And actually genetic studies say moden thoroughbred racehorses come from Akhal Teke bloodlines, not Arabians as was thought previously. Look at more Akhal Teke pics and you can't unsee it!
"Wild wild horses ... couldn't drag me away... " from your writing, Heather!
I love the ways you weave in and out with humor and memes and always song lyrics at the end. I have mixed feelings about horses, such beautiful animals but have been thrown off, TWICE. Surely then sense my awe, mixed with fear. They know I'm a city girl even if I did not choose that. I dated a cowboy for awhile who had a small ranch, 20-something horses at the time, and my favorite was a beautiful Palomino. Still I kept my distance. Once I was staying there for a weekend and a new colt was born, we found him in the barn taking his first steps early in the morning and named him Jack, because he was born on Halloween.
Thank you so much Carolan!!! I'm doing as well as I can given the circumstances. Horses can be cruel and nasty for sure. I've had a few instances of them trying to throw me off but I held on...mostly though, I've loved riding them...💕
Cruel? Haha! I was in the pasture in the early 90's (minding my own business) with pockets full of apples for snacks ... when Pieca, a beautiful & ornery albino mare... grabbed my jacket pocket & yanked me up off the ground & started shaking me vigorously to make the apples fall to the ground & then tossed me away like a rag doll & started gobbling up apples! I could feel her laughing at me!
I am so pleased to see you sharing this critical information! If you are not a fan of Skydog Sanctuary, head over to their site and watch their videos. They have been saving mustangs for quite a while and their focus is to bring the families back together again. Sometimes it takes a couple of years for them to track them all down after a helicopter roundup, and they have been the focus of some online haters (which I truly cannot understand, everything they do is so transparent and GOOD for the horses!) They have a movie coming out about Blue Zeuss, who was rounded up with his family and Skydog found quite a few members of his family and brought them all to sanctuary. This same thing is going on in Canada, a group called HAWS (Help Alberta Wildies) has trail cams out and this year they were able to show that when it was just the horses, the grasses grew far more than they could eat. As soon as the cattle were allowed out on the land they trashed it all. My heart breaks for these horses. Thank you for speaking out, and for painting horses too. I feel like each painting somehow sends a light out to the horses and lets them know we love them. Also, contact your representatives to pass the SAFE act.
Thank you so much! Yes the cattle problem. I could have written more about that but wanted to focus on the horses. (I love cows too but it's not fair how the horses get the short end of the stick in this battle for food and their exixtence!) I do love Skydog Sanctuary. Our rescue ranch is Dove Creek Equine Rescue. They do grief workshops and autism workshops too....I'll keep an eye out for the movie! 💕
OMG, I have to check out Dove Creek. When you say "our", are you a rescue too? I'll be posting that name on Skydog's site as their followers ask who else they can help. I have never ridden a horse and it may be my one major regret when I die. The challenge of growing up poor in the midwest inner city!!
I only volunteer at the ranch. The owner is a friend. BTW, did you used to write at Squidoo? I knew a writer there with your same name....as for riding....maybe you could get someone with an old gentle horse to let you at least get up in the saddle and do a few rounds so you could say you did it...
LOL, I have a friend in Sedona who has horses she uses for healing, one of my goals is to get there and hang out with them. I feel like after watching them for over 6 years on video I know them!!! I did NOT write at Squidoo, I can barely keep up with Substack and my own newsletters these days. I just lost a beloved sister and the grief has been nothing like I've experienced before. She was supposed to assist me at the retreat I'm giving in Mexico this year and I feel so empty. I have been thinking since she died that a horse would know how to help me.
I am so sorry for your loss. 💔 I lost my son in 2023 to the vax and my life will never be the same and I know how you feel. Horses do help, definitely...I hope you get out there to Sedona soon. Beautiful area! Thought about moving there at one time...I bet that would help. I wish I knew what to say but as you know there are no words really. 💕
Oh Heather, I am so so sorry. I only have one daughter and we live together, at times I imagine the loss of her and I know I would be like a rabid wolf if that ever happened. I hope the horses have helped you. Sending you a big heartfelt hug.
