Thursday, December 15, 2016

Rough Weather Ahead for Captive Mustangs

Over time, improvements have been made, but changes reflect human ideas of what's cost-efficient. 
Over generations, freedom has taught horses how to survive the harshest weather. In captivity they can't do that.  

Last month, BLM-authorized helicopters rounded up nearly 2,000 Owyhee mustangs. Most of those wild horses -- staff couldn't be more specific than 1400 -1600 horses -- are at Palomino Valley. 
Earlier this week I visited Palomino Valley between northern Nevada storms. These horses are so wild, so sensitive to my approach that they bolted, rammed into each other, slipped and sometimes fell in the mud.  

I saw few mares with foals. Those who were together did their best to stay away from standing water.

These are the corrals with shelters

Unique crescent moon and star markings

These young horses might have been pulled from general population for adoption, but no one could tell me for sure. Friendships form under all conditions. The buckskin groomed each corral mate -- whether or not they wanted attention. ENJOY A HOLIDAY GIFT OF WILD HORSES  $15.16 from Amazon

 





 Read more about long-standing troubles of unsheltered mustangs: 
2013 Palomino Valley: winter
2013 Palomino Valley Summer
 

Labels: BLM, BLM roundups, humane, Owyhee, Palomino Valley, shelter in captivity, wild horses

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Posted by Terri Farley @ 11:33 PM

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