Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Vigil planned for wild horses

Event scheduled for Dec. 15 in Ketchum

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By REBECCA MEANY
Express Staff Writer

Advocates for wild horses will convene Thursday to promote awareness about the animals and how they are managed.

Candlelight vigils are being held in cities nationwide to raise awareness of the issue. A bonfire gathering is scheduled for Ketchum.

"Wild horses are at such risk," said Golde Wallingford, a local wild-horse advocate. "I've been trying to enlighten people. I try to make people understand they are part of our Idaho heritage and our Ketchum heritage."

The BLM is required to manage wild horses by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.

Wallingford watched a roundup near her home in Clayton, northeast of Stanley, eight years ago. She said it was an experience that both saddened her and moved her to action.

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"I just want people to get informed," she said. "Wild horses do need to be managed, but in a more humane way."

She said most Ketchum residents are receptive to the cause.

"This town is big on the horse issue," she said. "It's a pretty active cause around here."

Wallingford also is owner of Four Winds Trading Co., a shop featuring locally designed clothing, accessories, home goods and art that opened last month.

The vigil is scheduled for Dec. 15 from 5-7 p.m., outside Four Winds Trading Co., 380 First Ave. N. in Ketchum.

Wallingford said she's hopeful that people working together can find a solution for wild horse management.

"We've come a long way," she said, "but it's an ongoing issue."

Rebecca Meany: rmeany@mtexpress.com

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