How Our Story Began
In July of 2023, a beloved herd of wild Mustangs known as “Fred’s Herd,” along with two other bonded family herds, was rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management in Pahrump, Nevada. These majestic horses had roamed the streets and native desert lands of Pahrump for several years, becoming a cherished part of the local landscape. The townspeople, especially the “old timers,” found immense joy in observing the herds’ family dynamics, from the birth of offspring in neighbors’ backyards to the cherished moments and quarrels within the herd. This rural community fondly referred to them as “Fred’s Family and Friends,” celebrating their presence as a symbol of wild beauty and natural freedom.
However, as the town grew, new residents began to see the herds differently. These “outsiders” perceived the wild horses as a nuisance, and despite their best intentions, their attempts to treat the Mustangs like domesticated animals led to unintended consequences. Feeding the horses disrupted their natural behavior, ultimately contributing to the loss of their freedom. The once-celebrated herds were now corralled and managed, marking a poignant shift in the relationship between the community and the wild Mustangs that had brought so much joy and wonder to Pahrump.
Our Mission
Achieving the preservation and sustainable management of America’s iconic Wild mustangs and burros, safeguarding their natural habitat, cultural significance, and genetic diversity for future generations.
At Southwestern Wilds Inc., we are dedicated to protecting Nevada’s Mustangs and Burros, ensuring their long-term survival. However, their future is now at risk, threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization, industrial development, overpopulation, and other human-induced challenges. Without intervention, the future of Nevada’s Mustangs and Burros remains uncertain. Our mission is to safeguard these magnificent animals and secure their place in Nevada’s landscape for generations to come.
HOW WERE THEY PROTECTED AND HOW HAS THAT CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS?
The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act was passed by Congress in 1971, designating wild horses as “Living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West” to be “Protected from capture, branding, harassment, or death.” However, the Act has been weakened over the years due to pressure from the Cattlemen’s lobby, which continues to pressure Congress to legalize the mass slaughter of these national icons. THESE ARE VERY DANGEROUS TIMES FOR OUR WILD HORSES.
“HORSES played a role in every significant development in our nations history.”
The perception that horses are a problem stems from the belief that they are a non-native species, which is incorrect according to evolutionary biologists, paleontologists, and experts in species extinction. The history of our country is in its bloodlines of our wild horses.
Horses played a role in every significant development in our nation’s history, from building the West to fighting alongside in our most significant and most recent wars.
There are about 70,000 wild horses left in the West, according to the federal government. That’s down from about 2 million at the turn of the century!
Horses compete now for resources with commercial interest on western public lands, in particular the livestock grazing industry. These special interests advance unscientific claims that there are too many horses, and that they are damaging the range, even though they are vastly outnumbered by cattle and sheep on Western public lands.
As a result, sadly, in most cases, some form of management is necessary.
BUT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! By working together, we can ensure these magnificent animals continue to roam the wild lands of Nevada for generations to come. Please join us in this mission to save Nevada’s Mustangs and Burros in preserving the legacy of the American West.
Saving mustangs and burros is crucial for several reasons:
Biodiversity
Mustangs and burros contribute to the biodiversity of ecosystems they inhabit, playing roles in natural food chains and habitats.
Cultural Heritage
They are part of the American cultural heritage, symbolizing the pioneering spirit of the Wild West and the history of the nation.
Ecosystem Balance
As native species, they help maintain the balance of ecosystems by grazing and interacting with other species.
Genetic Diversity
Protecting wild populations ensures genetic diversity, which is essential for species’ resilience against diseases and environmental changes.
Ethical Considerations
Ensuring the welfare and humane treatment of these animals aligns with ethical standards of compassion and responsibility.
Supporting efforts to rescue and protect mustangs and burros helps preserve both natural heritage and ecological stability for future generations. It is everyone’s responsibility!
