OpEd by R.T. Fitch ~ volunteer president of the Wild Horse Freedom Federation
Many Thanks to the Unsung Heroes of the Equine Advocacy
“Thank you” ~ Terry and R.T. Fitch
It’s over, 2012 is nothing more than a distant memory left to be recounted in history books and comedian jokes, finished, done, stick a fork in it, outta here.
If I could go back in time, just one year, there would be a lot that I would change; many allegiances better nurtured and others severed sooner but we are not granted that option so we tighten up our cinch and ride on. BUT, you knew that was coming, I cannot continue down the trail without a few words of thanks for those who made the past year special.
First off, as the volunteer prez of Wild Horse Freedom Federation I would like to thank all of YOU for your support and trust; thanks to you we have managed to successfully keep the West Douglas wild horse herd free from the BLM horse harvesting machine for another year, a well grounded and documented victory against the brutality of the BLM. Month after month the legal bills cross my desk and checks need to written but month after month I am reminded that our legal work has and is successful and if I crossed the bridge in my sleep tonight, that free herd would be our/my legacy…I am good with that. In June we needed help and you folks rallied to the call; such dedication and commitment will never be forgotten; we thank you for that and stay tuned, we can’t tip our hat but we have several legal projects working that will rock your socks and send the enemy into a legal tailspin so keep your advocacy dial tuned into station WHFF, 2013 is going to be very interesting.
I would also like to thank our plaintiffs, the very cream of the crop of equine advocacy, Front Range Equine Rescue, Cloud Foundation and Habitat for Horses to name just a few; pro-active, legitimate, vibrant, straight forward and supportive of our efforts.
Likewise, the Equine Welfare Alliance gets a great big thumbs up for the ongoing work that now manages to bring us all together on an annual basis to collaborate, network and forward plans to put an end to the abuse, neglect, slaughter and the stupidity that currently is showered down upon our companions, the American equine. (You folks who attended this years International Equine Conference and heard our attorney Bruce Wagman speak got just a peek at what is coming and there is more to follow.)
Also, you guys stepped up to the plate when I stuck my neck out and said that Terry and I would personally hand carry letters of protest to D.C. asking for a stop to the BLM roundups and ensure that they reached the President of the United States. In a matter of several weeks we were staring at boxes of over 15,000 letters and petitions to pack up and head north with. Habitat for Horses and the Cloud Foundation joined us in that endeavor and it truly has to be one of the high-points of 2012. Such an outpouring of sincerity deeply moved me and I wish that I could have personally read each and every one of those heartfelt notes but I only managed a few thousand and those notes both spoke to my heart and hardened my resolve to press forward and continue to be the paperboy of the message and the deliverer of your words. And we did it folks; Terry and I packed those letters into checked baggage, grabbed Jerry Finch from HfH, cashed in a bunch of my air miles and without spending a penny of donated funds we headed for the office of Rep. Jim Moran where we met, planned and returned all in one day. What a ride, but Jerry and I did look at each other and comment that we are getting a little too mature for that sort of thing but the mission was accomplished and the heroes of the day are each and every one of you; for that I am so sincerely grateful and even though we didn’t illicit an immediate response from the White House our collective voices were heard and we plan to exercise that muscle in 2013, with your kind support.
Likewise you folks have supported us in multiple press conferences through out the year; in D.C. with the Children4Horses and EWA’s letter writing campaign, in Oklahoma City with Respect4Horses, Cloud and HSUS for the Conference of the “Live” horse, in Salt Lake City with Cloud and Respect4Horses during the BLM Advisory Board meeting…thank you. It is easy to stand up before the press and field questions knowing that each and every one of you is standing behind us and whispering into our ears, thank you for that support.
Thank you to those who have stood at arms length and watched us flounder with failed allegiances only to bend over, lend us a helping hand and welcome us back into the herd without ever muttering the words, “We told you so!” Your professionalism, patience and faith in us has been both refreshing and greatly appreciated; the cream always floats to the top.
Over the past several days we have reflected upon the fact that this blog is coming up on it’s four year anniversary, we will be celebrating that we are nearing our 2,000,000th visitor mark but 2013 promises to hold a few surprises that may finally tip the scales in the favor of the horses and burros and THAT sincerely lights me up as I type, there is so much hope and promise bubbling just beneath the surface that I can hardly contain myself (and I have been told to keep my mouth shut…I hate when that happens)
So let us collectively advance the advocacy, minimize the detractors in the wild horse movement, expose the fraud, fight for enforcement of current legislation while pressing forward with new laws and above all, litigate. We are not going to conclusively win these fights in the halls of Congress or on the Senate floor but instead we will pluck the feathers off from the enemy in the courtroom and armed with our past victories and a very well planned strategy we will make 2013 the year that the rogue government, horse-eaters and false prophets will never forget. Judgement day is coming and when the hammer comes down none of us are going to be able to sleep for a month.
Good riddance 2012 and bring it on 2013, we are ready for the change.
Keep the faith and many thanks to each and every one of you!
