This series explores aspects of America that may soon be just a memory -- some to be missed, some gladly left behind.
From the least impactful to the most, here are 25 bits of vanishing America.
Although free roaming horses, or as some people call them, wild Mustangs, are still fairly easy to find in America, the true
"wild horse" may have long become a thing of the past. Today's free roaming horse herds are well-bred groups of animals managed
by default. That is what they have been for quite some time. Free-ranging horse herds can still be found in California, Eastern
Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. These herds exist in relative security under
the watchful eye of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with additional supervision from a handful of private organizations.
They thrive so well in fact, that the BLM has had to liquidate them by auction on a regular basis.
Equine historians
believe that the horse species originated in North America, and then they were then brought to extinction here between 8,000
to 13,000 years ago. This means that today's free roaming horses are most likely the descendants of domesticated transplants.
It is hotly debated as to whether these horses are to be considered genetically indigenous or not. Thousands of horses from
perhaps thousands of sources were released by either plan or chance into the wilds of America's vast frontiers. In virtually
all instances of release, the horses were originally brought to their new locations for human purposes. Upon release, whether
planned or accidental, they were indeed free range animals, however, they may never have been true native wild horses.
Spanish explorers are credited with reintroducing horses to their North American homeland.
Then, in the late 1600's, the Native American tribes of the Pueblo, Apache, and Comanche recognized horses as valuable for
use in hunting, warfare, and trade. They, and other Native American tribes, are to be credited with reestablishing and dispersing
the horse throughout western North America. Apparently, it wasn't until the mid 1700's that the European influx began to introduce
a large variety of horse breeds to mix with the earlier, Spanish-introduced stock.
It is estimated that 100 years ago,
as many as two million horses were roaming free within the United States. In 2001, National Geographic News estimated that the wild horse population had decreased to about 50,000 head. Currently, the National Wild Horse and Burro
Advisory board states that there are 32,000 free roaming horses in ten Western states, with half of them residing in Nevada.
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking to reduce the total number of free range horses to 27,000, possibly by selective euthanasia, stating that the department estimates it will cost up to $77 million annually to effectively
administrate free roaming horse management programs by 2012.
Please Help Preserve Our Living Legends
"The Wild Horse Freedom Bracelet"
"To heighten awareness of America's Wild Horses and Burros and to promote their preservation." NV. - Update
- The Wild Horse Freedom Bracelet was sent to The White House for President Obama, and was officially accepted on February
25, 2009. Three were sent. One for The lovely First Lady, Michelle, and the other two were for The President's two lovely
daughters, Malia and Sasha.
"The Wild Horse Freedom Bracelet" Designed by, Karen Mayfield, Jewelry Designer, Wild Horse Advocate. The bracelet is
71/2 inches and made with a diamond cut silver chain, and a sterling silver clasp. Its design displays two sterling silver
charms, one of a running horse, representing our wild horses, and the other, an American Flag, representing our great country.
It was designed to pay tribute to the endurance, strength, and freedom of our country and our wild horses.
Each bracelet comes with its own silver plated signature jewelry tag of authenticity that says, "Wild Horse Freedom Bracelet."
$25.00
Custom sizes available upon request for no extra charge.
For questions or comments mailto:KarenMayfield@U2audio.com Please allow 2 weeks for delivery on your delivery.
The Wild Horse Freedom Bracelet
Bracelet
U2's song - Moment of Surrender, closing the opening concert of the 360 Tour in Barcelona
- I tied myself with wire "To Let The Horses Run Free" Thank you U2 for mentioning the noble creatures once again, Bless you.
Musical instrument replacement fund developed by U2's The Edge to benefit musicians of the Gulf Coast who lost their
instruments and equipment in the 2005 hurricanes.
Although free roaming horses, or as some people call them, wild Mustangs, are still fairly easy to find in America, the true
"wild horse" may have long become a thing of the past. Today's free roaming horse herds are well-bred groups of animals managed
by default. That is what they have been for quite some time. Free-ranging horse herds can still be found in California, Eastern
Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. These herds exist in relative security under
the watchful eye of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with additional supervision from a handful of private organizations.
They thrive so well in fact, that the BLM has had to liquidate them by auction on a regular basis.
