Canon City, CO BLM adoption 12/3/10

Tom and I spent yesterday down at the Canon City, CO BLM facility. There are many, many beautiful horses there that need homes. I have posted an album of some of them on my Facebook page (“Pam Nickoles Photography“). If you see any in this album that may be of interest to you, (I fell in love a hundred times over) the next adoption day is December 17th (you’ll need prior approval to attend – (719) 269-8539). Horses with red tags are Colorado (Piceance Creek HMA) and the blue tags are Wyoming horses (Salt Wells and Adobe Town – mixed). E-mail or message me if you’d like me to try to get the tag numbers for you on any of these horses. I can also pass along an e-mail address for the person to contact down at BLM. Please feel free to share. I’d love to see these beauties in some loving homes. Thanks!

Rescuing an American Icon

I thought long and hard about writing this story. It’s been such a horrendously heartbreaking event (for many); I just didn’t think I could relive any part of it. However, it seems there is always some good that shines through a tragedy and my experience is no exception. To do the story justice, I have to start from the beginning.

In the spring of 2007, I photographed a magnificent tri-colored pinto stallion from the White Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) near Rock Springs, Wyoming. I have photographed many, many wild horses, but this particular Mustang made more of an impression somehow. To me, he was the epitome of all the exceptional and unique qualities embodied in the wild horses. And for that reason, I vowed that if I ever found out he’d been rounded up, I’d do my best to save him.

El Mariachi in the wild - White Mountain HMA Wyoming

El Mariachi and his band in the wild - March, 2007

El Mariachi in the wild, 2007.

In November of 2007, there was a BLM roundup of the White Mountain HMA. Six hundred horses were taken off their range and the magnificent pinto stallion I had photographed, and so admired, was one of them. He was no longer running free. Rounded up in the prime of his life, but too old for the adoption program which left him destined for – what? Long term sanctuary or possibly sold to a kill buyer under the “sale authority” provision? Now I needed to seriously think about the promise I’d made to myself…and to him.

El Mariachi at the Canon City, CO BLM holding facility

El Mariachi at Canon City, CO facility in December, 2007

His eyes and mine always seemed to meet.

At the BLM holding facility

I purchased El Mariachi (as I later learned he was named by artist Dwayne Tanner in one of his paintings) in January of 2008 and relocated him to a ranch in Nebraska where he was to live out his life running wild just as he had for all of his 11 years. That lasted just over a year before there were serious concerns and allegations made regarding the ranch and it became necessary to re-rescue my horse. If it can be called lucky, El Mariachi (and another Mustang we rescued at the same time) was one of the fortunate ones. He survived the ordeal. Since the case is currently in litigation, that’s all I’ll say about it other than I pray for justice for every horse and every person involved.

Dwayne Tanner's painting of El Mariachi

El Mariachi at 3-Strikes Ranch in June, 2008.

El Mariachi on 4-16-2009. These photos will always make me cry.

Seeing El Mariachi in such emaciated condition took me to my knees. I was absolutely heartsick. I went back and forth between uncontrollable tears and utter rage. It was a terrible scene and what I witnessed there will haunt me forever.

Through the efforts of my ever supportive husband Tom and another gal, Amanda Davis (who helped Tom and I get the two wild horses loaded in our trailer), El Mariachi and Hope began their recovery on April 16th, 2009 under the very competent care of two veterinarians from Alliance, Nebraska. Drs. Jim and Tom Furman. I was amazed that they would even consider taking on two completely unhandled horses, but that was all part of the good stuff that was to come out of this terrible situation. These were awesome people who really went out of their way to help us through something we all viewed as incomprehensible. I’m very grateful to them.

After a week and a half at the Vet clinic, “Dr. Tom” offered his personal farm and care to continue the horse’s rehabilitation until I was able to find a suitable, permanent situation. Seems El Mariachi had worked his magic again – Dr. Tom had become quite taken with the big guy (he refers to El Mariachi as, “our boy”). With time and patience, he was actually able to touch El Mariachi gently on the nose. “It was awesome” he said. I could only imagine at first, but I got my chance later on.

El Mariachi and Hope at Dr. Tom's farm - 5-16-2009. One month into their recovery.

El Mariachi on 5-24-2009. Appx 5 weeks into recovery.

Me offering El Mariachi a flake of hay. 5-24-2009

After several hours of sitting with and feeding El Mariachi, he allowed me to touch him twice on the nose. A bittersweet moment for me. My hope for his complete freedom could never be...

