field brings calm and a sense that all is well in the world. There is so much sensless destruction to our world as it is, why would you want to destroy helpless animals?

Left by Joan Waters on January 17th, 2007

I agree! Horses are neat creatures. They have what would seem to be human-like emotions, such as happy, sad, and mad. Furthermore, anybody that disagrees with this, should take a look in the mirror because they don’t know what they are talking about.

Left by Bertha on January 17th, 2007

Canada should be totally ashamed to allow this happening to the wild horses…Open hunting - pouching..Killing and letting be killed…..Yet pot is O.K. exporting to the other nations is o.k. Criminal is criminal but in their minds shooting or slaughtering the horses just to limit them is O.K. I do not accept this method. Maybe there is too much illegle stuff just going on period and proper prioteries need to be look at.

This kind of action is sick……people who do it are sick….abuse is abuse and it usually gets bigger and more abusive……..be it animals (where it can start because it is a slap on the wrist if caught) and can go to human to human………….We are all GODS creatures……….but some have forgotten that……
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
We all pay taxes etc. for what ———–somehow it doesn’t get to some areas that need it. Or the right people who care………………….

Left by betty stevems on January 17th, 2007

It makes my soul so sad, wild horses aren’t destroying the land…..human kind is the master of destruction…of land and life…..so sad.

There needs to be more publicity as to what is going on! The Alberta government needs to be held accountable, for what is going on in the province. We need to speak up and be heard!! We need to speak loudly for those who cannot speak for themselves.

As for the heartless/soul-less coward(s) that did this evil, and continue to do so…may you and your loved ones never have to endure what you have done to this family of gods creatures….imagine the “terror” of watching your family gunned down…slaughtered,or rounded up for slaughter.

SO SAD…

Left by Ravenspirit on January 18th, 2007

Yes it is a tragedy… but I don’t see how this is so important. I am a horse owner myself and treat my animals with love and care. I just don’t see the real value in protecting wild horses. The only value you guys put on them is that they are symbolic and spiritual. I can think of thousands of more important issues to deal right here in Canada. I’m sorry I just can’t understand this cause.

Val

Left by Valerie Howe on January 18th, 2007

It’s important Val, because the horses are innocent and because they can’t do anything to help themselves. If people don’t step up to the plate, the needless slaughter will continue. And because it’s just plain wrong that this should happen and that the killers would get away with it. It hits a nerve with people because we owe horses bigtime for centuries of servitude; besides looking after our domestic horses with care,the very least we can do is try to protect the few wild ones that are left.

No offense, but as as horseperson yourself, I find it surprising that you wouldn’t care. Have a look at the beautiful photo with the mare and the two foals and then have a look at the photo of the carcasses on the ground and tell me if that doesn’t say something to you?

Left by Carol Webster on January 18th, 2007

Not only is it important because they are innocent animals, but because many people travel to the foothills in high hopes of seeing these majestic animals! If they are taken away the tourism to these spots will fall and so will Alberta’s economy. People usually travel to these remote area’s to get away from the hectic city life and to see wild animals (all) is so breath taking, beautiful in it’s splender! To remove it would be devestating!

Left by Lana Bollers on January 18th, 2007

Its funny to see what people value and believe. There is enormous variation especially when one considers other cultures around the world. I have a question, why do horses deserve all this importance and admiration? I always thought of all animals (including humans) as equals. Do get me wrong here, but it seems like there are a lot angry, frustrated, and emotional people posting on this page. If you want to take action, my advice is to address this problem with less emotion and more clear factual evidence (wild horse value from tourism etc). It seems gov’t people and the general public will respond to things like this. I don’t know that’s just my two cents.

Left by Ben Burness on January 18th, 2007

Ben, you are right. I think the importance that the wild horse has at this moment is their numbers lack. If we don’t stop the slaughter of the horses, their will be none left for anyone to enjoy.

Yes I do get extremely cranky when someone posts about killing these animals senselessly. I do understand hunters and their value of their feed source (wild game) however the horse is not part of the canadian menu, yes in other countries it is and they are raised as such as well when our tamed horses go to slaughter a lot of their meat is shipped over seas for this purpose.

However with that said this is still Canada, I am a born Albertan and to me and many other horse people they are a majestic animal..

I would feel the same if it were deer in this situation, moose on the other hand I think are just dumb…but that is my opinion. Even though I feel moose are dumb I would still try and stick up for them.

Is it possible to start a petition on this site?

Left by Lana Bollers on January 18th, 2007

I agree 100% Doreen!!!
If a petition is put up on this blog, I will post it on many of my equine groups, and hopefully we can get a lot of not only albertans but other provinces and states to sign the petition, maybe then and only then will the government realize that the demize of these beautiful animals effects us all!

Left by Lana Bollers on January 22nd, 2007

I agree! I do not live in Alberta. I live in Ontario. But I have heard about these awful killings of what’s left of the mustangs in the mountains in Alberta and BC. Something should be done to save these beautful and gracious horses.

I myself own two mustangs from the US. They are such smart and wonderful horses to own. I can almost ride my 14 year-old gelding. I hope to use him in barrel racing next year to prove that mustangs can compete in any sport!

I want to see these amazing animals run free in the open prairies forever. When I’m older, I’d love to go and see them in action, and just take photographs, and watch them with awe.

Please save them! Do whatever it takes. And speaking of forums, I have one. Only 71 signatures, but with your help, I can acheive my goal. Please sign!!! http://www.petitiononline.com/MuStAnGs/petition.html

Left by Alexandra on January 23rd, 2007

i am puting a story on the net about my life and the wild horses that i am envolfed with and i am going to reserch all of western canadas wild horses with the money i make selling my movie i will help as much as i can the name will be spirit in the genes the ken mcleod story

Left by ken mcleod on January 23rd, 2007

Wow, Ken that sounds like a fantastic venture! Let us know when it will be released and if it is going to be on Television and if so what channel.
Keep us posted please!

