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Mythical? Moonshadow under the full moon last night๐ŸŒ•

Homepage UPDATES Mythical? Moonshadow under the full moon last night🌕
UPDATES

Mythical? Moonshadow under the full moon last night🌕

February 28, 2021
By haleyw@moonbirdstudios.com
0 Comment
6303 Views

February 28th

 

Mythical? Moonshadow under the full moon last night🌕

This special black (but will grey out) 2020 filly is very independent. When she wanders off, the band follows her and you can see all of the horses keeping an eye on her. She will even pin her little ears back towards another band and they will actually move away for her, because she has her whole band behind her. Could it be possible, that because only few foals were born in 2020 they are getting a little bit spoiled by their bands? In any case, she has few worries on her mind, and no idea how lucky she is to be wild and free.

Likewise, perhaps the public has little idea of the complexities, the compromises and how difficult it really is, to continue to keep all of this herd wild and free. Once things seem fine from the outside, it is amazing how fast some people will take a status quo for granted and even more amazing how many people want to have their 2 cents to say about it, without actually deepening their understanding of the issues. So let us address a few of the myths and facts as quickly as we can:

MYTH: There are some people blatantly stating that these horses don’t need supplemental feed during this drought, because they are in good shape. FACT: You see the horses in good shape, because they receive supplemental feed. 🤪
Our advise: take a horse nutrition class and help us pray for rain.

MYTH: Some people claim that the horses cannot access the river. (Perhaps they themselves don’t know the layout of the 20,000 acre habitat. ) FACT: All Salt River wild horses can freely access the Salt River. Our advise: please go out and take a hike!ย 😅

MYTH: Some claim the feed stations make horses less wild. (when they are actually the ones approaching horses too closeย 🤪ย )
FACT: Salt River wild horses have had to put up with millions of visitors for decades, and it will only get busier every year. That is not something we can control and it is one of the management challenges we have been addressing with our government partners. We stand ready to post signs in the forest, hand out educational flyers and work with law enforcement, as soon as the details are worked out by government agencies. Our advice: Don’t visit feed stations if you do not like it there.

MYTH: Critics who show horses hanging out together at feed stations post pictures of horses stating that they look “defeated”.
FACT: horses like the safety in numbers and need at least 4 hours of sleep during the daytime. They are simply getting their much needed naps!ย 🤪

MYTH: There is misinformation of the public in regards to a long ago government project relocating horses out of the dangerous area of Butcher Jones and the fencing that keeps them from returning there.
FACT: The horses are simply not authorized by the Forest Service to live in the rolls and the Butcher Jones area, because they did not historically live there. We witnessed how they became stuck in that area in 2013, which is why we facilitated the relocation in 2019/2020 so that they all could stay free. All of the Butcher Jones horses were born on the Salt River and now again have access to the Salt River. The fences and gates are owned by the Forest Service and are therefore federal property. It is punishable up to $5000 plus a jail sentence to temper or remove those gates or fences. Our advice: Don’t mess with it.

In the future we will address more myths and facts as we become aware of them, but consider this in the mean time:

Why are there 50,000 “federally protected” wild horses taken from public lands languishing in holding facilities, and how come the Salt River wild horses are still wild and free? Among lack of willingness to try humane birth control, it is a lack of solid public/private partnerships.

Sparingly there are also still organizations and entities who are working hard to reduce this cherished herd to a very small sizes. While we cannot embellish, it is true that some still want to take the horses’ freedom along with everything we have accomplished. They work quietly behind the scenes and gladly copy and spread the constant negativity and nitpicking of actual horse lovers who love to bash, and offer the pictures of a feed station as good reasons for removals. It’s a sad game to watch when horse lovers fight the ones on their own side of the playing field and hand the ball to the opposition.

Only the few supporters who pay close attention may realize that there is no long term management plan, as of yet, which means no security for this cherished herd until then. So for the final myth that is out there:

MYTH: The Salt River Horse Act (ARS 3-1491) protects the horses against removals
FACT: The Act protects the horses against harassment and killing, but there is NO clause against removals, should the government deem this necessary.

So we continue to do our work and deal with all of the management challenges, we do our best to balance it all and stay positive, while also appreciating the agencies that make it all possible by working together. We will not throw them under the bus like we may have done in the past, and likewise we hope that some of the “know it alls” can stop throwing our hard work under the bus.

