Holidays Bring Loss in Fish Springs, Nevada
By Deb Walker, Nevada Field Representative
The removal of the famous wild stallion Samson and his family from Fish Springs, Nevada, has left more than 50,000 followers worldwide heartbroken. These wild horses, known for their freedom on Nevada's public lands, have been a symbol of natural beauty and resilience.
On the day after Thanksgiving, six members of this iconic wild horse population were captured, including the elder stallion Blue's sons, Samson and Jet. Additionally, four generations of Old Momma's lineage were taken, leaving them in a BLM holding facility near Reno.
Old Momma, a 25+-year-old mare, was part of a band led by Socks, who eventually passed leadership to Samson. The community of Fish Springs and Gardnerville/Minden was devastated by the loss of these horses, as well as three more families, including Shadow's, Rusty's, and Rocky's bands.
Shadow, a son of Blue, had recently acquired a new band, including Camille and her daughter Fury. This family was named after Camille Bently, a philanthropist and wild horse advocate. The loss of this family has deeply affected the community.
Rocky, another son of Old Momma, lost his band, including mares Luna and Copper. Copper, known as the "Watcher," was a co-lead mare of Blue's band. Luna's first colt, Jimmy, was named after the photographer who discovered him.
Elisa, a filly named after a wild horse advocate who visited Fish Springs, is now in a BLM holding corral. Elisa's story touched many, and her namesake's capture is a poignant reminder of the loss.
Rusty, a son of Blondie, was captured along with his band, including Belle and her offspring. These horses are cherished by the community and followed worldwide on social media.
The capture was requested by a private party, unaware of the horses' significance to the community. Despite offers from sanctuaries and private landowners, the BLM plans to auction the horses online, potentially breaking up families.
The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) urges the BLM to collaborate with local groups to re-home these horses. This situation highlights the need for community involvement in wild horse management.
What You Can Do:
Ask the BLM to work with the Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates and the Carson Valley community to place the captured Fish Springs horses into quality homes that will keep the family bands together.
- John Raby, BLM Nevada State Director, 775-861-6400, [email protected]
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