Jack, today we are celebrating the 52nd anniversary of the passage of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. 

Before delving into the remarkable story of "Wild Horse Annie," the pioneer wild horse advocate, and her relentless efforts to pass this crucial law, that awarded federal protections to these beloved equines, we have an important ask of you. We’re approaching our end-of-year deadline to raise $200,000 and empower us to make 2024 a remarkable year. Can you chip in a donation of any amount today so we can continue our conservation work in the field, on the Hill, and in the courts in 2024?

Velma B. Johnston, or Wild Horse Annie, was a tireless advocate for wild horses and burros, and her legacy lives on through the work AWHC does and through the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.

Wild Horse Annie saw the ruthless and indiscriminate manner in which wild horses were being rounded up from public lands during the 1950s in Nevada. At that time, America’s wild horse population was in rapid decline, and many of these incredible animals were captured by “mustangers" for slaughter. 

Not being one to sit on the sidelines, Wild Horse Annie took matters into her own hands. She organized a massive grassroots movement to bring attention to this issue. She brought Americans from across the country together to push for groundbreaking legislation. In fact, she mobilized so many people that wild horse protection was the second most popular issue that constituents wrote to Congress about in 1971. 

Because of the work of Wild Horse Annie, Congress unanimously passed the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. This is the most important legislation for wild horses in the United States, and we continue to see its impact today. 

Today, 52 years later, the Act has been significantly weakened thanks to the lobbying efforts of special interest groups. That’s where AWHC comes in, our mission is to fulfill the promise made 52 years ago, but we can’t do it alone. With over 20,000 wild horses and burros targeted for roundups this year, our work has never been more important. Can you make a donation to help support our mission to continue the legacy Wild Horse Annie? >>

Our team has been working in the field to document the mistreatment of wild horses and burros, fighting to bring their stories to light, and litigating in the courts to protect these innocent animals. The thing is, we can’t do it alone, Jack. 

Today, we’re asking you to join us in commemorating the legacy of Wild Horse Annie. It’s up to all of us to continue the work that she started protecting wild horses and burros. Will you please join us in our mission to conserve the West’s wild herds by making a donation of any amount to the American Wild Horse Campaign and help us hit our $200,000 fundraising goal?

Thank you, 

The American Wild Horse Campaign

P.S. Every donation you make will be MATCHED 2X up to $125,000 to help us hit our $200,000 end-of-year fundraising goal, but only if we can raise an initial $50,000 before next Friday. If we’re going to be able to take advantage of this opportunity, we need your help. You can make a donation of any amount today to help us unlock this match.