However, it just seems to be the thing to do these days. At the exact same time our volunteers are working diligently on our feed program, our pzp program, our field work, our rescue facility, patrolling Bush Hwy and educating the public, there are unhappy people sitting behind their computers continuously bashing, as if their entire self-worth depends on it.

It only came after our success. They bash everything, even complicated and successful rescue missions that have never been performed elsewhere, by any organization.

If you have seen or heard of these myths, we ask that you think smarter than the average bear and consider the sources. The humane management of the Salt River wild horses is a win-win for everyone, except for those who wished that they themselves had done it.

IF you have questions, be wise enough to ask us first, they will always be answered when you send us an email: SaltRiverHerd@respect4horses.com

FYI, lies, libel, defamation, memes and deceitful pictures and stories will not be answered, but instead be addressed by our attorneys, from several different angles, as there are several different parties participating in the baseless slander. It is a shame we have to spend time on this, but defamation of a non profit organization, who relies on donations to continue good work, is a serious actionable act in a court of law. Yes, even in Facebook world. To protect the horses, we must protect our organization.

Fortunately our end goal and end reward is much greater than the hard to find appreciation of stunningly unknowledgeable critics.

Never ever take for granted that the public can still enjoy the beauty and innocence of a little wild horse called Moonshadow, standing under the full moon in the Tonto National Forest.

The freedom of the Salt River wild horses is not guaranteed and it is also not free.

With appreciation and gratitude to the partnerships with federal and state governments and their patience.

SHINE ON Moonshadow ; )
Thank you loyal supporters, SRWHMG.

Picture by SRWHMG volunteer Christine Antaya

 


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Our one and only 2021 foal (So far)
Please welcome this absoluty beautiful filly to the Salt River herd! She is out of sire Champagne and mom Blue. Taking after her dad, she does not have blue eyes and she does not have the grey factor like her mom and her brother "little Blue". Therefore we thought it was appropriate to name her to match her Dad Champagne, plus her bubbly personality; we will call her Bubbles! Please join us in making a toast to her staying healthy wild and free!

As most of you know, on account of the enormous popularity of this herd, we always wait to share vulnerable newborns, (as well as injured/monitored horses, or locations), until they are no longer in jeopardy. What happens when sharing newborns or injuries or locations is that too many people at the same time will be drawn in. (Like we've seen with feed locations lately) Before you know it there are crowds, that sometimes knowingly or unknowingly interfere with their bonding and development, or healing. (And also, it only takes one bad person.) So we have learned to be very cautious, and we hope you all don't mind being patient.

The first two weeks of a foals life are the most risky. All kinds of danger looms for them; they can get dehydrated, they can get kicked, they can get lost or stolen, or they can drown. So it is imperative that mom and foal have enough time to bond and that the band does not get split up by bachelor stallions, or by people. We have been monitoring this new mom and foal every day, and she has had a few close calls already, but at two weeks and a few days old now, we feel she is good and strong.

We are so grateful and want to express our thanks to all photographers and volunteers, who also waited patiently, and cared more about this little one, than about the opportunity to be the first to publish this cuteness overload. These are just a small selection of the top 15 most amazing pictures these photographers and volunteers have sent to us. They are all taken with zoomlenses and with respect for the horses. Thank you all so much for keeping her private in her vulnerable first two weeks of life.

Lets all remember when out photographing, to keep the FOCUS on the well being of the subjects of your photography, so that we can all enjoy them for a long time to come.

As always with thanks to the AZDA for their great partnership in the humane management of the Salt River wild horses.

SRWHMG.

Photos by Rick Blandford, Chris Markes, Pattie Walsh, Chris Roberson, Robin O'Donnel, Pattie Ranweiler, Rosa Ramsthaler, Debra Mykitiak and Cricket Weber.
... See MoreSee Less

