Anatomy of a Roundup - Swasey 2013

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[@jinglejangle1877]

No words for this, only tears.

[@pepsiboorowe]

One good thing to celebrate is that the young bay colt (now named Swaysey) which kept calling to his mother, was adopted by Ginger Kathrens, the narrator of this video and the founder of The Cloud Foundation.

[@bridgetholladay4981]

At least he got a good home for sure

[@karenparker2000]

Thanks for enduring the nightmares, Ginger, in documenting these endless injustices...I couldn't do it. You say it best...this is a fiscal train wreck and humane disaster.

[@EraseAllMemory]

The only reason I "liked" this, is because I am grateful that you shared it. It is absolutely heart wrenching to watch. How cattle ranchers get to pay to graze on public land that is set aside primarily for wild horses is just beyond me...and infuriating. The separation of the family units, and utter disregard for the structure of the family for horses is heart breaking. Reminds me of an equine version of the concentration camps in Nazi Germany. Horrible.

[@kidfromstatenisland]

Me, too. Send this to your Congresscretins and say NO TO THIS. DEMAND IT.

[@katrine3445]

that poor little guy. It really makes me cry. How can anyone think this is okay?

[@jrhalli2]

with every passing year, the abuses, injustices and greed-centric decisions perpetrated against the people, the environment and natural resources by "our" government only seems to get worse. never thought i'd say this, but each year that passes, i feel less proud to be a U.S. citizen.* it feels wrong to even say that, but it's true. the abuses depicted in this video illustrate the point perfectly. and until we - as a people - value doing the right thing more than always the most profitable thing, the downward path we seem to be on will continue. i hope we can change directions soon. *i mean no disrespect to patriots - civillian, military or otherwise.

[@horsesviolins2349]

True. Too bad we couldnt have gotten Mitt Romeny. They need to ska the BLM, and put actual horse people such as the cloud foundation and let them be in charge of things. Another problem is I would be a bit more okay with the slaughter, IF IT WERE TO BE DONE HUMANELY. I see no problem as to quickly killing an animal and eating it. It would still upset me, but then the horses wouldnt feel anything if done right.

[@gilliansillustrations]

Thank you! I am glad I am not the only US citizen who thinks this. Sometimes I feel like a traitor when thinking this, but I have been to other countries that look hate our government but when I visited there not one dirty comment or sneer. It makes me feel guilty because people over here wouldn't do the same. All we can try to do is be the better person and extend kindness, but thank for making me not feel alone.

[@jerusalemlibby986]

Thank you, Ginger, for bringing this to everyone attention.

[@HumaneObserver]

Great work on this, Ginger. Thank you!

[@tallylass711]

Thank you Ginger, for hanging in there and producing such a perfect picture of the problem. I do not understand how our governmental leaders can continue to let this issue go unchecked. The GAO has repeatedly cited the mismanagement of the Mustangs and our public lands for over a decade. The facts are there. All we can do is continue to spread the word and hope the numbers of Americans who speak up against this practice, as well as the practice of leasing our public lands changes!

[@mrmike225]

Well done, Ginger. Thank you for being there to tell this story.

[@paulatoddking2791]

A wonderful video that tells the truth about the inhumane round ups. When will people wake up and take action. This has to stop. It's up to us to keep screaming at the top of our lungs until it does, or until we die, whichever comes first. Anyone who watches this video and does not take action - well, just do it. Call the President, your elected officials and demand that this insanity stop.

[@donnagentile]

This just breaks my heart. I'm not sure what else I can do. I made a music video to raise awareness. This was really hard to watch, and as a survivor of domestic violence and abuse, I have very strong feelings about this and zero tolerance for abuse of any kind toward humans or animals. The fact that this is going on, on a very big scale I might add, is just unfathomable, unacceptable and so very troubling.

[@JackOllie4]

This is heartbreaking, and they just keep doing it. How on earth can we reach a point where this will stop? Thank you to all the people who keep on trying. "The greatness of a society and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals."~Mahatma Gandhi. I know we have many individuals whose hearts break over the treatment of these horses. I'm glad for that, at least.

