The American Mustang - A Gift of Life and Hope

American Mustang Holiday Gift Sponsorships are now available!

Send Love to someone special in your life with a Gift Sponsorship featuring an American Mustang.  Your sponsorship gift will directly aid America's victimized Mustangs.

Find complete details here.   

Who wouldn't love to know that your gift to them is actually a gift of life to a horse that's been starved, brutally rounded up, mistreated or neglected? Your kindness and generosity will help rescued horses under the WFLF Sanctuary program and are in need of crucial support this holiday season. WFLF Holiday Gift Sponsorships are a wonderful way to help a horse in need and brighten the holidays for your loved one.


Your gift will make a difference on multiple levels.  It will help a Wild For Life Foundation (WFLF) sanctuary horse in need, and help educate someone you know about the very real problems horses face in today’s world. Your gift recipient will also learn about WFLF’s lifesaving mission and how together we are making a difference in the lives of these and other needy horses for generations to come.

Caring and compassionate people are the lifeblood of WFLF’s mission, and we are very grateful to them, as we could not accomplish this vital lifesaving work without your support. 

Order your American Mustang Gift Sponsorship and make a difference in the life of a horses in need today.

Wild For Life Foundation (WFLF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity which relies 100% on donations. Our work is only made possible with the generous help from our community of supporters. We thank you for your commitment to our mission to save, protect and preserve America's horses. Contributions may be made payable to Wild for Life Foundation and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Federal ID No. 26-3052458 

19510 Van Buren Blvd, #F3236, Riverside, CA · 310.439.9817
 

The "Year of the Horse" from WFLF's Saving America's Horses

Saving America's Horses and the Wild For Life Foundation are pleased to invite you to enjoy and share the "YEAR of the HORSE"!
It's an inspiring little video celebrating a magnificent year of equine rescue, sanctuary and education from the Wild For Life Foundation (WFLF). Click here to watch on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/0PrvEU8-9ko

All the horses in this video were rescued from life threatening situations. Sadly they were all facing gruesome slaughter.  Many of them had also been brutally chased down by helicopters and ATV's during roundups, and others were victims of starvation, abuse and neglect.  But thanks to caring and compassionate people like you, we were able to save them all from these horrific cruelties. 

Won’t you open the door to your heart this holiday season to horses in desperate need? Your generous gift will help ensure that this program remains part of the care available to starved, displaced, abused, neglected and slaughter bound wild and domestic horses served by the Wild For Life Foundation. Please consider making a difference in the lives of these victimized animals today. Your donation in any amount will help save lives and is tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law.  https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=3ZRRBK6W3BULG

Wild For Life Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity which relies 100% on donations. Our work is only made possible with the generous help from our community of supporters. We thank you for your commitment to our mission to save, protect and preserve America's horses. Contributions may be made payable to Wild for Life Foundation and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Federal ID No. 26-3052458  

To contribute by mail:
Wild for Life Foundation
19510 Van Buren Blvd, #F3236
Riverside, CA 92508