Hope, El Mariachi and me. Taken 5-24-2009 by Dr. Jim Furman.

Hope and El Mariachi. 5-24-2009.

Hope and El Mariachi. 5-24-2009.

El Mariachi on 5-25-2009. He has such kind eyes.

I worried every day about where to place the horses. I was sick, sleepless – completely shell-shocked that the situation I’d placed my horse in had turned out the way it had. How was I ever going to find a safe place for these two wild horses? I had someone offer a place for them for which I was grateful, and I considered it, but my gut kept nagging at me that it wasn’t a perfect fit. I continued to pursue other options.

A friend of mine mentioned the name of a very well-known and highly respected wild horse advocate out of South Dakota. I knew the name and was certain she’d be a reliable source of information. My trust had been shattered, so having someone so well thought of to consult with was a real blessing. I contacted Karen Sussman and explained my situation. She was familiar with the case and said she thought she might know of someone who could help – she told me she’d be in touch. Those few days I spent waiting for her to get back to me were long, but, she didn’t disappoint. She had indeed found someone who could help and my new hero (how could I consider him as anything else?) took the horses sight unseen. I am forever grateful to Karen for her efforts in coordinating the horses’ placement with this big-hearted, very generous man. Michael Blake (author and screenplay writer of “Dances with Wolves”) offered to take the 2 horses and allow them to peacefully live out their lives on his very private, remote ranch at the base of the Rincon Mountains in southern Arizona. I could not believe it! What an incredible outcome for these two survivors. My gut no longer nagged at me and the decision was made. The horses would be transported to Arizona.

Loading the horses for the trip to Arizona - 5-26-2009.

The horses arrived at Michael’s ranch on May 27th, 2009. He’s been so kind keeping me informed of their improving conditions and the entire goings on as they adjust to their new life in the safety of his care. And he was gracious enough to let me know that I could call anytime or come visit the horses whenever I wanted. So, I took him up on it! My Mom, Tom and I went down to Arizona on June 26th, 2009 to visit El Mariachi and Hope and to meet Michael so I could personally thank him for the gift he had given me and the horses.

Michael himself had rescued a BLM stallion that had been captured after running free for 20 years. He named the horse Twelve and he has a very touching memoir of their time together entitled, “Twelve The King.” He also rescued a Mustang mare named Samantha as a companion for Twelve (who lived to be almost 40 years old!) who is now in her mid 20’s. Other ranch residents are Tomas, a big, bay 3 year-old gelding that Michael rescued after Tomas had been starved and Little Boy, Michael’s retired riding horse. Rounding out the animal family are three dogs, a cat and a raven. Obviously, Michael is an animal lover. He sees himself as a caretaker, not an “owner” and I admire that. It’s the same way I feel about my relationship with El Mariachi.

Michael is just what I expected after speaking with him on the phone several times; kind, generous, interesting, passionate about his beliefs and very real. But let me tell you how surreal it felt at one point to be chatting away so comfortably and then to realize, hey, this is a man who stood at the podium at the Academy Awards – the recipient of an Oscar for his masterful creation, “Dances with Wolves.” Unbelievable. I think about just how much good stuff transpired to get the horses to this new place and person in their lives – our lives. I finally begin to believe there are better times ahead. The horses are safe and I’m no longer immobilized with fear and worry about their futures. Michael, and ALL the people who played a part along the way have given me more than they’ll ever realize. I don’t even know how to begin to thank everyone, but know that I do. I’ll never forget the kindness and generosity that was shown to me and these beautiful, beautiful horses. Never.

Mom (who is battling cancer) watches the horses eat. This is before their release. They're very comfortable in the stall and run area. The stall has a fan overhead that they seem to really appreciate.

Both horses continue to fill out nicely. Michael is doing a beautiful job with their rehabilitation. They're now in the outdoor arena, just before we open the gate to the rest of the property. It was so nice of Michael to wait until we could be there to witness their first time out.

These two are so close. They've been together about a year and a half now. Hope is still pretty skittish while El Mariachi continues to be sensible and calm. He's an amazing boy.

Taking care of each others itchies.

Samantha, Michael's Mustang mare is still the boss and gives young Tomas a bit of a reminder that she's still got it.

