Now that I’ve offered a hearty thank you to Madeleine Pickens (yes, it’s Madeleine, not Madeline) I intend to keep a close eye on her plan for the wild horses of the West.
Stepping Up to The Plate
I am impressed at how quickly she sprang into action when the health and well-being of these animals was threatened. The idea of a sanctuary which will allow wild horses to roam free is like heaven on earth to most horse lovers.
Which brings us to my only concern
“My view is for a wild horse sanctuary that will be a tourist destination similar to our National Parks where Americans and tourists from around the world can come, observe and be a part of this great part of American history”
Is That A Good Thing?
She goes on to say she plans to promote eco-tourism, but the idea of turning a wild life preserve into a tourist attraction still disturbs me. Initially I liked the idea of being able to visit the wild horses myself. Then I started to consider the impact visitors could have on the animals.
I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, she stood up to take action on behalf of so many unwanted animals, and I believe her intentions are pure. As long as she controls the project, I have no doubt those animals will be well taken care of. My main concern is the future…will this tourist destination ever fall under the control of a corporation?
What do You Think?
Everyone passionate about the equine animal has an opinion as to how we should handle the wild horses of the U.S. This has the potential to be a fantastic solution, but the talk of resorts and tourist destinations has me concerned.
So, what is your opinion? If you could afford to build a sanctuary for thousands of wild horses, would you open it up to tourism and invite the world to come and see? If not, is there any other way it can pay for itself?
Perhaps if we can come up with one, she will listen…
HI Paige,
I think Madeleine Pickens is on the right track to solve about one third of the wild horses’ problems with humans. First, though, BLM should cowboy-up and return as many captive mustangs as possible to the herd management areas which BLM has “zeroed out.” Next,if eyes-on observation determines too many animals are roaming in fragile areas, BLM should use contraception in a catch-and-release fashion.
If Mrs. Pickens’ rescue sanctuary were to be modeled on the Wild Horse Sanctuary of Shingletown, California, I’d have no problems with it. There, limited walking and horseback tours (on geldings) are led through the 5,000 acres in a way that people come to appreciate wild horses as more than symbols.
Wow, that was way too long, but in writing my PHANTOM STALLION series for young readers, I’ve devoted lots of my heart and head to the horses.
Best,
Terri Farley
(visit my blog at TerriFarley.com)
Terry,
The BLM has pretty much failed wild horses. These animals are fortunate Madeleine is a horse lover.
I agree that there are ways to manage the horses while allowing people to visit and learn about them. However, I’ve lived near tourist attractions, I know the damage that industry (and hoards of people) is capable of.
So I’m torn, I’d love to come up with another way for the sanctuary to fund itself, but that is much easier said than done…
My son rides with a kids Mounted Drill Team group called Westeraires based in Golden, Colorado. Westernaires is the largest, not for profit group of it’s kind in the Nation relying only upon parent volunteers and Shows to keep it going. We have roughly 1,000 kids and more than half of their parents and individuals from our community keep it “up and running”. The kids who “rent” horses, who do not own their own horses pay $10.00. This is how the horses are fed and cared for and believe me, with over 1,000 kids riding; these animals are LOVED on constantly!
Most of this string are Mustangs adopted from the BLM. My family has adopted two Mustangs from the BLM. These animals are AMAZING! They bond with one to two people and are intelligent beyond belief.
Madeleine Pickens, my hat is tipped to you and my heart beats proud. Thank God there is someone who recognizes how amazing these creatures are and that they need a place to be. We “took” from them and I believe we are responsible to “give” back to them.
I would be the first person to volunteer my time to help in any way possible physically; I don’t have financial means but I sure can haul hay, pick up manure, train horses, put in fence posts and definately educate folks about these magnificent animals.
Why not a tourist attraction? Leave a part of the acerage to break, train and use some of the Mustangs for a “day ride” so people can ride the open range and see these animals in their “natural” habitat?
Sure you are talking about lots of people but in making use of some of the horses that are rideable; who knows if two people in ten that visit decide to adopt an animal because they have been educated and seen first hand how amazing they are, Madeleine may just help reduce the numbers needing homes and these horses can “go home” with people who will care for them, ride them and love them for the rest of their days. Just something to think about?!
I’m positive that if word gets out that Madeleine needs hands and hearts to help, she would probably have enough help, donanted materials and man/women power to keep her place going for years to come.
I feel strongly for our one last link to our American Heritage. These animals deserve to be taken care of, if they aren’t, what does that say about us?
Don’t make the Mustang just another “throw away” item because WE weren’t respoonsible.
Thanks for taking the time to listen to my opinion!
God Bless!
Joey Westhead
Golden, Colorado
Hi Joey,
Thanks for your comment, your opinion is always welcome here! 🙂
I’m sure Madeleine would love your support, if you haven’t already, be sure to send her a note.
You can find her contact page here:
http://madeleinepickens.com/contact/
HI – I would like to borrow your photograph for a little website of mine…actually for a post I’m writing about feeling on the outside of something. Is it ok for me to use it? Im going to assume it is since I can’t find a photography credit – but if you could let me know, it would be great.
I’m a photographer of the west…you’d think I’d have a picture I liked. haha!
Thank you!