Thanks for writing about these magnificent creatures and their plight against BLM. Their methods are so horrific, there must be a better way!! I do have a happy story, though it is not mine personally. There was a woman who lived on her ranch right on the edge of Federal Land. She always watched the Mustangs with great love, had noticed a herd that congregated near her property ... she fell in love with that "family" and even named them, as they frequently hung out adjacent to her ranch. When she realized they had been captured by BLM (yes, the helicopters et al), she was determined to track them down and buy them from the auctions or slaughterhouses. Over time, she managed to find all of them, one or two at a time, and brought them to her ranch. The final missing Stallion was the head of the herd, and when she brought him "home" and he saw his favorite mare and all their offspring waiting for him, the joy they all exhibited was nothing less than thrilling. He stood on the top of a hill with the wind in his mane, neighing in complete joy. I cried so hard when I read her story. Horses are very special creatures ... so smart, so playful, so willing to learn and please. While I love all animals, horses have a special place in my heart. My husband happens to be a horse whisperer, though we are not in a position to own horses, we love to visit friends who do have them, and he has worked with abused/rescued horses to help them trust and love again. So beautiful!
OMG Your husband! That is so cool. And the story about the lady finding and bringing the herd to her ranch made me cry but in a good way. I love them so much! Thanks for telling me about that! ❤️💕
This is such a inspiring substack, my awesome friend...
It's no secret that we absolutely love all animals, and I would do anything for any one of them in need, but these creatures are truly magnificent...I feel a deep connection to them too.
And your paintings are just stunning - and the shirts...you are such a talented and angelic soul...
You rotally inpired me to tell my horse stories...it stirred some wonderful memories - a much needed escape too...thank you for this brilliant piece...you made my day such an ecstatic and healing ride...💖🐎🐴
I'm so glad it reminded you of awesome memories. That's what we have to hang onto now with all the BS we're all dealing with. Mostly I did it for the horses. The American Wild Horse Conservation just finished their fund raiser and they met their goal! So more horses will be rescued. I wish I had a ranch big enough for all of them. ❤️💕
yes...we need more of those moments to remind us of some amazing times we were fortunate enough to have had...we are facing such insanity now...it's a very cruel turn that humanity has taken...at least we have so many good times to recall. Young people today have been so traumatized - they have been under constant assault...it's so wrong...
Great to hear that the fund raiser was a success!!! A rescuer freind of mine rescued a few horses and a donkey. She had 40 rewscues when I talked to her last.
And I could see you with a big ranch of horses...I'd be right there with you! And I did continue to ride after that harrowing near-death experience with the Boss, but I never rode him again...😂❤️
I learn so much from you, Heather! The magical silver horse is certainly the original unicorn, right? I especially need to send the "least expensive part of a horse" to my Cumberland housecleaner, who took me riding (with her leading) last time I was in town. Loved reading this.
No, Pirate. I did edit them a little in affinity but if you were to zoom in I think you can see the brush strokes....here's an artist page of mine at Art Licensing International...I've been painting since I was around 10 and started winning art contests. I'm just old fashioned and like realism in art. https://www.artlicensing.com/artists/heather-burns/
what a beautiful horse with the glossy platinum coat!
It's my fave horse in the world. 💕
And actually genetic studies say moden thoroughbred racehorses come from Akhal Teke bloodlines, not Arabians as was thought previously. Look at more Akhal Teke pics and you can't unsee it!
One of my favs too. So graceful and majestic
Gorgeous!!! 👏👏
💕
Magnificent Heather, your talent and research has done it again!
Thanks! ❤️
"Wild wild horses ... couldn't drag me away... " from your writing, Heather!
I love the ways you weave in and out with humor and memes and always song lyrics at the end. I have mixed feelings about horses, such beautiful animals but have been thrown off, TWICE. Surely then sense my awe, mixed with fear. They know I'm a city girl even if I did not choose that. I dated a cowboy for awhile who had a small ranch, 20-something horses at the time, and my favorite was a beautiful Palomino. Still I kept my distance. Once I was staying there for a weekend and a new colt was born, we found him in the barn taking his first steps early in the morning and named him Jack, because he was born on Halloween.