BREAKING: California auctioneer charged for sending horse to slaughter



June 6, 2014, California auctioneer charged for sending horse to slaughter.
Madera County Sherriff and KPIX Channel 5 News reports auctioneer Billy Ray Brown Jr., was arrested and charged in a case involving professional rodeo horses and CA auction records traced to a slaughterhouse in Canada.
Many California (CA) residents are shocked by the news which broke yesterday on the heels of an
investigation probing into the illegal CA trade of horses for slaughter. “It’s been going on for years”, states Katia Louise, Wild For Life Foundation President, Director, Saving America’s Horses. “CA horses through no fault of their own, wind up at these auction houses where known kill-buyers seek to meet their quota as driven by the foreign market for horsemeat.  Once designated as food animals most protections under the humane laws no longer apply to them. The records of their sale(s) are conveniently lost or somehow unavailable, making it next to impossible to trace their torturous journey through the slaughter pipeline.  
The average American doesn’t realize that America's wild and domestic horses and burros are being sold in a seedy underground market for their meat at auction and shipped to slaughter in Mexico and Canada for human consumption abroad. Polls indicate of those Americans who are aware, 80% are opposed to these insidious activities.
The 1998 CA 'Prohibition on Slaughter of Horses and Sale of Horsemeat for Human Consumption' prohibits any person from possessing, transferring, receiving or holding any horse, pony, burro or mule with intent to kill it or have it killed, where the person knows or should know that any part of the animal will be used for human consumption, and provides that a violation constitutes a felony offense.  “But horses are virtually being laundered through auction, trade and backyard barn sales, adds Ms Louise.  “The total lack of enforcement is fueled by an absence of appropriated funds which enables the transfer and transport of equines without regulatory inspections or paper trails.”  Yesterday’s summer camp ponies, today’s racehorses and tomorrow’s family pet ponies whose boarding contracts go unpaid, are disappearing across CA state borders into neighboring states where no protective laws exist.
Just last month, the 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill was approved by the Senate with defunding language intact, which prohibits federally required inspections of horse slaughter facilities in the United States. Without funding for USDA inspections of horsemeat, horse slaughter plants cannot re-open in the U.S. However, there are no federal laws prohibiting the sale or transport of horses across federal borders to be slaughtered outside of the states.
Due to the absence of this federal protection, over 100,000 American horses are shipped across federal borders to slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada each year. What most people don't realize is that 92% of the horses sent to slaughter are sound, young and healthy. These are among America’s finest and brightest horses; champion show horses, Thoroughbred racehorses, professional rodeo horses and even wild horses taken from their native lands.
What can people do to help the horses?
Get the true facts and help raise awareness. Support Wild For Life Foundation and other reputable anti-slaughter equine rescues and sanctuaries.  Ask your state representatives to support the currently pending federal legislation; HR 1094 and SB 541, (the Safeguard American Food Exports Act of 2013), which would prohibit the sale or transport of equines and equine parts in interstate or foreign commerce for human consumption.  Talk to others in your local horse communities and encourage them to implement protective measures to keep horses from being sold, given away or auctioned for slaughter.  Enforceable safety provisions can help assure their horses' safety and welfare for the lifetime of each horse.

Learn more and share: www.SavingAmericasHorses.org
http://www.lifetimeequinerefuge.org/adoption.html
Watch Saving America's Horses trailer: http://youtu.be/7Qb68DTz5RQ

Read the June 5th article about the arrest of the CA auctioneer: http://tinyurl.com/lvbbgj5

World-renowned Tenor Anthony Kearns to Headline Wild for Life Foundation’s Charity Spring Benefit


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
T
hursday, March 21, 2014
NEWS RELEASE
Tenor Anthony Kearns to Headline Wild for Life Foundation’s Charity Spring Benefit Wine Tasting Reception on Saturday, March 29, 2014 in San Diego, CA
Benefit to “Celebrate Life, Horses and Healing and Honor our Veterans” with Honorary Co-Chair, Actor Ken Wahl, and other special guests

SAN DIEGO, CA – World-renowned Tenor Anthony Kearns will be the featured entertainer at the exclusive “Charity Spring Benefit Wine Tasting Reception” hosted by the Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity dedicated to protecting, saving and preserving wild and domestic equines, on March 29, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in San Diego, CA. The organization also promotes “enhancing human life, especially for foster children and military veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war through the healing power of horses.”

Katia Louise, Founder, President and Volunteer Executive Director of WFLF, said: “We’re honored that the immensely talented Mr. Anthony Kearns can join us to be our evening’s featured entertainer. It is going to be an exquisite evening to raise funds for our new Wild for Life Foundation Charity Sanctuary and Wellness Center, which strives to provide programs with a focus on its community enrichment equine wellness activities; robust equine assisted programs for disadvantaged youth, active duty military, and veterans and their families; and proven equine assisted coaching for organizations.” Plans for the new facilities will help it align with the EAGALA Military Services Designation (MSD) and when funded will be managed by the WFLF BOD and Rob Pliskin, MSSA, LSW, an EAGALA Dual Certified Professional, who has been gentling wild horses for over 15 years. Pliskin will also attend the event.


