Image by Kimerlee Curyl

CALL TO ACTION

Call the Capitol Hill Switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask to be connected to your Representative. You will likely be asked to leave a message. Simply say:

“I’m a constituent, and I’m calling to ask you to please support messaging in line with 2022’s H.R. 9154, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act. This language included in the comprehensive bill would deliver meaningful change to how wild horses and burros are managed and promote real transparency and accountability for a federal program that has cost taxpayers billions.” 

There is a “pink horse” in the room that all of us as horse people are failing to recognize: Our wild horse herds across the western United States are declining and the government entity overseeing their freedom is failing.

As an editor, when considering our Summer issue theme, I was admittedly reluctant
to delve deeply into the issue surrounding our iconic wild horse problem. Without sounding too corporate, as a growing brand within the equestrian world we must deal with multiple disciplines and personalities to survive our market, and I knew we might be met with differing opinions on the cause. As a print publication we have to walk

a very fine line between making a living and voicing an opinion. After all we are an equestrian lifestyle and fashion magazine, not a news outlet.

With that said, I pondered the issue in dismay. As a horse girl, and I say that in the greatest sense as I have ridden since I was a wee five year old and have vowed to gladly die with a horse by my side. I found the differences in opinion amongst fellow equestrians on the wild horse problem unsettling. Just as we are advocates for our own beloved horses at home, shouldn’t we be advocates for all horses? Am I missing something?

Since this IS my editor’s letter, I believe that entitles me to my opinion. So here you go. You can decide on your own where your heart lies on the subject.

Our iconic wild horse herds are in jeopardy. It is that simple. If you are a horse person, or simply a horse fashion enthusiast, I urge you at the very least to research the topic at your own pace. However, we must also recognize that time is of the essence as our herds are disappearing through roundups that we as tax payers are contributing to. Yes that is correct. We pay for the unsettling helicopter roundups you see on social media.

Wild horses have graced the American landscape for centuries. They are a reminder of our innate connection with the land that inspired our ancestors to travel great lengths in search of their own freedom. Sadly, in the past 40 years, over 22 million acres of wild horse habitat has been lost in the US to make room for cattle, fracking, and mining industries. By conserving land for our wild horses, we are not only saving these majestic herds, we are also safeguarding our environment; Ensuring that wild horses are able to roam freely preserves our untouched park land, which in turn preserves our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

It is time we as a horse community speak up for those who cannot advocate for themselves. In an effort to give a voice to this cause, we at Eqluxe have wrangled our wild horse posse to help educate our readers regarding the future of our wild horse herds, and hopefully inspire change along the way to ensure these wild horses due in fact have a future. We must remember that ALL of us can make a difference.

We hope that you enjoy the Summer STAY WILD issue. A percentage of the print proceeds will help to benefit the American Wild Horse Campaign. Throughout the features you will find calls to action from organizations that are raising funds to help keep our horses free.