Another victory in Honey Bandit's world

HI

Was so happy to hear that the newly born foal in the latest roundup was taken care of.  Instead of leaving the tiny newborn in with the general population, it, complete with umbilical cord dangling, was moved with is mom to safety.  We have been begging BLM to remove the foals immediately after they are born, as it is extremely dangerous for them to be in with the general population.  This is a huge step to improving foal care.  I understand that the world is not going to become perfect overnight, but this is definitely a huge improvement.  There have been numerous cases documented where the newborns were kicked, stepped on etc. to the point of receiving fatal injuries.  This is one of the major issues we are working on, improved foal care.  Instead of becoming another Honey Bandit, covered in kicks and bites and with serious injuries, this foal is safe with his momma.

In a natural environment, the mares in the herd would look out for the babies.  However, there can be much confusion in the holding pens where nothing is "normal" and instincts are overwhelmed.  So I am very hopeful that with each small step, the future of our wild horses may be more secure. 

There are times when it seems like it is mean, but this is truly a time when moving the foal is for it's safety.  In the past, we would see days or weeks go by and the foals still in with the masses.  So Honey Bandit is pleased and thankful that there will be one less injured baby.  To have another foal suffer needlessly would be completely unacceptable.  There were also foals that were lost due to a mare that was "stealing babies".  She would steal them from their real moms, and (i believe at least one) died due to not having it's real mom to nurse from.  The mare that was stealing the foals had no bag, so they could not nurse.  It is so important that when we mess up the family structure, we at least provide a safe place for the displaced.

We are looking forward to each tiny step forward.  Together we can move this mountain.  Thank you for your continuing support for Honey Bandit and all our wild horses.

God bless

Palomino & the Gang

www.chillypepper.weebly.com

Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang
30027 Highway 44 East
Shingletown, CA  96088
530 474 5197