Wild Horse Roundup Ends Early, 2 Horses Dead
The US Forest Service ended its roundup of Wild Horses on the Jarita
Wildhorse Territory early, but not before it had already captured nine horses
and the roundup resulting in two dead horses (one a foal born shortly after the
mare was captured). The Forest Service was well aware ahead of time of the
risk of doing the roundup in mid-foaling season, but proceeded despite the
risks. Also, the Forest Service claims one of the horses died of natural
causes, but has provided no further details, such as its estimated age, its
otherwise apparent health, or whether their cowboys were in pursuit of this
horse when it went down.
Official US Forest Service Release follows:
Carson
National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, NM 87571
505-758-6200
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Benjamin Romero
(505) 758-6211
Ignacio Peralta
(505) 758-6344
WILDHORSE ROUNDUP ENDS FRIDAY
El Rito, NM, April 21, 2003 – Rounding up of
Wildhorses on the Jarita Wildhorse Territory ended
Friday. The contractor, KG Livestock from Vernal,
Utah, and El Rito Ranger District officials had
determined earlier in the week that the project would
operate through the end of the week. “In the best
interest of the horses we had decided to work until
Friday, as we anticipate that the horses will begin to
foal”. “We are done for now, but we intend to continue
to manage the resources on the territory, and a part
of the management plan calls for reducing the number
of Wildhorses”, said Stan Dykes, from the Carson
National Forest.
A mare captured on the first day of the roundup Friday
April 1l, foaled a colt on the 16th, which
subsequently died on the 18th. “The mare was not
producing milk and the pair never bonded,” according
to veterinarian Dr. Leroy Martinez contracted for the
roundup. “In order to improve the colts chances prior
to bottle feeding Dr. Martinez administer an IV with
anti-bodies”. The colt reacted negatively to the
treatment and died soon after,” said Dykes. “We knew
that their would be risks associated with the project,
but we are saddened at the lose of the colt”, said
John Merino, Acting District Ranger.
On Friday the contractors found a horse that was down
and dying. Preliminary information seems to indicate
that the horse was dying from natural causes. Being
the humane thing to do the horse was put down. The
Ranger District is continuing to investigate and
further information will be released when available.
According to Dr. Martinez the horses are in reasonably
good health considering that they have had to deal
with 4 to 5 years of drought and just came out of
winter.
The helicopter used during the roundup was released on
Thursday, but the cowboys continued to the roundup
Friday on horseback. Nine horses were gathered during
the project with the last one captured on Thursday.
The roundup was planned for up to thirty horses, but
the horses held true to their reputation for avoiding
capture.
A viewing of the Wildhorses for the public has been
scheduled for April 25, 2003 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Adoption of the Wildhorses will take place on April
26, 2003 at 10:00am. Both the viewing and adoption
will take place at the Ghost Ranch Livestock
Facilities 2 miles north of the Abiquiu Lake turnoff
(highway 96), on highway 84. Facilities are visible on
the north side of the highway.
For information on the Wildhorse Roundup and adopting
a wildhorse call the El Rito Ranger District at
505-581-4554.
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