A Heartfelt Journey at the White Mountain Wild Horse Roundup
by Madhu Anderson
My heart was forever changed after observing the White Mountain Wild Horse Roundup, which took place from August 15 to August 19, 2024. On that fateful August 15, I found myself among a group of observers awaiting the arrival of the BLM staff at the designated location. Together, we made our way to the roundup site, where I set up my spotting scope—a new tool I had just purchased the night before.
As the helicopter drew near, my heart raced with a mix of anticipation and unease. Through my lens, I bore witness to the heart-wrenching scenes unfolding before me: a low-flying helicopter chasing wild horses for miles, the foals struggling to keep up, the mares bravely shielding them, and the chaotic commotion as the horses were corralled. Observing these magnificent creatures being herded into the tiny trapping pens and then the confusion and fear among them as they were loaded onto trucks left me feeling powerless. The haunting sound of distress echoing from the departing trucks lingered in the air, prompting me to question the very essence of humanity.
Each day of the roundup brought fresh challenges and heartache, with the helicopter's relentless pursuit aiding heightened tension. In the middle of the noise and confusion, a powerful scene unfolded—one that etched itself into my soul forever: a brave stallion standing strong against the whirring blades of the helicopter. His courage to protect his herd filled me with both admiration and sadness, touching me deeply.
After the roundup, I visited the temporary holding facility, and seeing horses in distress, fighting, and confined within cramped pens only reinforced my belief that this was a grave injustice.
Seeking answers from BLM specialists, I raised concerns about the lack of recent population counts, the cramped and challenging conditions endured by the horses at the holding facility, and the perplexing decisions to euthanize horses, including foals, due to pre-existing conditions—despite the undeniable strength and resilience they had shown during the intense helicopter chase.
Following the first day of the roundup, we decided to hold a peaceful protest and vigil at the Rock Springs wild horse holding facility—a place of confinement for these once-free spirits. There, we stood with protest signs and red carnations, symbols of love and peace, honoring the wild horses who had lost their freedom and lives during this roundup.
The entire process revealed critical issues that demand urgent attention and transformative change. We call for an immediate moratorium on all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wild horse and burro roundups. It is time for a thorough investigation into the BLM's practices, ensuring transparency, adherence to the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program (CAWP), responsible use of taxpayer funds, proper care for the animals post-roundup, and an overhaul of the management practices within the Wild Horse & Burro Program.
May our collective voices resonate as a beacon of compassion, advocating for justice and respect for these majestic beings who deserve our unwavering protection and care.
https://www.sweetwaternow.com/white-mountain-horse-gathering-prompts-protest/
May our collective voices resonate as a beacon of compassion, advocating for justice and respect for these majestic beings who deserve our unwavering protection and care.
https://www.sweetwaternow.com/white-mountain-horse-gathering-prompts-protest/
—Madhu Anderson was born in India and received a chemistry degree in Mumbai before traveling the world. She has volunteered at orphanages and nursing homes in Russia, rescued dogs in Bosnia and Serbia, spoke up against whaling in Iceland, and against working animals in Europe. She has worked in opposition of animal abuse in Japan, Africa, Indonesia, and Columbia. She rescued a dog in Peru in 2011 that truly opened her eyes to compassion for animals, even though Marcial did not survive. These are just a few of the 55+ countries in which Madhu has championed the rights of animals. Since living in the U.S., she has done investigatory work on abuse of horses, cats, dogs, and farm animals. She has lived in Rock Springs for more than 10 years. She lives with her dog, Rani, rescued in Mumbai six years ago. Rani is Madhu’s best friend.