“Coming from Ireland, where horses are so much a part of our culture, it gives me great pleasure to lend my voice to support worthy causes that protect horses and promote healing for those in need through horse-assisted therapy,” said Kearns. Kearns, who recently released a new solo CD (“With a Song in My Heart”), is a founding member of the singing sensation, The Irish Tenors – one of PBS’ most popular acts of all time.

Mr. Kearns will perform as part of the evening program and he will be available afterwards for a special meet-and-greet. "Anthony Kearns’ powerful voice will add a beautiful dimension to an evening dedicated to uniting horses and heroes in healing,” said Kirsten Fedewa, Kearns' publicist.

Kearns, who also has a robust international solo career, has become a favorite among the U.S. military and military service organizations. Last year, he performed as the guest of General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in tribute to Medal of Honor recipients and at the World War II Memorial to honor the nation's "Greatest Generation." In 2012, he a featured guest entertainer in the PBS Special, “America’s Veterans: A Musical Tribute,” with the U.S. Air Force Band. Last year, he opened the televised National Memorial Day Parade program – the nation’s largest – in the U.S. capital.


The event will feature an exclusive live auction with custom artwork donated by one of the Nation’s most famous living artists, Peter Max, who is also a pop culture icon. Mr. Max has painted for six U.S. Presidents, and his art is on display in Presidential Libraries and U.S. Embassies.

Ms. Louise said that the reception will be “an exquisite sensory experience” with “a fabulous fusion du jour of hors d’oeuvres paired with hand-selected fine wines.” The Morningstar Foundation will provide an inspiring Native American cultural component to the program.


The reception on March 29th will be hosted by: Lisa and Scott Harris, Patent Attorney at Law Office of Scott C Harris, Linda Harris, Director of Ambassadors for Compassion; and prominent equine law attorney, Bing Bush, Jr. at the Law Offices of Bing I. Bush, Jr. Other event sponsors include the
Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes and the American Association of Equine Sports Preservation.

In addition, Actor Ken Wahl, who is best known for his Golden Globe award-winning lead role in the hit television series, Wiseguy, is the evening’s Honorary Co-Chairman. Sean Kelly, a popular standup comedian and a Desert Storm veteran will be the event’s emcee and auctioneer. Other high level guests will include Wildlife Ecologist and Wild Horse Expert, Craig Downer, members of the horse and entertainment industry, Native American council members, U.S. governmental representatives, and others. In addition, active and retired military from Camp Pendleton involved in the program will attend.

Tickets are $125 per person. Reservations are limited. For questions and ticket information, contact 310.439.9817310.439.9817 or email.

ABOUT ANTHONY KEARNS: Anthony Kearns first took the American television audience by storm in 1999 as the youngest member of The Irish Tenors, with whom he has five PBS Specials and 10 CDs. His solo career includes concerts, high-profile celebrity engagements, major television appearances, operas, and collaborations with some of the world's most renowned orchestras. Among his achievements, he has had the honor to perform for three U.S. Presidents. In fall 2013, Kearns released his first solo album, “With a Song in My Heart.” www.anthonykearnsmusic.com

ABOUT PETER MAX: One of the nation’s most famous living artists, Peter Max is also a pop culture icon. His bold colors, uplifting images and uncommon artistic diversity have touched almost every phase of American culture and inspired many generations. He has painted for six U.S. Presidents, and his art is on display in Presidential Libraries and U.S. Embassies. From art that appeared on the first U.S. 10-cent stamp bearing the title “Preserve the Environment,” to 235 U.S. Border murals greeting millions of people entering America each year, Mr. Max seeks to capture themes of America at its finest in his art. www.petermax.com

