Celebrating Women’s History Month by Remembering Wild Horse Annie
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible accomplishments and contributions women have made to our nation’s rich history. In this spirit, we honor Velma B. Johnston, better known as “Wild Horse Annie.”
Wild Horse Annie was born in Reno, Nevada in 1912. Growing up around horses, she developed a deep empathy for animals, especially after contracting polio at age 11. This experience fueled her dedication to caring for animals on her father’s ranch.
One morning, Velma witnessed a truck full of bloodied, injured wild horses captured from Nevada’s Virginia Range. She bravely followed the truck to a slaughterhouse, learning that ranchers and hunters captured these horses for commercial slaughter, often causing severe injuries. Velma was horrified.
Determined to make a change, she dedicated her life to stopping the inhumane treatment and slaughter of wild horses.
Velma organized a grassroots campaign to end the mistreatment of wild horses, bringing national attention to the issue. Her efforts led to the passage of the Wild Horse Annie Act of 1959, which prohibited the use of motorized vehicles to hunt wild horses and burros on public lands. However, it did not include federal protection for wild horses, so Velma continued her fight in Washington.
She inspired thousands of school children to write to their elected officials and testified before Congress. After a decade of advocacy, Congress passed the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, a landmark legislation for wild horse protection in the United States.
Wild Horse Annie’s story exemplifies the strength and resilience of women. She fought passionately for a cause she believed in, leaving a legacy of compassion for the majestic animals we continue to protect. This Women’s History Month, we express our gratitude to Wild Horse Annie and the dedicated women of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) who carry on her legacy in preserving the freedom of our cherished wild herds.