Left by Lana Bollers on January 23rd, 2007

I was fairly appalled by the story on the slaughter of the wild horses. I was however very interested in the comments posted by Ben particularly the tourism aspect. It would seem to me that this would be the best way of protecting the horses, make them worth something more concrete than the spirituality and beauty of them. In Manitoba there are Poar Bear tours, what is wrong with Wild Horse tours? Know ing that a great many people in Alberta seem to focus on the $ (very American by the way), showing that they could make some money from the horses would seem logical and would get their attention. I am curious about something - when the horses are rounded up (and the way it is done is nauseating), what do they do with them? By the way Myles the point is that once you have eliminated the wild horses what species will be next? Elk, big horn sheep, bears? The horses (you clot) are not destroying the ecosystem, they are part of it. You and the rest of us humans (supposedly the thinking, reasoning species), do far more damage to ecosystems and environments than a couple of hundred wild horses could ever do. In case you still don’t get it, think pollution, greenhose gas, acid rain, diminshed fish stocks, vanishing species and millions of people living in filth and degradation; it was man that did all that not a few horses.

Left by Gaynor on January 26th, 2007

Just to fill in Gaynor on what happens to the wildies after they are rounded up, it is even more nauseating than what happens while they are being rounded up. They are put in cramped trucks for hours on end without rest, food, or water, then unloaded at a slaughterhouse where they hear the screams of other horses and smell their fresh blood until they’re put out of their misery with a bolt-gun to the head. And if that doesn’t kill them then being strung up by their back legs and gutted alive definitely does the job. If you don’t believe me check out the humane society’s website: hsus.org, but I’m warning you, it’s absolutely horrific.

Left by Jules on January 26th, 2007

Horses serve as a benefit to other wild animals particularly in a harsh winter when the snow becomes hard packed. Their sharp hooves will dig up the snow enough to allow other animals to graze as well. They are native to this area, they were here long before human beings were. There have been evidence of the horse for thousands of years. They did die out at one time and were re-introduced by the aboriginal people in this area hundreds of years ago. They certainly do not damage the “eco-system” as much as cattle do. Talk about your non-native animal to the area! Or man, our pollution is the number one killer of eco-systems. It is our job to look out for all of our wild creatures. I am as passionate about dolphins as I am about horses…funny that no one has ever called lobbying for dolphin protection or polar bears ridiculous…Think about it!! We need to protect these horses. I hope whoever is shooting them is caught, he certainly is a danger to society. The psych student is right in that people that do cruelty to animals will eventually turn to hurting human beings. Those of you who choose to blog your hurtful comments do not serve any purpose here. Make your own blog and write your ridiculous rants there. I won’t read them but I doubt you really care about that anyway.

Left by Michelle on January 27th, 2007

there is a book called. wild horses of canda.by .norma bearcroft. in it says in 1974 premier peter lougheed of alberta put an end to wild horse hunting.page 44.also on page 113 it says.this book would not be complete with out paying tribute to three dedicated public officials who had the courage to listen to the voice of the people and use their high offices to protect and preserve the wild horses of sable island and alberta .the right honourable .john diefenbaker.former prime minister of canda. the honourable .peter lougheed.and mr.art dixon. m.l.a. for calgary-millican i gave a copy of this to w.h.o.a.s. they will know how to get more copys there is mutch more in that book that will help save the wild horses.

Left by ken mcleod on January 27th, 2007

comeing soon .the ken mcleod story (spirit in the genes)this is a true story(documented)award winning news story for tourisom in saskatchewan.also front page many times in the news papers.and front page in two different horse magazines.there are polititions.government.ranchers.brand inspecters.local people.and the R.C.M.P.all in this story. some of the proceeds from this will be for researching the wild horses of western canada.my story is copy wrighted and all royaltys. are reserfed by me ken mcleod.it is about 1hr.and 45 minnutes long. it will be sold for 35.00 per copy.i will let you all know when and where it can and will be sold on this page.please every one lets save our wild horses.there is talk thata movie producer is interested in makeing a movie from this story.so get your raw first copy first it will be a collectors item some day.thank you. ken mcleod

Left by ken on June 1st, 2007

Sounds great Ken!! My dad and his wife are moving to Lloydminster next month and I am very interested in going to Branson Forest and attempting to get some decent pics of the wildies there. Maybe you could let me know where the best place to find them is?! My email, michlar@sasktel.net

Left by Michelle on June 3rd, 2007

Ken,I have read some of your stories on wild horses.You are a very interresting person&our family wishes you & other people trying to save the wild horses
the best of luck.I am from RedDeer,AB.

Ken let us know when your movie is for sale.We sure would like to buy a copy.

Email address is cbrum@shaw.ca

Thanks ,Sylvia

Left by sylvia mackenzie on June 5th, 2007

Ken I am glad your material will be out soon I am wondering if you have much on the sundre nordeg area?The more information there is when someone goes to govt.the better especialy for the tourism end of things.I would like to see a bunch get together & come up with a coordinated approach.

Left by wallace wilson on June 6th, 2007

wallace..i tried to repy yesterday but it did not go through. as for the history of nordeg .and sundre area. they would have came out of the U.S. along the foot hills.a few hundered years ago.the indian people .the homesteaders.the calvary.the cattlemen.and other people.in the history books it will tell you all that.

Left by ken on June 7th, 2007

Hi Friends
May be you use our experience to protect Canadien wild horses: American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign
www.wildhorsepreservation.org

To call people to sign a petition nationwide.

Left by Tarmela Roberson on August 31st, 2007