Join Tawnee for a discussion about Reservation Horses

[@christinarouthier5825]

Love that the Navajo people are getting recognized for their skills. Im also so happy Horse Plus is involved with saving these beautiful horse's.

[@christinarouthier5825]

Tawnee, you are just so smart, brave, and persistent, I have no words for the amount of work you do and get accomplished.

[@carriemclean3092]

The first thing that I would like to say is that every American should have the utmost respect for the Navajo people. The Navajo were an integral part of winning WWII . . .due to the Navajo Code Talkers. These horse gentelers are amazing, talented people. I, like you, Tawnee have no doubt that the wild horses on BLM land are being pushed to reservations as they lease government land to cattle ranchers. Cattle ranchers don't want wild horse bands competing for grazing with cattle. There are not a lot of employment opportunities on or near these reservations, so I am so happy that this program has / is recognizing gentelers and providing a way to help them provide for their families while rescuing horses. I have had the privilege of doing a driving tour on one of these reservations and had a wild horse band run up a hill and past me while I had stepped out to snap a photo. It was one of the most profoundly beautiful and exilerating experiences of my life. ❤

[@nayrod4529]

The reservations deserve more assistance not just with animals. The people have every right to assistance and respect. Thank you for helping them and all animals. Donate, Donate.

[@psmithbell]

The gentlers are an amazing group. Not only are they getting horses gentled quickly, but I’ve noticed that the horses they feature get adopted right away. Even though many are just started, viewers see their personality and possibilities. This is HUGE. The handlers are so skilled. They deserve all the honors given to top trainers. I hope many more go into this field and become massively successful. They can wear what they want ❤❤❤

[@jenniferr8195]

I've watched the videos with the horse gentlers, and they are amazing to watch! The progress they make in such a short time with the horses they handle is wonderful! I honestly never looked at their feet! I hated to see the last horse gentlers leave so soon, we barely got to see them and their talented work with the horses! Anyone who is concerned with the footwear should step up and donate to HPHS for a pair of boots for the handler in appreciation for the awesome job they do! Tawnee did state that they are trying to support family and earn a living! Tawnee, such exciting and exceptional programs! Kudos to everyone involved in these amazing programs!

[@nebenwirkung_]

love that idea.... maybe some workwear for the gentlers can be donated as well.

[@joannnewbery4705]

I am so surprised that there were people being unkind to the Gentlers! I thought they were stunning and so exceptional with the horses. I hope the Navajo Gentlers will return and continue their success.

[@EMG-pi4cb]

Tawnee, you never cease to amaze me with your ingenuity, drive, dedication, research and resilience. So glad to be a supporter of Horse Plus.

[@Pumpkin-b4e]

Thank you Tawnee I'm in New Mexico the Navajo reservation is also the western side of our state. I have friends who are Navajo all great people and some do not leave the res. I love the horse gentlers have watched their training sessions they have a gift with horses and it should be respected. When you leave the reservation it can be a shock. Big admiration for their talent and such a wonderful experience for the horses. Sending Navajo prayers to the gentlers with sage for cleansing. I would love to adopt a draft mule or a mustang. God bless 🤍🦅🐎

[@mpeters4134]

To the Gentlers you are amazing please don't listen to negative comments.

[@lisbethmnstedlarsen6431]

I think its a worthwhile program helping these wild horses is a wonderful way to avoid these horses going to slaughter.I don´t have any money but I can share and spread the news by positive comments and I will do that and I will defend those being harassed.Its all I can do but consider it done.

[@marcinnozka1271]

👏👏👏👍👍👍🐎🐎🐎🙏🙏🙏🤞🤞🤞this has to be team work. To save these beautiful horses 🙏🙏🙏🤞🤞🤞

[@saranoyes9783]

What does it matter what someone wears on their feet or body 🤷‍♀️ the horse gentlers are fantastic, and it's magical watching what they can accomplish with a horse. They are there to help the horses, it's not a fashion show.

[@AK-st1vn]

The gentlers are mazing. Their kindness and patience toward these horses is absolutely awe-inspiring

[@dawnfeatherstone7155]

I would love for you to pass on for me, who is in Australia, every encouragement and respect to the gentlers. Tell them to ignore the negative comments, these comments are given by people who WISH they could do what these gentlers do. And because they can't, they pick something. If their love is gentling the horse, don't let anything steer you away from it. Be proud of what you do, I am.

