Giving Tuesday Wild Horses Lives Matter
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Giving Tuesday Our story Wild Horses Lives Matter
I never wanted to go to the BLM holding facility. For years, I avoided it. I knew it existed, but I didn’t have the heart to face what was behind those gates. It was a place I hoped I’d never have to see.
But one day, something in me whispered that I needed to go. I didn’t understand why only that I felt pulled there. At the time, my own life was in turmoil. I had just left an abusive relationship. I was raw, hurting, and unsure of who I was anymore.
When I arrived, I watched a semi-truck pull in, loaded with mustangs from the 2021 Antelope roundup. Dust, fear, exhaustion those horses carried it all. And as I stood there witnessing their arrival, something inside me fell into place. For the first time in my life, I knew exactly what I was put on this earth to do.
A Miracle in the Midst of Trauma
The next morning, I went back. I didn’t plan it; I just showed up, drawn by something bigger than myself something that was giving me purpose, a reason. And that morning, I witnessed a miracle. A beautiful red roan mare, who had been chased by a helicopter, forced into a trap, loaded into a crowded semi, and hauled hundreds of miles away from everything she had ever known… gave birth to a perfect, fragile foal.
Despite the filth of the pen and the trauma she had endured, she stood over that tiny new life with unimaginable strength and grace. She had lost her freedom, her home, her herd but she had not lost her will. In that moment, I saw both the harsh reality and the unbreakable spirit of the American Mustang.
The mare locked eyes with mine, like we understood each other. I knew by the look in her eyes that she was wise she knew I was going to rescue her and her foal. I knew nothing about saving Mustangs; I just knew I wasn’t going to walk away. My life was forever changed that day. I made a promise to that mare: to always fight to save the mustangs.
From Inspiration to Action
Liberty became my inspiration for everything I’ve done since. I didn’t set out to become a wild horse roundup observer, a mustang adopter, a rescuer, a volunteer, a transporter, or an advocate. I never imagined I would witness over 22,000 wild horses being rounded up. Every moment is painful, and every loss stays with me. But this is where I feel I can help them most by standing witness, by documenting the truth, and by making sure the world knows what is happening. If being there means even one horse gets better treatment, one policy gets challenged, or one heart wakes up, then every mile, every tear, every moment is worth it.
Observing roundups is one of the most difficult tasks an advocate can undertake. Yet it’s also where my presence matters most. I have witnessed more than 22,000 wild horses lose their freedom. By documenting these events, I help ensure transparency, accountability, and compassion in a system that too often lacks all three. My role is to bear witness because without eyes on the ground, these horses suffer unseen.
The Sacrifices Behind the Mission
I don’t talk about this often, but the truth is that dedicating my life to wild horses has meant living simply and making sacrifices most people never see. I’ve struggled to make ends meet while driving thousands of miles to document roundups, transport mustangs, and help the ones in crisis. Yet even during the toughest moments, my commitment never wavered.
I have since saved several mustangs. I left observing roundups for a large organization because I felt it was time to start my own nonprofit. But none of this is easy the emotional weight, the financial strain, the sleepless nights. Starting a nonprofit means building something from nothing, putting faith above fear, and trusting that people will believe in your mission as much as you do.
Many of you have seen the videos I’ve documented over the years: the Blue Wing mare being kicked in the face, mares breaking their necks, foals becoming orphans, and the conditions inside private holding facilities and BLM pens.
Why Wild Horses Lives Matter
For a long time, I was doing this work under another organization, making an impact on their behalf. But now, I’m asking for the opportunity to make that same impact and more through my own organization, Wild Horses Lives Matter.
I want the chance to change outcomes, to demand transparency, and to push for real accountability.
What makes Wild Horses Lives Matter different from other organizations is simple: We show up. We answer messages. We respond to the public. We educate people who are trying to understand what’s happening. We provide photos, videos, and firsthand documentation when you ask for it.
We don’t focus on just one part of the mustang’s journey. We are committed to them every step of the way from the range, to the trap sites, to holding, to adoption and homing, and even to the kill pens where too many end up when the system fails them.
Wild Horses Lives Matter has been here for the mustangs and for the people who care about them. Join us in this fight.
Wild Horses Lives Matter website- please visit our website and take a look at our information on roundups, how to reach your legislator, action reports and a gallery of Wild Horses