Mom toughed out the flight and the Arizona heat to see El Mariachi. She just loves that horse. I'm grateful to Mom for her support and the help she gave us covering some of the horse's medical expenses. Most of the cost of our trip to see the horses was her birthday present to me. She knew just what I wanted! We found ourselves sitting on the bench a few times (as it faces the horse's stall area) just to watch Hope and El Mariachi eat. They'll never be hungry again!

While Mom and I enjoyed the horses, Tom did what he always does - went about helping out where he could. Poop removal is a constant chore on a horse ranch! Thanks Tommy.

Michael and Tomas. I really like this picture of both of them.

The horses head out to explore the rest of the ranch with Tomas (who has a crush on Hope) following closely behind.

Checking each other out - no drama. They were just fine.

It was strange how the horse's went right down to where Twelve is buried. El Mariachi is standing in front of the metal horse that bears the numbers 1202 (Twelve's BLM hip brand number).

Hope at Twelve's gravesite.

Enjoying a bite together.

Hope and El Mariachi.

Hope, El Mariachi and Tomas.

Hope watches Tomas make a spectacle of himself as he runs around the property trying to impress her. Actually, he must have because she did run off with Tomas for a bit before El Mariachi decided to go collect her.

Well, Hope does seem to fancy the good looking boys. This is Tomas.

Heading calmly down to the creek area to collect Hope from her playtime with Tomas.

Looking for Hope.

El Mariachi scolded Hope (very gently) and in this photo, she appears very apologetic for having run off.

Michael puts the little instigator away for the day.

El Mariachi and Hope come in on their own for the comfort of the fan and something to eat.

Mom enjoys a real treat by being able to get up close to El Mariachi. People have told me that El Mariachi (who was so elusive in the wild, I could never get very close to him) displays a certain amount of gratitude by allowing himself to be more approachable. He's still wary and will never be asked to be more than what he is - a wild horse - but, it's good to know that there are a certain few that he will learn to trust. He'll be able to relax and enjoy the rest of his days in as much carefree freedom as possible given he'll never be completely wild again. It's the best we can do when we take wild horses off their range. I believe El Mariachi and Hope will have a wonderful life in their new home.

Obviously, this story doesn’t have an end, so I will be doing periodic updates as I get opportunities to visit the horses and Michael. It’s just so gratifying to know that the horses are recovering and will have a quality life despite what they’ve been through. I know that the next time I see them, they’ll be back at optimum weight.

In the meantime, I feel a certain responsibility to try to get people thinking about what happened to these two horses and why. The wild horses need to be better understood and managed as do the “sanctuaries” in which they are sometimes placed. This incident should never be forgotten and I can only hope for positive changes as a result of the many horses that suffered and died. Something just has to change.

El Mariachi is smart, strong, put together well and possesses a proud, yet gentle spirit. He has every quality I would look for in a horse companion. And there’s an added bonus that many Mustang owners enjoy of a bond of trust unmatched when the horses are handled correctly and patiently. We could learn alot from the wild horses, if we’d only give them the opportunity and time. They do require patience. I can’t think of a better trait to embrace though – it would benefit not only ourselves, but the people we encounter in our daily lives. I will just never understand why the wild horses are not used, appreciated and PROTECTED more as the gifts they truly are.

Important note: Before I purchased El Mariachi, that beautiful horse belonged to each and every one of you. All of the BLM managed Mustangs belong to you. Many people don’t even realize this, but the wild horses belong to the PUBLIC. You. Their futures are in your hands as well. If you ever have an opportunity to view a wild horse in its natural surroundings, I guarantee that you’ll be changed forever, and maybe you’ll begin to understand why many people work so hard to preserve them. Hopefully, you’ll become involved in the wild horse protection efforts yourself. There are so few wild herds remaining, it’s imperative that people act NOW. The wild horses are magical, spiritual creatures and they absolutely deserve their place on our Earth.

(Many thanks to all of you that took the time to read this story. Please feel free to share the story via the link: https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/rescuing-an-american-icon/. The more exposure to the situation facing our wild horses, the brighter the hope for their continued survival).