Now lets get to work!
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
Thank you R.T. and Terry for all of your hard work!! You are true champions to our beautiful Mustang!
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Thank you R.T and Terry. After reading all that you do and have done I have to tell you it lifts a heavy burden off my heart knowing something is working! I can’t give money but I do donate a product I formulated with a vet over 40 years ago to kill thrush, take care of white line disease and tender footedness to anyone who needs help especially horse rescues. I hope to set up a fund for horse rescues if I can get THRUSH B GONE on the shelves. I also am happy the horses have such a wide range to roam. BLM makes it sound like the horses are in everyone’s backyard. I can’t tell you what I’d like to call BLM. The Lord wouldn’t approve! Thank you for all your info. Hopefully I will be able to fund you guys as well. Many Blessings to you and the horses in 2013!!Much happiness in all that you do! God Bless!!!
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I also want to thank you R.T. & Terry and all the Freedom fighters for the horse’s!!! It is the RIGHT and JUST thing to do and give my love and admiration to you all. My prayer’s are with the horse’s & burro’s to have a FREE and Happy life again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
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great start to 2013, thanks for all you do!
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Dear RT I cannot wait for the Change you speak of , only wish i could some how have you spill the beans, drop the bomb, Patience is a virtue I must remember that !!!!!!! The Mustangs seek Freedom it is all they know I am here to help them get it , as it should be as promised in 1971……………. I must be patient as they are they have taught and given all of so much, I believe that the Mustangs and Horses know who we are and are counting on us !!!!! I dont plan on disappointing them…………………………. I was wishing on it happening yesterday !!!!!
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Again RT and Terry – God Bless you!!! As a past humane investigator it hurts when you can’t save them all, but you never give up the fight. Although I am not involved any longer in that role, I continue to fight for the rights of our equine friends and their safety. I feel 2013 will be a defining difference in the way our horses will be treated. New committee appointments will be made by the White House. The past year was troubling, but thanks to you and all the “Warriors” many injustices have been presented to our Legislators. I have a new Rep to the US House and already have made plans to visit his office to bring him up to speed on what is happening to our equine friends. Thank you so much RT and all the others around the country who have kept us informed about the issues.
We are the voices for those who cannot speak.
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Friday October 12th to Sunday October 14th – NO HORSES SLAUGHTERED FOR 2 DAYS – It was as if a promise of what is to come was felt in our souls…a peace…some day each day will feel like that….Happy No Slaughter New Year!
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Thanks for the update and for all that you do to help protect our beautiful wild horses. I pray for you and for all the people on the front lines fighting the good fight. I believe together we will succeed in keeping them free and wild like they should be. God Bless you!
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Thanks, RT & Terry, for taking the time to thank all of the “unsung” but extremely important advocates who do so much to help save the wild horses. Each and every person makes a huge difference. It is amazing to see what individual advocates are doing. A huge thank you and keep up the great work!
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You are so right Debbie. Every single person who adopts/rescues/and provides safe, forever home for any equine is a hero in my book. Some advocates take it to the streets to enlighten those not aware of the plight of the American Mustangs/burros and don’t just sign online petitions. Some people give until it hurts and then give some more.
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Thank you RT and Terry. Without the good people like you, who would be fighting to keep the wild horses and burros free and safe. Keep up the fight.
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“2013 promises to hold a few surprises that may finally tip the scales in the favor of the horses and burros.” Will be keeping your posts on our radar to learn of the scale-tippers. God knows, these innocent animals need your/our help and that every single action we take matters. Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do for the animal spirits!
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Looking forward to hear what the big “hammer” will be this year. Litigating against blm which uses OUR tax dollars to defend their criminal activity, is disheartening to say the least. Can’t wait for my socks to be rocked and these thugs stopped. Speaking of failed allegiances, what about HSUS? With their flexing power they should be on the front lines and in the halls of Congress for each and every infraction, yet they condone & support fertility control on an endangered “protected” (ha!) species. Keith Dane’s contact info is not even available on internet; just cal your local animal control or law enforcement, yeah right that helps. Here’s to justice in the new year, cheers.
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God bless you and yours and all you do in this huge fight for our horses. I will sit and wait to see what 2013 brings. I have prayed that the slaughter will end and the Wild and fFree will remain just that; and sent these prayers to God and my Guru. I believe i us and what we all believe in and with that much faith I don’t think we will lose in the end. I won’t give up until the battle is won. Thank You R.T. and here’s hopping for a productive and happy New Year.
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The BLM rarely, if at all, mentions Dr. Gus Cothran’s genetic analysis reports of
HMA herds in their EA’s (so the information would be readily available for public review and comment by the American taxpayers who PAY for these genetic analysis reports with their tax dollars). Nor, does it seem, at least in the Eagle Lake Field Office in California, that they have made these reports available to members of the Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), who are supposed to be advising the BLM on area resources (including wild horses and what seems to be the enthusiastic removal and eradication of wild horses from public lands).
HSUS and the BLM are pushing PZP on non-viable herds.
