We see many problems with Wild Horses when they are fenced-in, or limited within their Rangeland Movements. One of the situations that develops with a Wild Horse is Survivability-Ratio Decreases when limited movement occurs. For example, Sanctuary settings, when a Wild Horse cannot roam for long distances – Yes, one of the factors (of several more) of keeping a Wild Horse Wild, is their ability to roam.
Wild Horses maintain their hooves by moving long distances, 20 to 40 miles (30 to 60 km) a day, over rough terrains, wile roaming for pasture/graze locations. This keeps their hooves healthy and by building hard hooves (chipped hooves rebuild quickly when healthy, and Immune Systems’ strong) that do not need shoeing and wearing down (trimming) the hoof, which prevents overgrowth.
Additionally, natural selection only allows the survival of the fittest. So wild horses tend to have genetically healthier feet. Observation – 22 Bands of Wild Horses on 10,400 acres app. — compared to Mixed-Bands that roam 500 acres or less and darted w/experimental pesticides in what is termed Sanctuary Settings. Pesticides nor Toxic Chemicals “not” used upon the 22 Bands (John W. Cox, ongoing study 2010 – —-, unpublished). . .
In “unfenced wilderness areas”, Wild Horses will roam for many hours every day, across rough terrain, searching for pasture. We also have observed Mares that were darted with the experimental Pesticide PZP and Pesticide GONACON (experimental, mixed toxic chemicals that break-down the horse’s Immune System and Survivability Complex – then roam 500 acres or less in sanctuary settings) having many more problems with their hooves, as well as very dull-coats, that stand out from many of the other supposed Wild Horses (as well as appearing sickly at times). Hoof problems occur, Survivability Decreases, longevity of life span decreases. (i.e. Ibid . . . observed with Horses in Mixed-Band Groups on 500 acres or less)
Published Studies (Brian Hampson, 2011. The effects of the environment on the feral horse foot) have identified that although horses living in hard surface environments appear to have robust feet, they are subject to traumatic laminitis and concussive pathologies associated with this environment.) . . .
Lead Researcher Note: We find this to be true, but inconsistent with the larger Roam-Areas and Pesticides nor other Toxic Chemicals Not Used; yet, consistent in 500 Ares or less Sanctuaries . . .
Conclusion
Within this synopsis, we find from constant observations within Research Parameters or T-Points, that to maintain the Wild Nature of Wild Horses, minimal 10,000 acres Sanctuary setting mandatory, then left entirely along to accomplish what Wild Horses do Naturally – Provide a Healthy Ecological habitat. Anything smaller than prescribed, as observed, and the Wild Horses no longer Wild, but turn Domestic within a short-term of habitation – with all of the domestic horse circumstances and health issues.
We also observe a more costly approach, with the term Sanctuary, that also changes Horse Dynamics to a non-specified occurrence of mortality. We compared this to our 10,000 acre area minimum, where survivability, as well as Birth Rates Decrease Exponentially (1% to 3% consistently on a yearly basis).
Birth Rates also decrease, within a Natural Selection complex of 10,000 acres or more, providing a Birth-to-Death Rate a fundamental Natural Process of Birth Control (Ibid . . . 1% to 3% yearly), that does not Affect the Natural Habitat health; whereas, the use of experimental Pesticides, et al, does also, affect the Natural Health of the environment, as we observed the negative “Other” habitat circumstances develop uncontrolled by management.
We also find Birth Rates inconsistently larger within small sanctuaries and experimental toxic chemicals darted into horses, or, much higher, than the Natural Selection Process comparatively, when larger roam Areas for Sanctuary exist daily. We observed that the much larger characteristic of Birth Rates are intolerable in the smaller habitats, or those less than 10,000 acres or more, circumstance.
We have found the government’ statistics inconsistent with reality statistics, in the matters of Wild Horse Population Growth, while actually observing Wild Horses in the Field, both in Sanctuary settings as well upon Public Lands. Allowing Wild Horses to Roam Freely, essentially, and no Birth Controls used upon them, we find less population growth, and consistent Habitat Health a positive situation, as well as less costly to manage. (Unpublished – Research and Observation ongoing)
— Synopsis John W. Cox, Research Lead
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