Dear Governor Lujan-Grisham;

In 1971, an amazing thing occurred. The Congress of the United States of America, honoring the will of the people they represented, unanimously passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, which was then signed into law by President Nixon, for the purpose of managing and protecting America’s noble wild horses and burros. The Act declared these animals “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West”.

And so they are. Consider the contribution made by these magnificent animals. How would our ancestors have crossed the vast wilderness without these creatures? Their strength, their patience, their fortitude were crucial to the settlement of our country, our America. Consider the horse. In the wild, the stallion is fearless, caring for his mares and his offspring even when he faces death. The mare, guarding her young and caring for him/her with the same love that we as humans care for our babies. They live free and ask only for our recognition of their spirit which we too share.

Does this not represent our very culture? Our hopes, our dreams? Are they not the same as the hopes and dreams, if you will, of these magnificent creatures? How would our forefathers have ever
crossed the beautiful mountains in your own state of New Mexico on foot, carrying with them everything they owned without horses and burros to share the burden? And what cattle ranch would
ever have been successful without a faithful, intelligent horse?

For some reason, 50 years after this declaration, we have forgotten that we spoke up for these horses and burros and that Congress listened to our plea. Instead, it seems, there is a push to wipe out these noble animals in the name of greed.

I am appealing to you, as a proud citizen of the United States of America and the beautiful State of New Mexico, to rise above the pressure and stand with WE THE PEOPLE who stand with our beautiful wild horses and once again declare them “Symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.” Please do not sign HB284 or SB5, but rather, honor America’s long-standing love and respect for our wild horses and burros and let them continue to represent the freedom and the heritage of this great country.