2 hours ago

Our one and only 2021 foal (So far) 
Please welcome this absoluty beautiful filly to the Salt River herd! She is out of sire Champagne and mom Blue. Taking after her dad, she does not have blue eyes and she does not have the grey factor like her mom and her brother little Blue.  Therefore we thought it was appropriate to name her to match her Dad Champagne, plus her bubbly personality; we will call her Bubbles! Please join us in making a toast to her staying healthy wild and free! 
As most of you know, on account of the enormous popularity of this herd, we always wait to share vulnerable newborns, (as well as injured/monitored horses, or locations), until they are no longer in jeopardy. What happens when sharing newborns or injuries or locations is that too many people at the same time will be drawn in. (Like weve seen with feed locations lately)  Before you know it there are crowds, that sometimes knowingly or unknowingly interfere with their bonding and development, or healing. (And also, it only takes one bad person.) So we have learned to be very cautious, and we hope you all dont mind being patient. 
The first two weeks of a foals life are the most risky. All kinds of danger looms for them; they can get dehydrated, they can get kicked, they can get lost or stolen, or they can drown. So it is imperative that mom and foal have enough time to bond and that the band does not get split up by bachelor stallions, or by people. We have been monitoring this new mom and foal every day, and she has had a few close calls already, but at two weeks and a few days old now, we feel she is good and strong. 
We are so grateful and want to express our thanks to all photographers and volunteers, who also waited patiently, and cared more about this little one, than about the opportunity to be the first to publish this cuteness overload. These are just a small selection of the top 15 most amazing pictures these photographers and volunteers have sent to us. They are all taken with zoomlenses and with respect for the horses. Thank you all so much for keeping her private in her vulnerable first two weeks of life. 
Lets all remember when out photographing, to keep the FOCUS on the well being of the subjects of your photography, so that we can all enjoy them for a long time to come. 
As always with thanks to the AZDA for their great partnership in the humane management of the Salt River wild horses.
SRWHMG. 
Photos by Rick Blandford, Chris Markes, Pattie Walsh, Chris Roberson, Robin ODonnel, Pattie Ranweiler, Rosa Ramsthaler, Debra Mykitiak and Cricket Weber.Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
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She sure does have a bubbly personality! She has a wonderful band to grow up in and I like her taking her name from dad. Her blaze even runs over on her left side like Champagne. โค๏ธ

She is so adorable and the name just fits her little personality โค๏ธ

She is absolutely adorable and I love her name. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for these beautiful photos ๐Ÿ˜Ž

Beautiful !!!

So precious! Thanks to all of the great photographers for sharing these beautiful pictures.

Happy Birthday ๐Ÿฅณ little Bubbles welcome to this amazing world ๐ŸŒŽ

Precious angel! Dear God please protect this baby and give her a long life I pray!โค๏ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™

Beautiful Filly! Love her name!!

Great photos. Thank you for sharing these. Makes my heart happy.

So sweet and innocent. Beautiful photos and thanks for sharing.

Thank you and welcome to the world Bubbles ♥๏ธ๐Ÿด♥๏ธ

I love how the horses all have names!

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

What a cute name for a cutie like herโค๏ธ

Hope a lot of you are going to Heber to help the wild horses up there.

She is just beautiful.

She is bubblicious ๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿด

Beautifulโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ

Born free!

The FS is trying to get rid of the whole herd

So pretty

Exciting

Nice

โค๏ธ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅ‚๐Ÿพ

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This is an AP article about the Heber wild horse plan that we holeheartedly oppose. This week is the last opportunity for the public to weigh in, which we hope you will take the time to do. Comments are more effective when they are polite and have a good point.
This is the only place where you can submit your comments. Remember there are actually humane ways available to the forest service to manage their numbers. Remember that the forage allocation was only counted by the size of the rerrirory, not by the actual size of the acreage where they roam. Remember that they are a historic herd protected by federal law. Remember that they bring Arizona and the local communities income and recreation. And last but not least, remember that these are our public lands in which the opinion of the public should matter most. Thank you for taking the time to give the Heber wild horses a voice. Here is the link: cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=18916
... See MoreSee Less

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Forest Service opens public comment for horse removal plan

apnews.com

PHOENIX (AP) โ€” The U.S. Forest Service has entered its final stages of public comment in its plans to remove or sterilize more than 300 wild horses in eastern Arizona. The federal agency has...

23 hours ago

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Faith Wight

Comments have been submitted.

submitted my comments

submitted

Submitted my comment earlier today, and hope the PZP program can be utilized to help the Heber Wild Horses.

Cody Henderson Samantha Vark Please read and advocate for these wild horses. PZP is a humane way to manage the numbers yet still keep the heard. I already commented but the more, the better.

This is an article, where is the link for comments?

Submitted my comments to stop any roundup of the Heber Wild Horses & shared

I filled this out. I hope everyone who has a heart does.

Help the wild horses

PLEASE!!! Take a minute to do this!!!

HOW ABOUT NO.NO REMOVAL.

Can you add the link to comment on the AP article? Thx !

Done

Submitted my comment and shared.

Sent my comments.