I hope life is being kind, Heather. Best to you.
Thank you so much Carolan!!! I'm doing as well as I can given the circumstances. Horses can be cruel and nasty for sure. I've had a few instances of them trying to throw me off but I held on...mostly though, I've loved riding them...💕
Cruel? Haha! I was in the pasture in the early 90's (minding my own business) with pockets full of apples for snacks ... when Pieca, a beautiful & ornery albino mare... grabbed my jacket pocket & yanked me up off the ground & started shaking me vigorously to make the apples fall to the ground & then tossed me away like a rag doll & started gobbling up apples! I could feel her laughing at me!
I loved this post!
Thank you! That's funny! They are much smarter than people think. Glad you survived the shaking. 💕
I am so pleased to see you sharing this critical information! If you are not a fan of Skydog Sanctuary, head over to their site and watch their videos. They have been saving mustangs for quite a while and their focus is to bring the families back together again. Sometimes it takes a couple of years for them to track them all down after a helicopter roundup, and they have been the focus of some online haters (which I truly cannot understand, everything they do is so transparent and GOOD for the horses!) They have a movie coming out about Blue Zeuss, who was rounded up with his family and Skydog found quite a few members of his family and brought them all to sanctuary. This same thing is going on in Canada, a group called HAWS (Help Alberta Wildies) has trail cams out and this year they were able to show that when it was just the horses, the grasses grew far more than they could eat. As soon as the cattle were allowed out on the land they trashed it all. My heart breaks for these horses. Thank you for speaking out, and for painting horses too. I feel like each painting somehow sends a light out to the horses and lets them know we love them. Also, contact your representatives to pass the SAFE act.
Thank you so much! Yes the cattle problem. I could have written more about that but wanted to focus on the horses. (I love cows too but it's not fair how the horses get the short end of the stick in this battle for food and their exixtence!) I do love Skydog Sanctuary. Our rescue ranch is Dove Creek Equine Rescue. They do grief workshops and autism workshops too....I'll keep an eye out for the movie! 💕
OMG, I have to check out Dove Creek. When you say "our", are you a rescue too? I'll be posting that name on Skydog's site as their followers ask who else they can help. I have never ridden a horse and it may be my one major regret when I die. The challenge of growing up poor in the midwest inner city!!
I only volunteer at the ranch. The owner is a friend. BTW, did you used to write at Squidoo? I knew a writer there with your same name....as for riding....maybe you could get someone with an old gentle horse to let you at least get up in the saddle and do a few rounds so you could say you did it...
LOL, I have a friend in Sedona who has horses she uses for healing, one of my goals is to get there and hang out with them. I feel like after watching them for over 6 years on video I know them!!! I did NOT write at Squidoo, I can barely keep up with Substack and my own newsletters these days. I just lost a beloved sister and the grief has been nothing like I've experienced before. She was supposed to assist me at the retreat I'm giving in Mexico this year and I feel so empty. I have been thinking since she died that a horse would know how to help me.
I am so sorry for your loss. 💔 I lost my son in 2023 to the vax and my life will never be the same and I know how you feel. Horses do help, definitely...I hope you get out there to Sedona soon. Beautiful area! Thought about moving there at one time...I bet that would help. I wish I knew what to say but as you know there are no words really. 💕
Oh Heather, I am so so sorry. I only have one daughter and we live together, at times I imagine the loss of her and I know I would be like a rabid wolf if that ever happened. I hope the horses have helped you. Sending you a big heartfelt hug.
