Gatsby

Gatsby was rounded up in September 2023 from the Calico and Surprise Complex. The helicopter “gathering” (the BLM euphamism for violent and lethal roundups) was marked by the usual brutality and numerous violations of the bureau’s own mandatory procedures and Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program standards.

In much the same way that we found Rocky after seeing his best friend, Pegasus, fly over a trap barrier, we found Gatsby standing resolutely beside Spartacus in the Litchfield corrals. Whether Gatsby is the bonded friend or son of Spartacus, he never left the the warrior stallion’s side. The historical Spartacus was an escaped gladiator, who led an army of slaves in revolt against the Romans starting in 72 BC. The violence that took their freedom and plunged them into slavery, the gawking of the heartless crowds at auctions, the contempt and cruelty from their captors, and an endless longing for freedom are experiences and characteristics that mustangs have in common with those rebels.

The rest of Gatsby’s herd had already shipped to long-term holding. He and Spartacus were the only ones left. The expression in his eyes spoke of the loss of family and freedom that breaks the spirits of mustangs. Thanks to the immediate and enormous support of donors - we reached our goal on Instagram in just 30 minutes! - we were able to bring both Gatsby and Spartacus to Skydog.

Their loading was delayed because these two horses are so wild, the corrals had to call in another wrangler. It was extremely stressful for them - and us - as they’re very strong, sensitive, and reactive. Once they finished stress testing the trailer, we headed home. With plenty of hay and soaked hay for water, they settled down and traveled quietly and safely.

Every mile took Gatsby further from his old life, the trauma, the stress, the panic of roundup and holding pens. No more barren dirt pens with gates clanging, flags waving, and voices shouting. The pressure will be a distant memory. The definition of sanctuary is “a place of refuge or safety” and that is the future we promise him. Gatsby and Spartacus were introduced to a pen with Ford, Tesoro, Slash, and Ripley before being released onto wide, open spaces with a wild herd that understands exactly what they’ve been through.

There was so much love coming their way from so many people. We are especially grateful to Marie Milliman and Laura Leigh who documented the capture of Spartacus for Wild Horse Education. Not only did they record the roundup, track the horses to Litchfield, attempt to negotiate release before reaching out to us, they came to the corrals for the loading and were present to witness their release at Skydog. As painful as it is to read the report and watch the videos, it is important to bear witness to what is done to our federally-protected mustangs by the agency that is mandated to protect them.

#skydoggatsby

Mustangs and burros need your help 

In addition to supporting our work by donating, becoming a patron on Patreon or sponsoring a Skydog, there are several important pieces of legislation to protect American equines currently moving through Congress. It only takes a few minutes to contact your Rep and Senators and urge them to support these bills:

Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act of 2023 (H.R. 3475 in the House / S.2307 in the Senate). This bill will shut down the slaughter pipeline that sends some 20,000 American horses and donkeys to savagely monstrous deaths in foreign slaughterhouses every year.

The Wild Horse & Burro Protection Act of 2023 (H. R. 3656) This bill will prohibit the use of helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft in the management of wild mustangs and burros on public lands, and require a report on humane alternatives to current management practices.

Ejiao Act of 2023 (H.R. 6021). To ​​ban the sale or transportation of ejiao, a gelatin made from boiling donkey skins, or products containing ejiao in interstate or foreign commerce, which brutally kills millions of donkeys primarily for beauty products and Chinese medicine.

You can Contact Members of Congress by calling the Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121‬, submitting contact forms on their individual websites, or sending one email to all three simultaneously at www.democracy.io

See our How to Help menu for other actions to ban zebra hunting at US canned hunt ranches, stop production of Premarin & other PMU drugs, and defund the Adoption Incentive Program.