Horsin' Around: Wild Horse Faire Kicks Off in Virginia City
Wild horses have been an integral part of Northern Nevada's history, from the pioneer days to the present. These magnificent creatures, also known as Mustangs, are celebrated at the inaugural Wild Horse Faire in Virginia City. This event promises a full day of family-friendly activities, aiming to raise awareness and funds for the preservation of wild horses.
According to the Bureau of Land Management, there are over 40,000 wild horses across 10 western states, with more than half residing in Nevada. The Wild Horse Faire offers visitors a chance to learn about these animals and their historical significance.
Bonnie Matton, president of the Wild Horse Preservation League, stated, "As far as we know, there never has been such an event in Virginia City for the wild horses. We have had musical events, but never one so varied. At the all-day event, there will be something there for all ages."
The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with exhibit spaces opening at the Silverland Inn & Suites, followed by a pancake breakfast at 10 a.m. for $8. Activities include food and beverage vendors, arts and crafts, face painting, hot air balloon rides, pony rides, a raffle, and a silent auction. A parade down C Street is scheduled for noon.
Robert Steiner, general manager of the Silverland Inn & Suites, emphasized the importance of understanding the plight of wild horses, stating, "It is one thing seeing them, but another actually knowing what their plight is. They are wild horses. They live in the wilderness and a lot of them are feral."
The afternoon features an encore performance of "What It Means To Be A Mustang" by Terri Farley at 1 p.m. Car enthusiasts can enjoy the Reno Mustang Car Club's display of new and classic Mustangs at 1:30 p.m.
Attendees can get up close with the horses through hands-on clinics by Willis Lamm of Least Resistance Training Concepts, including a large animal rescue demonstration at 2 p.m., followed by wild horse gentling techniques at 3 p.m. and a wild horse exhibition at 4 p.m.
Matton expressed the event's dual goals: "We just want to see people attending have a good time and remember the wild horses as they are so very much a part of the history of North America."
Steiner added, "If we don't do something to preserve our history and these types of great creatures which represent our national heritage, they'll go away eventually. Either civilization will encroach upon them or they'll be taken away from their natural habitat like so many of our other wildlife creatures have been."
The Wild Horse Faire concludes with a charity concert from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at the Silverland Inn & Suites. Tickets are $22 in advance and $28 at the door, featuring performers like Lacy J. Dalton, Dale Poune, and David John and the Comstock Cowboys. For a full list of performances and activities, visit www.wildhorsefaire.com.
There is no charge to explore the faire and vendor booths. Tickets for the raffle, pancake breakfast, and concert can be purchased online. A free child ticket for children 12 and younger is available with the purchase of an adult concert ticket.
For those unable to attend but interested in supporting the wild horses, donations can be made online.
Steiner concluded, "For the inaugural event, what I am looking for is successful fundraising activities in raising money for the horses. Also, making sure everybody has fun at the same time. It's one of those things, if you go somewhere and you have a lot of fun, then you always want to come back. I think it is going to be a great day."
Originally Posted By RGJ