And this brings to one of my fav songs. 😉
https://youtu.be/SQTHB4jM-KQ?si=5U6bV-wj-SrEdjmN
I thought about using it! 💕
Thanks for writing about these magnificent creatures and their plight against BLM. Their methods are so horrific, there must be a better way!! I do have a happy story, though it is not mine personally. There was a woman who lived on her ranch right on the edge of Federal Land. She always watched the Mustangs with great love, had noticed a herd that congregated near her property ... she fell in love with that "family" and even named them, as they frequently hung out adjacent to her ranch. When she realized they had been captured by BLM (yes, the helicopters et al), she was determined to track them down and buy them from the auctions or slaughterhouses. Over time, she managed to find all of them, one or two at a time, and brought them to her ranch. The final missing Stallion was the head of the herd, and when she brought him "home" and he saw his favorite mare and all their offspring waiting for him, the joy they all exhibited was nothing less than thrilling. He stood on the top of a hill with the wind in his mane, neighing in complete joy. I cried so hard when I read her story. Horses are very special creatures ... so smart, so playful, so willing to learn and please. While I love all animals, horses have a special place in my heart. My husband happens to be a horse whisperer, though we are not in a position to own horses, we love to visit friends who do have them, and he has worked with abused/rescued horses to help them trust and love again. So beautiful!
OMG Your husband! That is so cool. And the story about the lady finding and bringing the herd to her ranch made me cry but in a good way. I love them so much! Thanks for telling me about that! ❤️💕
Creator bless you girl - Loved all of this article. Thank you!
Thank you! ❤️💕
Love this article and your paintings so much. So glad you are participating in horse rescue, it's a 2-way rescue process, like you said.
It's sad that we don't have the milkman's horse to visit in the morning, but so glad they aren't being slaughtered in wars, and the resulting famines.
Thank you so much! ❤️💕
This is such a inspiring substack, my awesome friend...
It's no secret that we absolutely love all animals, and I would do anything for any one of them in need, but these creatures are truly magnificent...I feel a deep connection to them too.
And your paintings are just stunning - and the shirts...you are such a talented and angelic soul...
You rotally inpired me to tell my horse stories...it stirred some wonderful memories - a much needed escape too...thank you for this brilliant piece...you made my day such an ecstatic and healing ride...💖🐎🐴
I'm so glad it reminded you of awesome memories. That's what we have to hang onto now with all the BS we're all dealing with. Mostly I did it for the horses. The American Wild Horse Conservation just finished their fund raiser and they met their goal! So more horses will be rescued. I wish I had a ranch big enough for all of them. ❤️💕
yes...we need more of those moments to remind us of some amazing times we were fortunate enough to have had...we are facing such insanity now...it's a very cruel turn that humanity has taken...at least we have so many good times to recall. Young people today have been so traumatized - they have been under constant assault...it's so wrong...
Great to hear that the fund raiser was a success!!! A rescuer freind of mine rescued a few horses and a donkey. She had 40 rewscues when I talked to her last.
And I could see you with a big ranch of horses...I'd be right there with you! And I did continue to ride after that harrowing near-death experience with the Boss, but I never rode him again...😂❤️
LOVE HORSES!
I get emails from a non-profit group y'all should sign up for too:
https://returntofreedom.org WILD HORSE CONSERVATION
Bless you for doing what you do.
Thanks Amy! It's one of the ones I listed. ❤️💕
What a beautiful post! Thanks Heather!
💖🎠🏇🏼🐎🐴💖
Thank you! ❤️💕
Such beautiful paintings Heather! And that Turkmeni horse is a superb creature. Great article as well Heather!
Thank you. 🙏💕
Thank you! ❤️💕
Welcome! 😁💕
I learn so much from you, Heather! The magical silver horse is certainly the original unicorn, right? I especially need to send the "least expensive part of a horse" to my Cumberland housecleaner, who took me riding (with her leading) last time I was in town. Loved reading this.
Thank you! ❤️💕
Are the paintings AI-generated?
No, Pirate. I did edit them a little in affinity but if you were to zoom in I think you can see the brush strokes....here's an artist page of mine at Art Licensing International...I've been painting since I was around 10 and started winning art contests. I'm just old fashioned and like realism in art. https://www.artlicensing.com/artists/heather-burns/