[@lm5305]

Why are there soooo many HEARTLESS people out there!!!????

[@kayla1955]

It just makes me SICK!!!

[@emmaray2997]

The palomino stallion reminds me of Cloud I hope he is still alive and velvet too

[@sharigordon6312]

I just saw this at fundraiser for The Cloud Foundation. Very sad what is happening. Seems like another day, another round up. Tragic. I have been to the Sand Wash Basin near Craig, Colorado and saw the horses. There was so much land and so few horses that I couldn't fathom why the BLM does these roundups. Just recently roundups happened at The Warm Spring Herd Management Area in Oregon. The BLM-set “Appropriate Management Level” for Warm Springs is 96-178 wild horses, or as low as one wild horse for every 4,953 acres.? How frickin ridiculous is that! I keep calling Senators to speak up for our wild horses. If you want to help the horses, please call your Congress people.

[@kirkbiker]

As I sit here sobbing watching this I want to know what can I do. A contractor should not make money on this type of CRUELTY. I watched up to 3:23 of this video and can watch no more. I want to scream.

[@pix4434]

the sound of the colts cries tears me up inside. To be pulled away from his mother at such a young age after having a traumatic event just happen is HORRIBLE!!!

[@AnhNguyen-ow4mq]

This is very sad. Thank you for sharing this video. The inhumane of our governent (BLM) makes me cry and feeling very sick. What can we do to help these innocent wild horses? Thanks again.

[@Cracard]

Superb video on terrible injustice to America's last few wild horses! The monstrous insensitivity of officials/contractors who did this outrage out of their hypocritical sense of duty is deplorable! Take this message to heart. Demand change to turn situation around for wild horses and their freedom. They are returned natives and restorers of North American ecosystem. Read The Wild Horse Conspiracy available on amazon.com

[@barrelracewinner2116]

i believe those of you commenting need to seek information befor watching only one side of the documentary.. the deserts will only sustain so many animals and we need to choose between our hearts or feeding our families. those of us ranching choose to feed our family. if u r so upset about their treatment and well being adopt those captured and take care of them everyday and spend your money and time to care for them.

[@katetrigg6443]

How many horses in total were rounded up?

[@AliceEventing]

I cant believe what kind of people would not realise that the poor boy colt was in stress and under pressure!!! this is just cruel and disgusting

[@tallylass711]

Call the White House, call your Congressional leaders, and write to the Secretary of the Interior. Share this plight with others and hope our voices grow in such magnitude that the people in Washington, D.C. take action.

[@saundratrumbull93]

I am so sickened.

[@DirectorDevilDog]

I don't understand, what is happening?

[@SeraconEquestrian]

this really makes my upset.... they're are other ways than to round them up and take away they're freedom....

[@mandakay42]

I hate seeing this being the reality of the Mustangs.. It's horrible. But I'm happy at least to have helped give one of these Mustangs a home. The bay pinto shown in the center of the screen at 6:58 (now named Ranger) is home safe with 4 other adopted BLM Mustangs.

[@marycremo7820]

sadly this is not different from what canada did to the first nations peoples removing them from their lands and seperating them from families,and these wild horses being treated this way is not any different.I do not think that people should nocollect so many horses from the wild,due to the fact that they are too many domesticated unwanted horses still looking for homes.

[@franmorrison]

Not just Canada. The US raped First Nations people of their land, their culture and now they are doing it to the horses on whose backs they built North America! Human beings are just plain cruel and greedy.

[@Hulk_Mania]

I could not see the whole video it was hard to see them tortured from stress and their young ones separated from their parents. So sad

[@1HippieChick]

I bet you use spurs on your horses too...sick!

[@Adeline9418]

The fact that they train horses to bring the horses in is equally evil.

[@debbieanderson9610]

I am sickened by the actions of our government. I think it is inhumane and a tragedy that our government spends our hard earned money in such a useless and mean way. I am outraged! What can the average citizen do to help?

[@CountryLove27]

I hope all those involved in that torture rot in hell.

