Hello and Happy Sunday!

We know emotions are running high with the reported deaths of Stallions Sidekick and Guardian, especially so close to each other.

We understand and agree with all of you that the National Park Service has a lot of work to do to begin to repair their relationship with the public.  We also understand that trust is earned and not always easily given.

That being said, no one has been more critical of the NPS/TRNP over the last two years than we have. 

While we share your concerns, we DO NOT believe that there is any foul play going on.  We DO NOT believe that the park is in any way purposely killing off this herd. 

Please keep a few things in mind:

1. This park is still very strongly in the public eye.  The Associated Press just printed an article that has gone international (again) about these wild horses.
2. Senator Hoven remains engaged and continues to say that a genetically viable herd of horses MUST remain in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
3. Senator Hoeven has a DECADES long relationship with NPS Regional Director Bert Frost.  Both men were on our local news last week discussing how they are working together for the horses to remain in the park.
4. The NPS just brought in an acting superintendent that has worked in North Carolina with the Shackleford Banks wild horses.  Nancy Finley has been assigned for 3 months while the park takes their time to actively look for a new, permanent superintendent.
5. The park’s Facebook page is reflecting the new direction and inclusion of sharing information about the wild horses.  We commend the park for this and hope it continues.  While we are all working on what our relationship with the park looks like moving forward, we will continue to praise these small steps that move us forward in the right direction. 

Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates is also doing all we can to make sure that we NEVER have a repeat of the last two years.  In the coming months we will be sharing in more detail what we are doing and the things we have been working on with our state legislators.  We do believe you will be pleasantly surprised! We DO need your help as we continue working on state and federal legislation.  There are a number of ways listed on our website on how you can make your tax-deductible donation to CHWHA: https://chwha.org/support-chwha/

We are extremely honored to have such a dedicated group of followers that love the amazing wild horses that call Theodore Roosevelt National Park home.  CHWHA remains committed to being transparent with our followers, listening to your concerns and elevating our voices when it is warranted. 

As one of our followers said, “I lost a friend today.”  I personally am honored to have watched Guardian grow up and play many different roles within this herd.  He died young and this is hard.

Sidekick…what a LEGEND!  Again, I have been completely blown away by what I have been able to witness with this amazing stallion over the years!  He was a lover, a fighter, a teacher, a father and yes, a friend. 

We are all grieving.  Within that grief, we understand there is anger too.  It’s ok to be mad.  It’s ok to be sad.  Please don’t forget that these two amazing stallions got to live their entire lives wild and free in the only home they have ever known. 

We are also grateful that BOTH bodies were found. It is so hard when a horse “disappears” and there are just under 50,000 acres in the Badlands of North Dakota to search for them!

Thank you again for your support!

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