Freedom for Wild Horses

What can the story of Wild Horse Annie teach us about standing up for wild horses today? In this episode, I speak with award-winning author Terri Farley about her new book, "Horse Girl: How Velma Bronn Johnston Became Wild Horse Annie and Outsmarted the Mustang Killers of the West." We talk about how Velma became an advocate for wild horses and the experiences that shaped her work.        Terri shares what she discovered while researching Velma's personal papers, including stories that reveal the woman behind the name Wild Horse Annie. From her childhood and struggles with public speaking to the first time she witnessed horses being taken to slaughter, Velma persisted in speaking out even when it was difficult.      In this episode, you'll hear why Terri believes Velma's story is especially relevant today, what advocates can learn from her approach, and why facts, education, and the willingness to speak up remain so important. We also talk about wild horse family bonds, what people misunderstand about wild horses, and why Terri wants readers to rethink what they know about these animals.            Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/72        Learn more about Terri Farley and her books: https://terrifarley.com/        If you'd like to know more about my book, "Wild Hoofbeats: America's Vanishing Wild Horses," click here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/product/wild-hoofbeats-americas-vanishing-wild-horses

What does it take for a wild horse to survive when everything around him changes? In this episode, I share the story of Looking Glass, a leopard Appaloosa stallion I first encountered in the Lost Creek Herd Management Area and have followed for years through changing families, harsh weather, injuries, and loss.       Looking Glass survived the devastating winter of 2022 to 2023, when I believe roughly half of the wild horses remaining in the Red Desert Complex did not survive. I followed his journey as he lost his family, found new companions, recovered from a serious wound, and eventually established a family of his own.        The Red Desert Complex is now at risk of another major roundup. The BLM's environmental assessment calls for removing 1,800 or more wild horses from the area, and Looking Glass and the other horses have no way of knowing which animals will remain free. Their ability to adapt and continue living in these wild lands is a powerful reminder of why they belong here.            Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/71        If you'd like to know more about my book, "Wild Hoofbeats: America's Vanishing Wild Horses," click here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/product/wild-hoofbeats-americas-vanishing-wild-horses

What makes wild horses worth fighting for? In this episode, I reflect on why I continue to advocate for wild horses. They are valuable not for what they symbolize but for who they are as sentient beings living on public lands. I share stories from recent trips to the Salt Wells Creek and Red Desert Complex herds in Wyoming, observing their families, foals, and the challenges they face.           I describe the experiences that have had the greatest impact on me, including witnessing foals being comforted by mares other than their own and tracking stallions recovering from harsh winters. These encounters highlight both the resilience of the horses and the uncertainty they face when environmental pressures and planned roundups can change everything in a moment.         This episode also addresses the ongoing threat of BLM management decisions. With environmental assessments out for public comment and roundups scheduled in the Red Desert Complex, no horses in these herds are fully safe. I explain why these wild horses deserve to remain in their homes, living freely with their families, and why it is so important to continue advocating for their protection.        Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/70        If you'd like to know more about my book, "Wild Hoofbeats: America's Vanishing Wild Horses," click here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/product/wild-hoofbeats-americas-vanishing-wild-horses

Why does the BLM's Wild Horse sale authority program need an audit? In this episode, I speak with Manda Kalimian, founder of Rewilding America Now, about the urgent need to bring transparency and accountability to the way wild horses are sold from holding facilities. Together, we explore how the current system is failing the horses and what actions you can take to help ensure their welfare.       Manda shares her firsthand experience rescuing horses from auctions and feedlots, the challenges of working within the current system, and how the volume of horses being funneled from holding into private sales is creating serious risks. We discuss why a government accountability audit is a crucial first step and how it can put pressure on the BLM to follow proper procedures before more horses are removed from public lands.         You'll also learn how advocacy, education, and partnerships with organizations like Rewilding America Now can make a difference. Manda explains how signing the petition to audit the BLM's sale program gives the public a voice, and why even small actions such as sharing information, supporting campaigns, and contacting members of Congress can help protect wild horses from mismanagement and slaughter.     Petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/count-every-horse-stop-bureau-of-land-management-wild-horse-sales-to-slaughter?      Letter to Congress: https://116a2349-892a-41a5-94ab-9a6f9a7a78b7.filesusr.com/ugd/e899a9_99d8d25ce65040c2839f9c71c91078b8.pdf             Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/69      If you'd like to know more about my book, "Wild Hoofbeats: America's Vanishing Wild Horses," click here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/product/wild-hoofbeats-americas-vanishing-wild-horses

What happens when the people shaping public lands policy are closely tied to the very industries competing with wild horses for those lands? In this episode, I look at the growing influence of grazing and extractive interests on public land policy, and why these changes could have serious consequences for America's wild horses.            I explain how proposed grazing changes could reduce public oversight, weaken protections for land health, and prioritize livestock grazing above wildlife conservation. I also discuss the expanding sale authority program for wild horses, the increase in online sales and transport to states with nearby slaughter auctions, and why many advocates are deeply concerned about where these policies are heading.        You'll hear why these developments matter right now, how Project 2025 connects to current policy changes, and what actions you can take to speak up for wild horses. I also outline why contacting senators and representatives is so important as Congress considers the fiscal year 2027 budget and ongoing public lands policies.        Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/68         If you'd like to know more about my book, "Wild Hoofbeats: America's Vanishing Wild Horses," click here: https://www.wildhoofbeats.com/product/wild-hoofbeats-americas-vanishing-wild-horses