[@Gosmokeanddalejr]

The wildlife researchers are beginning to suspect that their mother was unable to feed her young because she herself is starving because there are no feeder fish as in anchovies are GONE!! But that's okay humans over fish to feed their fat faces, while the wild life continues to starve. You said yourself that we have to decide between our hearts and feeding our families. Continuing on in a third post.

[@xHanaxHeartx]

this is disgusting..i would love to make the families of those BSM workers run for miles and to split up any mother/children...they need to know what it feels like! This has got to stop! it is so inhumane and actually disturbing to watch. We, as humans, treat animals with such little respect but then demand it in return, its a joke!

[@Rachett969]

It's really sad because the foals are only seperated because they want to tame them so then people would buy them. On the other hand, I mostly think of slaughter for the stallions and mares. LEAVE THEM ALONE

[@lindynik]

Eating beef and other meats keeps ranching a profitable business. It is all connected.

[@Gosmokeanddalejr]

Mustangs are not the only wild animal to be at the mercy of farmers/cowboys( and I use the term LOOSELY) who are incroaching every year and pushing the animals out from wildlife preserves, meadows and forests into desert like land which just about has little to no vegetation or vegetation that they cannot eat to sustain themselves and get proper nutrients.

[@franmorrison]

those bastards doing that to wild horses. They should have that done to them. Better yet, too bad the horses wouldn't trample them so they would never walk again.

[@beverlycass1840]

Why do people always think they can manage nature better than nature can? And the price animals pay.......

[@harrisjo-ann9700]

Poignant depiction the cruel wild horse round ups. It`s always about the all might dollar and to hell with well-being of the horses and other animals that inhabit the range. It`s time the US Government do the right thing about these round ups and allocated the rightful amount of land for these animals, thus putting a stop to ranchers from over grazing horses rightful grazing land. Isn`t this land set aside for them and not grazing herds.

[@leannebell5689]

These people are so cruel! Ehat is wrong with some people? Why are You so damn greedy? You have no heart! I really wish this could be done to You then You would feel what they are feeling? Or don't You have feelings? You're heartless & greedy! It makes me physically sick & breaks my heart for these beautiful animals! Poor things! There's a special place in Hell for people like You!!!!

[@Spiderrancher]

What must we do to get Washington's attention. I'm ashamed to live in a country with so little respect for it's native wild animals (yes they are don't even try it). We as citizens I guess we have something to look forward to as to how they will treat us...oh, I guess they already do

[@brendaalvarez4658]

Leave the horses alone!!!!

[@FreedomRunsFree]

This has got to STOP!!! Obama, you have the power... no matter if it's Salazar pr the new lady... just STOP IT!!! What's the matter with you all?!

[@trueheartfarm8831]

To show up to tell the story of the black hearted soleless individuals ripping the horse's from home ranges & freedom ,yet turns into paid for sale heartless monsters them selfs ... How do you live with your self s ???? Just dicusting....

[@kyahsanders7461]

Why would people do such a thing I'm a young girl and I know that that is wrong yes horses might over populate but having them sold or killed is unfair if I where them I'd stop the nonsense and know that it's not there fault for being in the world and being born

[@Gosmokeanddalejr]

Fourth post. Then people freak out when wild animals they deem to be "Dangerous" such as mountain lions, bears, raccoons and wolves stroll by the local neighborhood that was their home no less than a couple of years ago. Two at the most. But lets continue to be narcissistic and only think of ourselves and our family. The earth will reset like a video game every day and replenish everything that was lost the day before. Grow up and by the way don't even reply to me as well.

[@SamLizziesmom]

I can understand a need to control the population. So herding a FEW females & males and cutting them would do that! Not massive removals! And to the ranchers who use the land for their "herds". I thought that was why you bought your OWN land!? That FEDERAL land is ti be kept as in NATURE! Which means the horses get the 87% and YOU get the 13%. Not vice versa. If you can't manage your herds on 13% the YOU need smaller herds NOT the horses!

[@Hen9207]

The roundup here is cruel but think of the pain these horses could experience while living wild. Struggling in the weather conditions and terrain, no available food or water, no vet treatment if they are sick or injured. Maybe some of them will get a more comfortable life now. Maybe wild freedom is not always preferable.