Related stories and updates on El Mariachi and Hope:

https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2009/08/26/el-mariachis-thunder-road/

https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/el-mariachi-and-hope-update/

https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/photo-of-the-week-12010/

https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2010/03/05/mustang-compassion/

https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/el-mariachi-and-hope-springtime-in-arizona/

https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/photo-of-the-week-22311/

https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/el-mariachi-hope-february-2011-part-1/

https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/el-mariachi-hope-february-2011-part-2/

https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/el-mariachi-hope-february-2011-part-3/

The Passing of an American Icon: https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/the-passing-of-an-american-icon-2/

El Mariachi’s Gift: https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2014/08/03/el-mariachis-gift/

Free No More Update

Back on March 18th, I wrote an entry entitled, “Free No More” about a wild mare and her young colt that I had photographed just prior to the Sand Wash Basin, CO BLM gather in October, 2008. Regretfully, I would not be able to follow this foal’s development in the wild as he was offered for adoption. But, I also included in that writing – “My hope is that he found a caring, forever home.” Below is one of the images from that post.

In mid April, I received an e-mail from a very nice gal (Mary) out on the Western Slope of Colorado who wrote:

“Dear Pam, I am compelled to write you – I came across your blog by total happenstance – and to my delight and astonishment, I stumbled on your photos of our dear babies! The little paint colt in your “Free No More” post was adopted by us! – along with 3 other weanlings from the Sand Wash gather.”

The power of the Internet can be an amazing thing in its ability to bring folks together. Mary has since sent me many photos of the “babies” and has honored me by addressing them to “Aunt Pam.” As yet, I have not been out to see the youngsters myself, but Mary and her husband Dusty have extended the invitation and I plan to take them up on it. The following is an image I took of “Nobody” in the wild and images sent to me by Mary.

Dusty with Nobody

Nobody, Hazel and Dusty (on crutches)

Mary and Nobody

Ahhh - Mary and Nobody

“We have been involved with the Adoption program for over 9 years. We have 3 other horses we have adopted from the Sand Wash herd over the past years. (One was gathered at 6 years old and was destined for the sanctuary. We took a chance on him – he was no problem gentling and anyone can ride him now!) When we first saw “Nobody” (the paint colt – he is actually a Medicine Hat as it turns out), he was so small and sleeping sound among the mass of babies. It really tugged at your heart. It is sad to dwell on the gathers, but we try to move past it and do what we can to adopt a horse and teach it to live in the domesticated/human world. In a sense we are grateful the BLM has the adoption program for it has afforded us to become family and friends with a wild horse – an opportunity MANY folks will never embark on nor have a chance to experience. We both grew up involved deeply with horses, however, since becoming a wild horse adopter, we have learned volumes from the mustangs.

“Nobody” was so tiny we just knew he had to get into a home with some personal care, though in the long run, I imagine many folks would have elected to adopt him because of his markings. My husband had his eye on a palomino colt; we could have stopped there, but a black colt with a white ring around his eye (like the dog in The Little Rascals!) and a distinctive looking filly had also grabbed our heart strings – so madness prevailed and all four have their home with us. I also saw on your website you had a photo of her with her band. Her name is “Sister Hazel”; the palomino’s name is “Sheepcamp” and our black colt with white on his face is nicknamed “Petey” – real name is “Two and a Half Bars.”

Nobody (who we knew from first sight that he is SOMEBODY!) has grown like a weed! Vet and us are fairly certain he was just a late foal being so much smaller than the others last fall. Petey is easily as tall as some of the older mustangs. They are all doing well and learning halter and feet trimming, etc. I know they are not out on 160,000 acres, but they enjoy us scratching their itchy spots and giving us kisses.

Your photos are beautiful and please continue your wild horse adventures and sharing your talent. I know it is not as inspiring to follow Nobody growing up in captivity as it would have been to follow him in Sand Wash, but I just wanted you to know he was here and very well cared for and loved. He makes ME smile everyday!! He is so funny – a total character! Hazel is beautiful and so dear. Petey is in your pocket. Sheepcamp is so athletic.

P.S. Dusty is on crutches due to hip replacement surgery, NOT falling off our wild horses!”

Below are images of “Sister Hazel” as a wild foal at Sand Wash Basin HMA, CO., and pictures from Mary after she and Dusty adopted her.

Hazel and Dusty

Hazel and Mary with Sheepcamp in the background

Hazel, Nobody and Dusty

Mary and I continued to correspond and I learned more about their other “adoptees” and their experiences with the wild horses.

“August of 2000 – from internet adoption. I was nervous as heck doing the online bidding! Adopted a pair – mare with a weanling. Lucy and Diamond (Diamond was actually born in a facility after Lucy was gathered). They are from Nevada. I picked them up at Canon City.

November 2000 – Went to a Wild Horse Workshop and adoption in Golden and adopted a 1 year-old burro. His name is Steely – he is awesome, a total pet!

