Monthly Highlights
May Volunteer Highlight - Diana Fowler
We talked with Diana this month and here’s what she had to share:
How did you get involved in wild horses?
I live in the Virginia Foothills (west side of the range in Reno) and have had the wild horses sleeping on my front lawn many times. I experienced first hand what gentle and majestic animals that they are and fell in love with them. I looked for local, hands-on opportunities to protect them. I came across the Wild Horse Connection and volunteered to participate in the diversionary feeding program. I was then approached by AWHC to become part of the fertility control program.
What is your favorite part of AWHC and volunteering?
I enjoy being part of the AWHC community of like minded people who are selfless in their endeavor to protect the wild horses. My specific role being involved with the darting program allows me to go out on the range with the horses and get to experience these fantastic animals in their own habitat. Watching the love and bond of the horses with their family units is amazing. The strength of the stallions keeping their mares and foals protected is majestic. Spending time with the horses is an experience like no other.
Why are wild horses special to you?
To me, the wild horses represent the backbone of America with freedom and strength. Also, our community is not just about city growth, it is also about supporting the environment and history of Reno. Our intrinsic history with the Wild West includes the wild horses and should be embraced and protected.
How long have you been involved in helping wild horses?
I started with the Wild Horse Connection in the fall of 2020 and AWHC the summer of 2021.
What is your day job?
I have been a top producing real estate agent in Northern Nevada for over 27 years. I am grateful that my career allows for a flexible schedule so that I can participate with Virginia Range volunteer programs.
Do you have a favorite memory on the range?
Every time I go on the range with the horses is magical. All of the horses have unique personalities and it is so much fun to get to know them.
Looking For Your Next Horse Parnter? - LBL Equine Rescue Might have who you are looking for!
Reni:
If you are looking for a quarter horse, Reni just might be your perfect partner.
Reni is a 6-year-old Quarter horse and stands approximately 14 hands. She is halter trained, stands for the farrier, and loads but does not tie. Reni is a sweet, bubbly mare who loves attention. Reni has had 5 rides under saddle but is still learning. She would be best suited with an experienced, confident rider. If you are interested in Reni, please feel free to email us at LBLEquineRescue@gmail.com
Carson:
Carson was rescued from a family who could no longer care for him. Carson was in training at Team Yriarte Horsemanship and they had wonderful things to say about him. “He is an absolute joy to have around and so easy to get along with.
He has not been started riding yet as his body is not quite mature enough, but he has worn a saddle (and Brittany!) with no problem! Carson is about 4 years old, has the cutest little appaloosa spots on his hips and the most gorgeous floating trot!
He will likely require a more petite rider and would excel at endurance or dressage with the right guidance. Carson is approximately 14 hands.
L: Beautiful Reni, and R: Handsome Carson
“Granny”, Shaggy’s Mare - by Deborah Sutherland.
Remember the introduction of Shaggy in last month’s edition? Let’s meet some a special member of his band! Here’s Deborah Sutherland’s experience:
During a winter storm ten years ago in the Virginia Range a beautiful mare stood in the snow with her family band. I didn’t know who she was or the band that she was in, but I noticed that she had a very unique face. (White star, black shape then a white snip) The band didn’t stay very long that day and quickly disappeared into the canyon and I never saw her or the band again.
It wasn’t until I was photographing Shaggy’s band with his mares and new foals some eight years later, that I noticed one mare standing in the sage next to Shaggy’s other mares and she seemed very familiar to me. She had a most unique face. As I watched her, I realized that she was the unknown mare who stood in the snow long ago. She was now with Shaggy and his band! She is known as Granny and I’m sure she’s Shaggy’s oldest mare.
I have no idea where she has been since I first saw her in 2012 before Shaggy claimed her in 2019, but now they have a handsome two year old colt named Dublin. Granny is just one of Shaggy’s beautiful mares, the rest of them will be introduced soon.
