In the heart of Arizona, Wild Horse Rescue Arizona has been working tirelessly to save wild horses trapped in dangerous mud pits. On April 26, Betty Nixon, a dedicated volunteer from Friends of the Heber Wild Horses, received an urgent call for help: a mare was trapped in a mud pit near Sitgreaves National Forest in Heber-Overgaard. She immediately gathered some ropes, enlisted a neighbor’s assistance, and rushed to the site.
When she arrived, a foal had already been rescued, but the mother horse was still stuck, struggling in the thick, sticky mud. According to Nixon, this water hole was once a reliable source of water for wild horses, but a long-running drought has made it a hazardous, life-threatening area. Unfortunately, because wild horses are not classified as livestock, the U.S. Forest Service isn’t responsible for their rescue efforts or for restoring the water source.
Challenges of Wild Horse Rescue Arizona Amid Drought Conditions
Seven volunteers, including Nixon, worked together for over an hour to free the mare. They used ropes and patience, trying to avoid harming the exhausted horse as they carefully maneuvered the ropes around her body. The situation was difficult—getting a rope under the mare and securing it without causing harm was challenging. The group eventually decided to wrap the rope around her neck, ensuring they pulled gently to avoid choking her.
The mare did her part as well, using her strength to help herself rise. With the team’s coordinated effort, she was eventually freed and was able to stand, though unsteadily. The mare, alongside her foal, was able to return to the forest, grateful and safe.
Wild Horse Rescue Arizona’s Continued Efforts to Protect Horses
Following the incident, Nixon witnessed two more horses trapped in the same mud pit. Both required assistance, and she was quick to respond, continuing the vital work of Wild Horse Rescue Arizona. The drought has created significant strain on the landscape, limiting access to food and water for wildlife. The U.S. Forest Service recognizes the situation’s severity, noting that the mud pit will likely dry up soon, but the challenges of rescuing these wild animals remain.
Despite the odds, the volunteers’ collective effort showcased the power of community action. In this ongoing effort to help the wild horses of Arizona, Wild Horse Rescue Arizona remains a crucial organization in protecting and rescuing these magnificent creatures from the dangers of a drought-stricken environment.
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Source: www.people.com