October 2001 – Went to Sand Wash gather with a best friend (who adopted also) and adopted Cowboy at the onsite adoption. Back then, they were doing competitive live auction – it was scary! I actually “lost” the bid of the horse I really wanted. So after the auction the BLM put the “no sales” up for a silent bid and I got Cowboy – sorrel 2 year old with blaze. I adopted him for $125 – the horse I lost during the sale auction went for $1000! Too steep for me! He was a big strawberry roan and I had his name already picked out – Santana, but he went to a ranch in Steamboat, CO. Cowboy is the smoothest riding horse – you would not spill a drop of champagne if you were holding a glass and trotting circles!

July 2002 – Dusty’s nephew actually adopted Nevada – a 3 yr-old roan pinto, at the Longmont 4th of July adoption. He has lived with us from the beginning because we had an approved facility. He has ended up being our horse. Nevada is so sweet and like a little Clydesdale!

October 2005 – At Sand Wash gather (again!) we adopted Imagine, sorrel weanling and brought him home from Maybell (BLM now only does silent auction bids!) He is massive now! – as big as my Warmblood dressage horse that wears draft size everything! I am hoping to take Imagine into the dressage world – he is extremely smart and a quick study with nice gaits. From this gather, we also adopted, A Boy Named Sue. A bay 6 year old stud! Sue would have been put out to sanctuary and NOT in the adoption program because he was “too old.” But Dusty had been watching him at the corrals during the gather and just saw something special. We worked with the Canon City office and requested to adopt him regardless of his age – we promised we would not return him!! Anyway we had to go to Canon City to get him because Sue had been shipped down during the gather with most of the horses during the processing (they only keep a few for the onsite adoption at a gather.) So really it was November 2005 when we adopted Sue AND…while we were down there picking up Sue, we adopted – Pussy Cat (bay 3 yr-old from Nevada), Wonderland (black 2-yr old from Nevada) and Mac (bay pinto 2 yr-old from McCullough Peaks, WY).

Going down to Canon City to adopt is really fun and much less stressful than trying to make it to a special off-site adoption. You just can’t have a felonious police record because they won’t let you into the prison!!

October 2008 – (yes, you guessed it – Sand Wash gather again!) Anyway, we had no intention of adopting. We just went to have a little get away to some beautiful country. The studs, mares and the BABIES were just amazing and gorgeous! The HSUS was doing the PZP and we just thought about what an uncertain future it is for this herd. We left for home all the while contemplating the thought of “how to help the Sand Wash horses” and what is going to happen to the quality of the herd…???

November 2008 – yup it was crazy, but went down to Canon City and adopted the kids – what’s the point of getting one when you can get 4! We know we “didn’t have to do it” and were accepting responsibility for alot of horses now, but do NOT regret it for a second! They have been so much joy. All the horses are still with us! We have 4 domestics right now in addition to all the mustangs.”

Petey

Dusty and Petey. That is a very unique eye patch and does look just like the Little Rascals dog, Petey doesn't it? For those that remember...

Dusty and Petey

Dusty, Petey and Sheepcamp

Sheepcamp

I asked Mary about her experiences with the adoption program and her life with the Mustangs, and this is what she described.

“Joy, but also it has dramatically changed our knowledge of horsemanship and training. The wild horses have taught us SO MUCH about working/communicating with a horse. Both Dusty and I grew up with horses, though from completely different backgrounds. Dusty – a CO rancher, team roper, worked in feedlots, rodeoed and started colts, etc – all the “cowboy” stuff. I came from New England and grew up on a large farm. We kept our horses at home not at a fancy show barn. We did foxhunting, jumping, pony club, 4-H, polo, dressage and I spent alot of time riding my ponies on the trails, in the woods and in the fields. My folks were very close friends with riders who were and are on the US Olympic team.”

Clearly, these are two people who regard the Mustangs very highly and don’t see any limit as to their use and abilities. For the sake of the many wild horses currently available for adoption, I wish more folks thought this way. For their part, Mary and Dusty should be very proud – they’ve saved several living symbols of our nation’s heritage. Symbols that are all too rapidly disappearing from our public lands. And, it looks like more Mustangs than just the little pinto colt I photographed found that caring, forever home I’d hoped for.

Related story with updated photos of the “babies”: https://nickolesphotography.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/colorado-vacation-highlights-%e2%80%93-part-two/