[@barbarabentley5345]

The skill and patience of the Navajo gentler group need to be recognized and appreciated that take wild horses to adoption ready which is awesome! There are so many ways to work with hoses to get them gentled, there should be nothing but gratitude and support for anyone willing to do this amazing work. The new group of horses looks particularly beautiful- Appaloosa are a gorgeous breed and are native to North America.

[@nkmc2011]

As a long time resident of Az, I thank you for this.

[@brotchenmonster]

I am one of those people who are unfamiliar with reservations in general - I‘ve only driven through some in Alberta. So I too was asking questions to understand your rescue mission on the reservation. What I‘m trying to say: THANK YOU for educating me and I‘m sure many others! 🙏🏻🧡

[@HeleneBurger-o2n]

Watching from SA. Love your organization and the awesome work you do, thank you ❤

[@carollong3602]

I like amber and Shane and like seeing them work with the horses

[@Corgis175]

Long advocate of the indigneous people and know that as an Appy owner that the Nez Perce Indians under Chief Joseph had breed the Appy to high degree. We do owe the indigenous people so much and this program sounds fantastic.

[@myssakay]

Thank you for all the work you’re doing! It’s making such a difference. It seems like one of the largest things to get under control is breeding. I once read about standing/sedated vasectomies for stallions in the field, although I know it would be difficult with unhandled horses. There would need to be funding and a marking system to track it, but I just think about the sustainability of constantly racing against the breeding populations out there. There are like 300,000 wild horses in the US, 1/3 of which are on reservations. I pray that we see horse slaughter end in this country. I initially heard about these issues from Heartland years ago.

[@hemlock4519]

So excited about the ongoing and future plans with the Gentlers!! Many good points made.

[@koi---]

So grateful for you. 💜 everything you do, going to dc, working on big picture solutions, its amazing.. i feel awful all the time about how humans treat animals & wish there was something i can do to m protect them. you guys are truly amazing

[@TheGolferDC]

Thank you for your presentation and all your hard work. The video was very educational.

[@tracysutton3783]

We need to protect the gentlers by maybe filming from a distance or blurring them out? Until they feel more confident, just a thought, love them all, ♥️🤗🐴

[@SharonHopeWeaver]

Give positively to all rescues. Good POSITIVE GIVEN DOES SHOW & RECEIVE GOOD KARMA COMES BACK.

[@donnac.1609]

I have always felt this countries Mustangs are unique and wonderful. Our Reservations could by selective breeding, actually could develop their "own" breed of Mustangs. Slowly, over time it could really develop into something terrific!! I have seen some pretty good looking horses come of the Navajo Reservation. Their handlers are terrific and every rescue needs to get on board and use them.

[@bsoto7835]

Tawnee, The Mustang Classic 2025 (September 4-6) is just up the road from Horse Plus, in Lexington, Ky There will be a ton of Mustang support and interest! Might be a great networking/educational opportunity for Horse Plus (maybe a booth or display?).

[@Rgrn-e7z]

Most reservations don't have a lot of money and are very poor but also very proud people. Personally I think all horses need saved and that all slaughter of these magnificent animals need to be stopped , but it will take a great many people to do that.

[@donnac.1609]

Maybe as time moves forward on getting these reservation horses into rescues you can developed a freeze brand to identify them. Keeping track of each horse by brand so they can be recognized if an adoptor issue allows the horse to go to auction or even for resale identification. Reservations are not financially able to handle these horses; this program is wonderful.

[@danniroan6118]

It is crazy that these sick horses go to slaughter as food.

[@tanglezest7601]

The Navajo people are taking care of their land. They absolutely must reduce the number of horses, to prevent over grazing and erosion. On aired land it can take generations to recover from severe overgrazing (if it recovers at all). It must be just as hard for them to sell the horses to likely kill buyers as it is for the Horse Plus staff to give the last act of kindness. They do it only because they will have an ecological disaster if they don't. We really do need long term solutions. This program sounds like a good start.

[@christinarouthier5825]

A powwow is a great idea, let people see the native way.