[@beverlycass1840]

Nature takes care of itself if people would leave it alone.

[@williamwaha3193]

Hen9207 --- The roundup here is cruel but think of the pain these horses could experience while living wild. Struggling in the weather conditions and terrain, no available food or water, no vet treatment if they are sick or injured. Maybe some of them will get a more comfortable life now. Maybe wild freedom is not always preferable. ----- Your logic doesn't make sense -- If there is NO FOOD or WATER - Then why do Ranchers pay a premium to graze their livestock on those lands ? There was FOOD and WATER until the Ranchers grazed on those lands . You don't put domestic livestock on empty lands and expect them to survive without food and water. So there must be food and water otherwise there would be NO REASON to get a grazing permit in the first place . As far as Maybe they'll get a more comfortable life now ---- Most of these horses will stay in long term facilities for the rest of their lives ,they won't get a more comfortable life . The ones who go to so-called "Rescues or Sanctuaries" wont even get a comfortable future . The "Rescues/Sanctuaries" depend on donations , they themselves do not have the money to care for the horses they got - lots of these so-called "rescue/sanctuaries" eventually get into trouble with the American Humane Society for neglect of the animals "They saved" . People get outraged and people will donate TODAY because of that outrage but those animals need donations tomorrow too and the next day and so on and so forth . The "Rescues " aren't "Rescues" because the future of the "Rescue" depends on continuous charity or large scale permanent donations . (You got a hundred Trillion you wish to donate ? I'll go get my 301(c) and you could donate it to me ). Truth is the only true way to "Rescue" these horses is to buy your own land , make / harvest your own hay and then "Rescue" as many as you can afford but seeing that you're getting older and older eventually you'll DIE and then your "Rescued" animals will need "Rescuing" again by someone else .As far as "Wild freedom " not being really preferable goes , they were roaming wild and free before you were born , you can only round them up now because they survived being wild and free and not just survived they thrived .

[@emmylunatic]

Feed your family off your own land , not ours. This is a bogus argument .

[@calliecarranza749]

This upsets me so much, it's not even funny. It amazing how much stupid people can ruin the lives of these wild horses. I don't see the point of trying to "keep the population down"...there is a reason they are called PREY ANIMALS. Most foals get killed by predators, or from illness, etc. Nature will take it's course. Like, when they put fences up, and the horses couldn't go down lower to keep warm, or what they inject the mares they foal off season.

[@mackenziewood2586]

Doing this in the cold is better. The horses don’t overheat as easily. Yes it’s hard to get through the snow sometimes, but it’s much better then doing it in the dead of summer. 70% of horses in holding pens are adopted. They are all ages and all sizes, and colors. This isn’t abusive. this isn’t mean. It is HELPING the horses. No way am I going to support you trying to kill these animals by leaving them in the wild to starve

[@HorseCrazy633]

Whoever thinks the roundups are cruel, well congratulations you know nothing about horses, their instincts, and behaviors. They separate the mothers from the weanlings because the mother's natural instincts are to protect their young which causes injuries to both horses and humans. I want to know why Ginger Kathrens adopted from the BLM when they are considered "cruel" by the Cloud Foundation? If they are inhumane then why adopt from them? Adopting from the BLM is actually supporting the roundups because majority of the horses up for adoption are from the roundups.

[@kyahsanders7461]

I don't think U know that that is cruel u should keep a foal with its mum because it will learn what to do and what not to do and it's animal cruelty

[@DATWagonator]

While I question their methods we have to maintain their numbers bc unchecked population growth is a serious problem and it will end in habitat destruction which might mean the end of all wild horses not to mention other wildlife in the area. I would love to hear alternatives to this method but all I ever hear is crying and moaning without giving alternatives that would keep from happening what I listed above.

[@DATWagonator]

I am no fan of the BLM or ranchers grazing cattle on public lands and lobbying to destroy the wild horse population just saying there's another side of the story and we need to solve the problem humanely .

[@amityakins921]

This is NOT right no matter what people say and then these people get paid for it! this is stupid!

[@renasmith4123]

Total bullshit leave them be. Greed.