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Many folks ignore this end of the crisis and they need to realize what this can mean to a small herd already below or well below, 200 horses. PZP is a tool that can be misused. Most of our HMAs are not overpopulated in the least. Some are so tiny the PZP is a must. There is less land for the bands. Try to learn what really is going on and respond for the wild ones, they need our vigilance.
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Judysavesmustangs. I am so excited to be an advocate to save our mustangs and wild burros. This is our legacy This is our time to save them. We must save as many as we can. I have made a commitment to do this for the rest of my life. Yes, we must stand strong and together united to save our wild horses forever.
We are building an incredible group of horse advocates and horse warriors out there. To all who read this message join us and believe we can change the world. I have just started a new Corporation and this will be my legacy to help our horses forever.
I am going to develop Eco systems for our wild horses. More news on this later. In the building stages of my business. It will take a lot of work, but I have made this my lives work to save our wild ones. Join me in helping them. One day at a time we can make a difference in this world. Protect and defend our wild horses and wild burros. Help them, embrace your spirit and believe in saving them. They need us to help them so let us do it and make great strides this new year 2013.
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Thank you R.T. and Terry Fitch, John Holland, Simone, Kathryn Cloud Foundation, etc and so many others. I have to say ti am so pumped to me a difference. To those of you who can make a commitment to attend the next International Equine Conference please do. I learned a wealth of information and developed lasting friendships and will always be a part of this growing organization to save and place our wild mustangs and burros back out on the range. I promise to continue my commitment and believe I can make a difference for our horses. So can you too. Thank you to all of my friends out there and your passionate love for our four legged friends that we will save and protect you. Please attend the next Conference and you will learn so much like I did.
I will continue to work on my projects so for now keep on being our wild horses voices, they need us to speak out and protect them. Thank you to all who take such incredible photos of our wild ones. Photos capture the essence of our wild horses and burros more than you can imagine.
I am becoming a better photographer and will capture more photos. Learning in progress. Thank you to all horse advocates out there, I am with you in spirit and love you. Keep on keeping on.
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I did see via internet that the horse bill that was in the Senate died in Committee……..now do we have to start over again with petitions , etc?
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Judy, the senate will not ever allow any bill to be passed that would stop US horses being shipped to slaughter. The lobbyists are given to much money by the racing industry, which last year started off with $50,000 from the racing industry to buy off the senators. The bill would have been passed years ago if it was not for the money given to the crooks in the senate. The House had 165 cosponsors if the Senate had that many the bill would have passed. Only 25 senators cosponsored bill S1176.
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Great, RT & Terri! Yes, 2013 can be the year for the breakthrough for the horses and burros and their rightful freedom! We must learn to share the land and freedom with such wonderful presences as they. Happy & Progressive New Year! Craig
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Wishing you a more prosperous 2013 and a more prosperous one. May this be the year of the horse and slaughter be ended. Wishing for a better world,a better country in which to live. Wishing for enlightenment for all the people. Lots of hope from this farm in Indiana for a better year and a better life.
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Thank you to all the advocates. May this year be better than the last.
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Hi RT; Many thanks for this message and yes, we shall prevail!!! I will get on this rally train and try to get the “big” groups on board by recommending a date. If they make a date recommendation we can accept, then I believe they will support the 10,000 person protest in DC this year! Cheers, Ginger Ginger Kathrens 719-633-3842 Take action for our wild horses & burros: Support a moratorium on roundups and send a letter to Obama & your representatives: click here Join the Cloud Foundation email list
http://www.thecloudfoundation.org
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Happy New Year RT and Terri! We have meet a lot of fantastic advocates and are so honored to have met and worked with you both over this last year. I cannot thank you enough for your never-ending support and especially for my son Declan, his organization Children 4 Horses, and his advocacy work for horses both domestic and wild. You both are such wonderful and special people and do so much for our horses – it’s just amazing ! Hears to 2013 and our continued friendship!! Stacie and Declan
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Behind you all the way!
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Thank you for all you do. Keep the information coming so we can keep it going out to people who need to know
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Sounds like the Year of the Horse to me! Bursting with expectation for a positive year on behalf of the horses! Thank you for everything!
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Love you guys… lets maker this a year to remember!!
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Thank you and your family for giving so much to save our beautiful animals! 2013 will be full of extremely positive changes on behalf all animals that man has chosen to abuse instead of allowing them to be true part of our lives. Cheers to a different year with many positive changes!!
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Thank you for all your work and inspiration. If it’s in DC, I’ll be there.
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RT & Terry, I feel blessed to have been able to meet you both in person & thank you for everything that you have done & continue to do for the benefit of the horses, wild & domestic. I look forward to 2013 being a good year for the horses, & will continue to help in what ever way I can :). My documentation of the cold creek herd here keeps me busy, but I sure hope to see all you & the rest of the advocates this year! Rock on!
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A Wrangler Tea and Eggnog toast to all of the Horse and Burro Warriors. Happy New Year, “Damned the Torpedoes”, and “Full steam ahead”.
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