[@bridgetcornman4495]

I think both programs are great! I do have to say that I did see some of those comments and I remember Leland having to address some of them as well.The gentlers seem very uncomfortable on camera though,even though they are amazing to watch maybe until this program gets more rooted,keeping them off camera may help until they become more comfortable off the reservation. Just a thought!

[@PernillaArtistic]

Great Job!! ❤

[@brigitteraaijmakers4599]

❤

[@30dayride67]

It seems to me that we need a rescue on the reservation with the gentlers doing their magic and an amazing marketing team. We'll never stop horse slaughter as long as there are more horses than homes for them (wild or domestic homes), so how do we keep the population in check? What birth control options are there and how does birth control alter the wild herds? Are altered horses allowed to remain in the herd or are they kicked out? I love all horses (all animals actually) and the wild horses have a special place in my heart as my first horse (after I outgrew my pony) was a mustang mare. It breaks my heart that so many are sent to slaughter or sit in BLM holding pens for years. There's been some good efforts to place them and promote them and the competitions are a lot of fun and lucrative if you're in the prizes and yet there's still far more horses than homes for them.

[@dawnfeatherstone7155]

OMG! Is that why they left? I thought they were doing fantastic and then poof! they're gone. WOW!! Sorry to see them gone and sorry they had negative comments.

[@meganbosco7016]

I was worried about that… everyone loves Hailey, Shane and Amber so much and that’s great! But not every person with Navajo or indigenous heritage is going to do things exactly the same. That doesn’t make the new people wrong. They didn’t deserve to be picked apart…

[@labyfan1313]

I was pretty sure that was the reason because I saw the negative comments on one of the vlogs. And before Leland commented on a negative comment about him so I knew the Gentlers see the comments posted on the videos.

[@topazzsky]

Are the Navaho and other gentlers willing to teach their skills to others at the Horse Plus facility so more people will have the skills to help your rescue and anyone willing to foster can safelywork with them? I would be interested in learning their gentling process and I'm sure others would too! I'd love to have a job with you doing this kind of work, or volunteer when I can, but the training of humans would help the training of horses!

[@debrawanous762]

The Navaho People is a very poor people. I mean no disrespect. These folks have been a forgotten group of Americans. Remember the Code Tslkers of WWII. That nation of people WERE the code talkers. I have been through the reservation, the poverty level is atrocious. I am so glad that they are finding a place in OUR society of non-Navaho people. I would encourage folks to drive through NE Arizona or NW New Mexico. You will be educated on the people of the Nation. They do indeed have to truck in water. Not just for the horses for the people. This area is a true desert. Except for the Rio Grande River Valley, there are very few water wells. Even the ranchers in the middle of the state have to truck in 500 gallon totes of drinking water at 11 cents per gallon. I know this because I have a property along the interstate about 30 miles east of Albuquerque. I cannot donate, because of my income, but if you can please donate to this program. I believe that you will not regret if. EVER. Please donate.

[@ErinAndKip]

Thank you for answering some of my questions. I want to start by saying the Navajo horse gentlers are AMAZING! I wish I had their skill. This is the best program for the horses. I'm glad they have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to understand horse behaviour. I wish they offered classes. I'm disappointed that US Government officials have dumped this in your lap. I will only say this once but I do not like the Republican Party in any way, shape, or form, and I'm especially disheartened by the President elect , because I don't think animals are high on his agenda. Is there any way that the Reservations could reduce their contract prices if they know these horses are going to rescue. What is the cost to the Reservations for these horses? A partnership is donations from the public, and the Reservations agreeing to reduce the charges for taking the horses to rescue. I don't know why they would charge the horse rescuers the same price as kill buyers especially when they are helping with the problem. I'm struggling with the US Government response and with the Reservations charging Rescues the same price as kill buyers. Are these horses really costing them money? I have donated before and I will donate again, but I would like someone to message me and answer my questions. I really appreciate what you do. ❤❤ Erin

[@doloresreynolds8145]

Those reservations have very few resources, and few ways to get income. The horses are one of them. They need to get as much per horse as possible.