ABOUT THE WILD FOR LIFE FOUNDATION: The Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) is a 501 (c)(3) U.S. registered tax exempt nonprofit charity. The WFLF has been at the forefront of efforts to rescue and provide safe harbor for at risk animals, providing the space, natural habitat and quality of care which they deserve. The WFLF’ aim is to provide charitable equine assisted learning activities together with equine-therapy programs to aid youth and adults in building positive life skills. The WFLF is internationally recognized as a leader in animal welfare -- among our greatest concerns are imperiled wild horses and burros, abused, neglected and slaughter bound wild and domestic equines, and inadequate standards of protection for America’s equine population as a whole. The WFLF promotes the preservation of natural ecosystems, wildlife and the prevention of cruelty to animals. We strive to preserve and celebrate Native heritage and cultures through embracing harmonious relationships among people, animals and nature. The WFLF is achieving these goals through operating equine rescue, sanctuary, education and wellness programs which provide community enrichment through fostering symbiotic environmental stewardship and a healing partnership with horses. www.wildforlifefoundation.org.

CONTACT:  Email / Tel: (310) 439-9817

New Partnership to Aid Horses, Veterans and Youth

-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-

Wild for Life Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
March 20, 2014

THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF EQUINE SPORTS PRESERVATION PARTNERS WITH WILD FOR LIFE FOUNDATION TO PROMOTE EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING PROGRAMS FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND DISADVANTAGED YOUTH 

Los Angeles, CA- The Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) is pleased to announce its recent partnership with the American Association of Equine Sports Preservation (AAESP) in a combined effort to promote horse preservation, along with equine-assisted programs that help children with autism, military veterans, and other victims of post-traumatic stress disorder.

"We are thrilled to partner with the AAESP, whose support has been unwavering for our lifesaving work on behalf of America's horses," said Katia Louise, Founder, President and Volunteer Executive Director, WFLF. "We hope this partnership will continue into the future by helping to embrace the healing hearts of horses as we strive to create a better world for horses and people for generations to come."

The AAESP most recently announced its support for the WFLF's expansion of its equine assisted learning
programs in conjunction with our new Equine Sanctuary facilities in San Diego, CA. The AAESP will help to showcase the powerful accomplishments of the Wild For Life Foundation and its Saving America's Horses initiative, with a focus on its community enrichment equine wellness activities and robust equine-therapy programs for disadvantaged youth, active duty military and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To help champion the way, the AAESP has just become a lead sponsor for WFLF's upcoming Spring Benefit Reception which will take place in beautiful Rancho Santa Fe, CA on March 29th.

"The WFLF is grateful for the AAESP's sponsorship of the WFLF's Saving America's Horses booth at the 15th Annual EAGALA conference which took place in Mesquite, TX just last week," added Ms. Louise. "The WFLF booth at the conference was visited by numerous conference attendees who were able to engage and learn from our compelling multimedia educational materials."

"There are not enough horses in the world to heal hurting humans," said Allison Booth, President and Founder, AAESP.  Mrs. Booth was saved by horses as a young girl, and now she is saving them. Booth's mission is to "make the world a better place for horses and their habitats - and for humans who can be helped by horses." As a crusader for many causes, Booth has demonstrated a strong will and fierce determination to help the creatures that have been her constant companions: horses. Booth herself has been influenced by horses and their mystical ability to change people's lives.

The Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) is a 501 (c)(3) U.S. registered tax exempt nonprofit charity. The WFLF has been at the forefront of efforts to rescue and provide safe harbor for at risk animals, providing the space, natural habitat and quality of care which they deserve. The WFLF' aim is to provide charitable equine assisted learning activities together with equine-therapy programs to aid youth and adults in building positive life skills. The WFLF is internationally recognized as a leader in animal welfare -- among our greatest concerns are imperiled wild horses and burros, abused, neglected and slaughter bound wild and domestic equines, and inadequate standards of protection for America's equine population as a whole. The WFLF promotes the preservation of natural ecosystems, wildlife and the prevention of cruelty to animals. We strive to preserve and celebrate Native heritage and cultures through embracing harmonious relationships among people, animals and nature. The WFLF is achieving these goals through operating equine rescue, sanctuary, education and wellness programs which provide community enrichment through fostering symbiotic environmental stewardship and a healing partnership with horses. www.WildforlifeFoundation.org, https://twitter.com/savingamehorses, https://www.facebook.com/WildforLifeFoundation, @savingamehorses #savingamehorses

The mission of AAESP is to make the world a better place for horses and their habitats - and for humans who can be helped by horses by protecting the historical, cultural and economic value of equestrian sports, and related industries, throughout the world in recognition of the innumerable contributions of horses to mankind over centuries.  AAESP helps give horses a new job after they retire from the track by showcasing equine-assisted programs that help children with autism, military veterans, and other victims of post-traumatic stress disorder. http://www.aaesp.org , www.facebook.com/AAESP, @AAESP2013 #AAESP

CONTACT:
Wild for Life Foundation

American Association of Equine Sports Preservation

###

Welcome Back the Thunders Ceremony Honoring the Horse Nation


Welcome Back the Thunders (Wakiya Oyate) Ceremony Honoring the Horse (Sunka Wakan Oyate) Nation
-An important message from Chief Arvol Looking Horse

In the past the Welcome Back the Wakiya Oyate - Thunder Ceremony has always been done on March
21st, but because there is an International effort to respect the Mini wic’oni – the Water of Life – it was decided to unite our prayers and our energy, and to hold the event on March 22nd, on United Nations World Water Day.

In the history of our People, this is the time to do our ceremony to Welcome Back the Thunders. This ceremony for our Nation – The Buffalo Oyate (Lakota, Dakota, Nakota), has always taken place in the Heart Of Mother Earth – The Sacred Black Hills at Harney Peak, South Dakota. Russell Eagle Bear and Ben Rodd have been in the forefront for organizing this important ceremony for a long time. Each year many school bus loads of children, along with Elders and the People make this pilgrimage to offer prayers on top of Harney Peak.

As the Keeper of the Sacred Bundle, I would also like to acknowledge the importance of the Sunka Wakan Oyate – the Horse Nation. When I was taught the teachings and history of the Bundle, the Elders told me that the Horse Ceremony came along with the original teachings - 19 generations ago. We pray to the West, the Horse Nation, who attends to this direction in order to bring rain. The main medicine of the rain brings life, health and well being, this is why water is called Mini wic’oni – Water of Life.

Today the Horse Nation is being dismissed as having no worth any longer in this Society. There is no-where for them roam free and in places were they feel they have worth along with humans, they are being dismissed and replaced. Along with the Buffalo, they have been massacred, with no respect for their spiritual energy they give to this turtle island. If the assault of the Horse Nation is allowed to continue: this disrespect can affect the blessings from the Wakiya Oyate.

Today we are faced with many global challenges that affect the Mini Wic’oni in order for its medicine to be pure. We are at the time where these challenges can affect the survival of the generations to come; we need to pay attention.
 
I humbly ask People of All Nations to open your hearts and minds to this important information of how all things are connected. The future generations and all life upon Mother Earth depend on you to offer your thoughts and prayers on this day with us. I will be in Grandmother Country (Canada) spreading this important information and joining all who hold these issues sacred.
 
In a Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning!
 
Ana-h’opta po
Hear my words!
 
Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle
 
To download the pdf of this message please follow this link:
www.savingamericashorses.org/Welcome_Back_the_Thunder_A_message_from_Chief_Arvol_Looking_Horse.pdf

About Chief Arvol Looking Horse:
Arvol Looking Horse was born on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. At the age of 12, he was given the responsibility of becoming the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, the youngest ever. He is widely recognized as a chief and the spiritual leader of all three branches of the Sioux tribe.

