Jack,

Our Rescue Fund powers a variety of critically important work, from providing lifesaving medical care to foals on the Virginia Range, to outbidding kill buyers at slaughter auctions to protect victims of the Bureau of Land Management’s failed Adoption Incentive Program. Today, we’d like to share the heartwarming stories of two mares we helped rescue earlier this year thanks to the support of folks like you. 

But first, we’re going to ask that you chip in to our end-of-year goal so we can refuel our Rescue Fund ahead of 2024. As of right now, it’s nearly depleted – and with over 20,000 wild horses and burros set to be rounded up next year, it's vital we bolster this fund to ensure we’re ready to spring into action.

Meet Meli and Catori:

Photo by WilsonAxpe

Earlier this year, we received word of two mares in a notorious Oklahoma kill pen who were days away from being shipped across the border to slaughter. We knew we couldn’t turn our backs on these innocent mustangs, so we leapt into action and contacted RJF Equine, who rushed to the kill pen and picked them up for quarantine.

Unsurprisingly, these two mares were victims of the Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), which pays adopters $1,000 to adopt Bureau of Land Management (BLM) horses and burros. As AWHC’s investigation revealed, far too many individuals are sending their adopted mustangs to slaughter once they receive their federal payout, and Meli and Catori were no exception. 

The poor mares were traumatized and needed time to decompress and heal before moving to their new home. But after taking some time to recover, they arrived safely at For the Love of Aria, a beautiful equine sanctuary in Colorado! 

Photo by WilsonAxpe

From paying the “bail” at the slaughter auctions to to funding the mares’ transport, medical expenses, and more — every action our rescue team took to save these two beautiful beings was made possible by the folks who helped build up our Rescue Fund.

We’ve spent every dollar you’ve helped us raise for the Rescue Fund and now we need your help to sustain our efforts in the new year. Now that the BLM has increased the number of wild horses and burros set to be rounded up in 2024 to over 20,000, there are so many more of these innocent animals who may be funneled into the slaughter pipeline through the BLM’s Adoption Incentive Program. 

That’s why today, a portion of the funds we raise towards our end-of-year goal will go directly towards refueling our Rescue Fund. These animals need our support, and with our critical deadline just a day away, we need all hands on deck. Can you make a contribution to the American Wild Horse Campaign ASAP?

Thank you!

Team AWHC