Done

Submitted comment โค๏ธ

Nikki Koren-Jutte...,

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๐Ÿ”Ž While the Apache Sitgreaves EA claims that there were only 7 horses in 1974 (according to one short walkabout), it did not take us very long to find actual proof that the Heber wild horses have been around, since at least 1907 and ofcourse likely centuries before. (They were brought over by the Spanish, even before most of our own ancestors arrived here.)

๐Ÿ“ฐThis is not a very clear photo, but anyone can look this evidence up in the AZ State archives, Holbrook Argus, 1907.

๐Ÿ—‘ They are also the last herd in Arizona on Forest Service land that is protected by the Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971. So we ask the Apache Sitgreaves Forest Service don't treat these treasures like trash!

โ—The Heber wild horses are a historic population that merits real protection and sincere humane management by the Forest Service.

โš ๏ธWe are urging everyone to make a polite and sincere comment to this very bad plan on the Forest Service website, it is the only way they might take it into account.

๐Ÿด Comments are most effective if they are polite and make a good point. Our point is: there is a better, more sustainable, cheaper, and more humane way to manage wild horse population numbers. It is a proven safe and efficient method called PZP that can be darted in the field without capture. This is what the forest service must try first, before any extreme removals to unsustainable numbers. Don't just comment on this post, please take the time to help make a difference, click below to submit your comment. โคต๏ธ

cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=18916
... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago

๐Ÿ”Ž While the Apache Sitgreaves EA claims that there were only 7 horses in 1974 (according to one short walkabout), it did not take us very long to find actual proof that the Heber wild horses have been around, since at least 1907 and ofcourse likely centuries before. (They were brought over by the Spanish, even before most of our own ancestors arrived here.) 
๐Ÿ“ฐThis is not a very clear photo, but anyone can look this evidence up in the AZ State archives, Holbrook Argus, 1907. 
๐Ÿ—‘ They are also the last herd in Arizona on Forest Service land that is protected by the Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971. So we ask the Apache Sitgreaves Forest Service dont treat these treasures like trash! 
โ—The Heber wild horses are a historic population that merits real protection and sincere humane management by the Forest Service. 
โš ๏ธWe are urging everyone to make a polite and sincere comment to this very bad plan on the Forest Service website, it is the only way they might take it into account. 
๐Ÿด Comments are most effective if they are polite and make a good point. Our point is: there is a better, more sustainable, cheaper, and more humane way to manage wild horse population numbers. It is a proven safe and efficient method called PZP that can be darted in the field without capture. This is what the forest service must try first, before any extreme removals to unsustainable numbers. Dont just comment on this post, please take the time to help make a difference, click below to submit your comment.   โคต๏ธ
https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=18916
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I gave my nice and polite, factual comment too.

They are magestic. Pzp.

Amazing!

Done!

Done

Done! We saw yesterday a band of horses with one foal grazing peacefully within a half mile of at least 40 deer on black canyon road. Pzp is the modern humane way to go! Keep up the fight.

I have written recently. In addition to the plan to move Heber herds, the Forrest service and law enforcement has sadly lacked in solving a number of shot wild horses.

Another article

Great historical find! It’s proof enough for me. Thank you for sharing.

Such a historic monument as this herd is deserves every protection! โฃ๏ธ

I will pray for the horses, they will need it. As for the rest of you? Too little, too late. Those animals need their own legal protection.

I believe there were horses there in 1907 but surely there is better evidence than two men who thought horses were growing “wings like a wild goose.”

Thank you for the link that made it quick and easy.

Done! Thank you for sharing. <3

And yet in 2013 there were none? Are the ones there today all estray Reservation horses?

I WISH they had wings!!!

What plan?

Done!

Done!

Done. Thx.

Done

โœ”done

Done

๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป

Wow. Liars. Every lie will be revealed. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผโค๏ธ

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Monday, 12, Apr
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Salt River Wild Horse Management Group
  • Home
  • Donate
    • Sponsor a Horse
    • Jadeโ€™s Legacy Fund
    • Bequest Form
    • Supplemental Feed Program
  • Updates
    • Long Term Plan
    • In the News
    • HB2858
  • Info
    • Background
    • FAQs
    • Wild Horses Have Value
    • History of Wild Horses
    • Horse Viewing Guidelines
    • Protected by AZ State Law
    • How Long Have They Been Here?
    • Humane Birth Control
  • Video
  • What You Can Do
    • Sponsor a Horse
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
    • Corporate Sponsorship
  • Shop