As 2010 draws to a close, it seem like every television station, magazine and newspaper, both national and local, is running features on the year in retrospect. Every movie star that passed away or got divorced is mentioned. Tiger Woods, the royal engaged couple, sports highlights, and weather events are shown. Some other very important things happened as well, but you won’t see them or read about them but to me, they are far more meaningful.
Some very good things happened in 2010. The economy on the Outer Banks bounced back a bit. Our granddaughter was born. Members of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, at 0 on March 1, 2007, have now surpassed 2,000. The Colonial Spanish Mustang was designated as the North Carolina State Horse. Federal legislation was introduced to mandate a genetically and physically healthy herd size. Six rescued horses found loving forever homes and four horses and a foal were saved from certain death. Facebook has connected us with thousands of new friends who love our horses and support our efforts.
Through the dedicated and determined efforts of people like Steve Edwards, Vickie Ives, Tommi Gray, Josie Brislawn, and Edward Yousey (just to name a few), people all over the country are learning why it is so vitally important to save this endangered breed.
Their efforts and the efforts of others like them are critical to offset the bad and the ugly of 2010. The Corolla herd is down to one maternal line and our horses are becoming less genetically diverse with each passing year. Passage of the Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act is essential in order to save them from genetic collapse.Wild horses out west are suffering and dying during brutal roundups that strip them of their freedom and relegate them to life in a holding pen – or worse – sold at auction and shipped to Canada for slaughter. Ugly doesn’t even begin to describe it. http://www.wildhorsepreservation.org/
When you make your New Year’s Resolution for 2011 – resolve to be a voice for wild horse everywhere. Join us. Save them.