[@ErinAndKip]

@doloresreynolds8145 hi Dolores, you have answered one of my questions. I live in Canada, and the indigenous people receive money from the Federal Government. I don't know how much they receive but I wanted to know if the Reservations relied on shipping these horses for income. This makes me very angry, because it seems the US politicians have dumped this problem onto Horse Plus, and as a consequence , their donors. This seems like a problem that is ultimately going to be solved by addressing voters and politicians who support this cause. It breaks my heart to see the beautiful animals that are being sent to slaughter, but I am so limited in what I can give. I appreciate that this is a situation that has been thrown at Horse Plus and they are doing their absolute best. They are my heros and heroins, but at some point, they will need to campaign for candidates who support their mission, and gain the support if voters. This problem has been ongoing for years, and I want the horses to be saved, but I truly believe this is going to come down to finding political candidates who support this mission, and gaining voter support. I want to help but I'm paycheque to paycheque, and I can't give money. I do share their videos, but most people are disengaged. It is going to take more than sole donor support, and I'm sorry but that is the writing on the wall. I love Horse Plus and their mission, and I'll do whatever I'm able to help. Erin

[@ninjanana1272]

👍👍❤

[@yvonnechristmas2616]

❤What do you think of the bith control darting thats going on in the western part of Canada ?

[@lauratower9873]

I watch the wild horses of Alberta great program😊

[@StephanieE55]

Could you focus the legislation (for now) on making the kill buyers have to conform to the same standards as rescues with coggins etc. /have to disinfect their trucks in between loads? If you approach it as a human health and safety issue (diphtheria) it may get more attention in DC. This can help slow down the rate at which horses are shipped and may cause kill buyers to turn away if they have to do more work. That paired with working with reservations and BLM on gelding can help control the population better may slow down the slaughter rate. I’m no expert but these are just a few thoughts I had.

[@vernaxxx8940]

Are you still going to have the capacity to rescue those old/sick/injured horses that were coming in on your regular buyouts? I hope so. Wild horses are all very well, but these old horses have lived with humans and deserve care to the end of their lives.

[@samanthaclarke3422]

What about a TNR type idea for the stallions, birth control shots, removing weaning age horses to be sold a few times a year?

[@samanthaclarke3422]

Also, branding

[@nicoladennett311]

Birth control doesn't work for horses in this situation. It has to be administered timely not something always able to do with wild horses. Gelding really is the easier option as once and done.

[@TheresaBoackburn]

Activate wiki on Ricky all the way go you go for a girl❤😊 Jason in which Galloway

[@JustJoyHowdy]

Aw, no captions.

[@tanajones390]

Why are the horses such a bother that they need to round them up and get rid of them?

[@intentonmiracles]

Is there a program to geld horses on the reservation? Would that slow down the growth of the herd?

[@susanefremides7277]

Why are the tails on the reservation horses cut off?

[@mels7735]

What happened to the last lot of reservation horses that came in with dypyheria?

[@topazzsky]

Up here in NY they do Chicken BBQs to raise money for charity. Maybe Horse plus could get donated chicken, volunteers to cook, and serve Chicken dinners(here it's Chicken Salt potatoes and coleslaw, sometimes baked beans), money could be raised for the reservation mustangs! Even churches could get together and do this for Horse Plus.

[@pjrademacher888]

Are these wild horses considered mustangs?

[@Grassmonster3]

A problem that I see here is that nature abhors a vacuum and as rescue and castration reduces the horse population on the reservation, there is less competition for the BLM horses that may move in to fill the gap. Is there any way to prevent this from happening ?

[@cherylcook6284]

To my understanding (I may bring wrong), most of these horses are being moved to make grazing room for beef cattle, sheep, bison, and goats.

[@j.cassavoy4661]

​@@cherylcook6284, exactly, if you don't want wild horses rounded up you need to stop eating animals. Once the ranchers don't need the land, the horses won't be round up. You help so many animals when you stop eating them. ❤

[@topazzsky]

Why can't the reservations just geld all the males but a few of the best quality to keep mustangs alive and well. Maybe that would cut down the population and keep the numbers manageable. Couldn't they also contract the horses to rescues exclusively?

[@meganbosco7016]

You can’t narrow the gene pool down to a few males!

[@Groundedsquirrel]

That costs a lot of money

[@cb664]

Are the Navajo gentlers paid or volunteer?

[@pia_879]

They’re getting paid

[@ChrisPassmore-id8on]

I understand the vast amount of land that we are talking about. However, would Fencing Assistance be helpful for keeping private, reservation and BLM horses separated? Could it help prevent some of the breeding and reduce the numbers? OR would just create new problems? Anyway . . . just another notion . . .