He is the author of White Buffalo Teachings and a guest columnist for Indian Country Today. A tireless advocate of maintaining traditional spiritual practices, Chief Looking Horse is the founder of Big Foot Riders which memorializes the massacre of Big Foot's band at Wounded Knee.

Cheif Looking Horse's prayers have opened numerous sessions of the United Nations and his many awards include the Juliet Hollister Award from the Temple of Understanding, a Non-Governmental Organization with Consultation Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. He lives on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.

Cheif Looking Horse is also a lead speaker and Honorary Board Member in WFLF's documentary film, SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES.

Saving America's Horses to Present at the 2014 EAGALA Conference

SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES in Dallas, TX Mar 12-15, 2014, at the 15th Annual EAGALA Conference

The Wild for Life Foundation and Saving America's Horses is honored to partner with the The American Association of Equine Sports Preservation (AAESP) to present and exhibit at the 15th Annual EAGALA conference. The American Association of Equine Sports Preservation showcases equine-assisted programs that help children with autism, military veterans, and other victims of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Wild for Life Foundation is expanding its equine assisted learning programs in conjunction with its Equine Sanctuary facility in San Diego, CA. The successful placement of rehabilitated rescue horses in turn serve community needs through adoption and therapy programs and thus helps to alleviate the strain of housing for these horses as they heal and re-enter equine communities.

Exhibiting Dates: Wed-Friday, Mar 13- 15th

Pick up educational materials at the American Association of Equine Sports Preservation, Wild for Life Foundation/ Saving America's Horses booth. Visit our booth and enter for a chance to win your choice of a SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES Theatrical Movie Poster or a pair of SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES car door magnets.

Featurette Screening of SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES

WHEN: THUR, MAR 13, 2014, 8:30PM
WHERE: 15th Annual EAGALA Conference
Mesquite Convention Center and Arena
Mesquite (Dallas), Texas

Special Featurette Screening of SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES, a landmark film filled with spectacular visuals and compelling facts. A must see film for anyone who cares about a horse. WINNER of 12 International Awards.

Meet Robert Pliskin, LSW, Dual Certified EAGALA Professional, WFLF Advisory Board Member/ Robert will be present at the Exhibit Booth and will also Present the SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES featurette.

The Wild for Life Foundation - Saving America's Horses booth at the EAGALA Conference is sponsored by the American Association of Equine Sports Preservation (AAESP).


Saving America's Horses is an educational multimedia program under the Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF),a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charity dedicated to elevating life and healing through community enrichment and social engagement. We are focused on building compassion and positive life skills through a range of wellness and educational programs that respond to the needs of a healthy community. WFLF promotes the preservation of natural ecosystems, wildlife and the prevention of cruelty to animals. We strive to preserve and celebrate Native heritage and cultures through embracing harmonious relationships among people, animals and nature as a collective whole. WFLF’s Saving America’s Horses informs, inspires, and empowers the public for the greater good in saving, preserving and protecting wild and domestic equines and their significant roles in our world’s ecosystem and history for a better world now and for generations to come.  Federal ID No. 26-3052458 

The mission of the American Association of Equine Sports Preservation (AAESP) is to make the world a better place for horses and their habitats – and for humans who can be helped by horses by protecting  the historical, cultural and economic value of equestrian sports, and related industries, throughout the world in recognition of the innumerable contributions of horses to mankind over centuries.  We help give horses a new job after they retire from the track by showcasing equine-assisted programs that help children with autism, military veterans, and other victims of post-traumatic stress disorder.

LINKS
Wild For Life Foundation
American Association of Equine Sports Preservation
Saving America's Horses
Lifetime Equine Refuge
EAGALA CONFERENCE INFO