Meet Magic. A herd of wild horses makes its way to a watering hole across a terrain of sharp rocks and dense brush. They are all following the lead mare—the matriarch of the herd that leads them to nourishment. Foals stay close at their mother’s side and a few young males practice sparring. It’s a peaceful morning, just like most before.
But these are the last minutes of freedom these horses will ever know and the most terrifying hours they’ve ever experienced are upon them.
Steady thunder is heard in the distance and it becomes increasingly loud. A large winged creature in the sky is visible. The horses instinctually take off, as blasts of wind and overpowering noises fill the air. The predator is in pursuit of these animals and relentlessly chases them as they stumble through the terrain of sharp rocks and dense brush of their home.
The predator -- a government-contracted helicopter -- is paid to execute a single task: stampede as many mustangs as possible off of these public land, through a narrow man-made chute, and into a tiny holding corral.
We must keep our vital work going strong. In honor of Giving Tuesday, a generous donor has agreed to MATCH every gift we receive between now and midnight on Tuesday. Are you able to take advantage of this opportunity?
This is what Magic, a beautiful blue roan, experienced in the fall of 2018. He hails from the Devil’s Garden Wild Horse Territory outside of Alturas, California in the Modoc Nation Forest where a battle over who has right to the land - private livestock or federally-protected wild horses - has raged for years.
He came to Montgomery Creek Ranch this summer, after sitting in government holding corrals for months. Magic is a confident and friendly youngster, and although he has had a rough start to his life, he remains very trusting.
We have no doubt that we will find him a loving and forever home - one where can gallop, experience nature and human companionship — leaving the dirt corrals and the fencing that encased him, behind.
You can help us provide a second chance for more wild horses in need. Give a gift today and take advantage of our Giving Tuesday match.
