Wild Horse Observers Association (WHOA) was formed by New Mexico community members to protect and preserve the remaining wild horses in New Mexico as well as others across the US. These horses are re-introduced native species albeit without the full benefit of their natural predators, and as such, WHOA also advocates for the use of PZP a non-toxic immuno- contraceptive where round-ups are being used and in the recent past.

WHOA has worked legislatively with the Honorable Senator Komadina to pass a bill signed by Governor Richardson (2007) declaring free roaming horses which are not estray (not domestic) to be declared legally New Mexico State's wild horses. As such they are regulated wild animals of the state not under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Game department and also not under the jurisdiction of the NM Livestock Board.  WHOA has worked with Senator Komadina to pass a host of Memorials asking the BLM, Forest Service, and Native American Nations in New Mexico to utilize their free roaming/wild horses for Equine Eco-Tourism and to utilize PZP immuno -contraception as needed in lieu of predators.

These horses can be utilized for Heritage Tourism which currently accounts for 81% of US Tourism which is the second largest industry in the US and in New Mexico. In New Mexico, Tourism is a 2.5 Billion dollar industry and is the largest private sector employer.  WHOA has developed a state-wide Equine Eco-Tourism plan which has been supported by the NM Legislature through the passage of the Memorials.   This tourism plan is in line with the 2003 Preserve America Executive Order to the BLM which direct the BLM to aide in Heritage Tourism projects.

Immediate Support Needed:

Wild Horses on BLM in Placitas, NM

The BLM Rio Puerco Resource Management Plan (RMP) Revision process, which was started In March 2008, will include the Placitas-area BLM, which accounts for less than 1% of the total land included in the plan, but will have a vital impact on the Placitas-area Wild Horses.  There are many competing interests for the Placitas-area BLM, many of which may be proposing plans that could have a critical impact on the viability of the wild horses, as well as the quality of life for the adjacent Placitas community.

WHOA will be submitting a Wild Horse Park / Wildlife Corridor proposal for the BLM Rio Puerco RMP.

What Can You Do?  (see BLM RMP Handout  - pdf)

West-Wide Energy Corridor and the NE Highway Corridor are two of the competing proposals for the Placitas-area BLM.  Voice your concerns to the BLM and your elective representatives at every level, from the County to the Federal government.

Immediate Support Needed:

To Donate to WHOA's efforts

Placitas Wildlife Corridor Petition

We are asking that willing residents agree to have their lands be part of a "wildlife corridor", benefiting the wild horses and other wildlife of the area. In such, we can establish a precedence of agreement that will assist us when interacting with the BLM or Livestock Board. We urge everyone to talk to their neighbors, gather names, respectfully discuss this position, and consider signing a petition to help this effort.

Wild Horse Tourism in New Mexico

Support WHOA's efforts in promoting Wild Horse Tourism in New Mexico.  Review WHOA's presentation which details how the Jicarilla Ranger District of the Carson National Forest can utilize the Jicarilla Wild Horses Territory (JWHT) for Eco-Tourism, Rural Economic Development, Preservation of the Historical and Cultural Identities of New Mexico, and Natural History Education 

Immediate Support Needed:

Federal American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S.1915)

The 1971 Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act

which as been subject to a stealth rider on the Dec 04 Appropriations Bill signed by the president and sponsored by Senator Conrad Burns of Montana.  Wild equines now lose their legal status and can be sold at auction for any purpose including slaughter and as we know, The US 1958 Humane Slaughter Act is not enforced and half of the horses slaughtered go over seas for slaughter.

Go to our Anti-Horse Slaughter Act page to learn what you can do!

Our Mission and Objectives

The following WHOA team mission and objectives were agreed upon by members present at the April 12, 2003 meeting and will remain associated with the name “Wild Horse Observers Association (WHOA).” Any significant changes will require a change in the organizational name.

MISSION:

Preservation and protection of the wild horse.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Pro-humane alternatives versus slaughter.

2. Priority of wild horses, other wildlife, and environmentally sound uses of public lands.

3. Pro-humane treatment of horses to include, but not limited to, those in captivity, in the wild, or during roundup.

4. Pro-working with all organizations and individuals, government or private, to find win-win solutions.

5. Funds raised by this group are to be used for furthering the objectives listed above, through education and action, unless a donation is given for a specific written purpose.

WHOA Profile

As WHOA members, our true customers are the horses. We are an advocacy group which on occasion rescues or feeds horses in need.

Some WHOA members also belong to Wild Horse Mentors which is an international group providing health and training information, advocacy, and any other background information through an on line interactive group and a training center.

WHOA has passed legislation in NM and published in New Mexican Horse journals as well as brought issues to the press. We are also been publicized on Shirley McClain's web site.

We are a team of 28 members with 8 board members

Contact Information

Postal address

WHOA, PO Box 932, Placitas, NM 87043

Electronic mail

Email any questions or comments about this site to

 
Last modified: 04/25/08