[@Emurderproductions]

Do you try to get younger horses?

[@KatrinaLPate]

Some of the herds are only 3 or 4 horses. What is wrong with wearing tenish shoes? The People have been Mocisons for thousands of years, and flat shoes are more comfortable anyway.

[@Linda-k4v]

I noticed the tennis shoes, but so what? It is like home. I don't always use boots. Didn't impact me at all. So sorry they were hurt. So absolutely not necessary and not OK to criticize anyone for what they are wearing. Where are your brains? Who cares about how someone is dressed if they are training horses, helping the horses? So unnecessary. LeLand was fabulous.

[@labyfan1313]

Agreed but there was also negative comments on the training and character of the gentler so I can understand why they left, unfortunately.

[@Grassmonster3]

Are these horses with diseases that humans can catch or are carrying antibiotic resistant bacteria going for human consumption ?

[@PaulaHolmes-v9k]

Wondering the same thing 😮

[@pia_879]

Yes. I think in Canada they have stricter rules for which horses can be consumed by humans. But in Mexico they all gonna get slaughtered for human consumption. Even if they’re not consumed by humans, their meat is often used for pet nutrition which can cause a lot of problems. And Mexico sells a lot of meat to other countries like Japan or Vietnam which expands the severity of the problem.

[@PurdueAlum01]

Yep, totally disgusting that the horses are SO sick and broken and going to slaughter yet in such a slow and torturous way. She mentions what a united front the Cattleman's association is.... yes, they are bringing their best, most healthy product to the table, and not all slaughter but at least some is more humane and those men are proud of their stock and of their end product. I can guarantee that no horse kill buyer is using the end product of their horse trading, they would turn that down in a heartbeat... diseased and from poor conditions. Cattle farmers know that animals culled during stress effects the meat... these horses, same. Crazy that these explanations are still needed in 2024... unbelievable.

[@j.cassavoy4661]

​,nothing humane ever happens in a slaughter house. True animal lovers don't eat animals. It's the cattle ranchers who are responsible for getting the wild horses round up. 😢

[@maryhowell5948]

Tell me why it's safe to send sick, diseased horses to slaughter. And full of antibiotics? When we sent animals to butcher, 30 days were required before being able to slaughter. WTH. 😢

[@xhaltsalute]

Inquiring minds want to know.

[@angelageorge1966]

When the horses with these diseases are slaughtered what are their bodies used for?

[@donnac.1609]

Foreign countries buy the meat to eat or use for other consumption.

[@meganbosco7016]

Disease and full of pharmaceuticals. Some human consumption and lots go into animal feed. If you feed your pets commercial food, make sure it’s made in USA

[@carlahessaa8041]

I've been an activist for several years: I didn't want to be a negative Nelly and undermine your efforts in DC, but I knew what the outcome was going to be. Unfortunately, corruption is rampant in DC, and they honestly don't care about animal welfare because there's no money to be made off of it. Is it all the reservations Nationwide that are involved with these roundup activites?

[@jenniferr8195]

I don't understand how a country that slaughters horses would want to feed meat from sick or diseased horse meat to people or animals in their country! That amazes and sickens me!

[@Groundedsquirrel]

They don’t - they ship it overseas.

[@jenniferr8195]

​@Groundedsquirrel oh, thanks for informing me of that! I appreciate it!

[@topazzsky]

If I were you I'd reach out to RFK JR.!!! He understands health issues and loves animals. If he got behind your cause that could help.

[@hemlock4519]

He loves bears 🐻 too

[@jonnanielsen8322]

So...all this sick horses go to Slaughter...WHO is eating that meat ??

[@christinarouthier5825]

Reservations are so poor all over the country

[@AK-st1vn]

Why does the government have to have their hand in everything? It's all about money and not helping these sweet babies

[@rosewhite8647]

Please save and present this video the next time you visit Congress. It presents your issues very well. There definitely needs to be regulations imposed on the kill buyers for the public's wellbeing.

[@brotchenmonster]

I am one of those people who are unfamiliar with reservations in general - I‘ve only driven through some in Alberta. So I too was asking questions to understand your rescue mission on the reservation. What I‘m trying to say: THANK YOU for educating me and I‘m sure many others! 🙏🏻🧡