GRAY MOUNTAIN HORSE HEROES
SAVING THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST
In 1493, during Columbus’s second invasion to the Americas, Spanish horses were brought to North America and again in 1519 they were reintroduced on the continent to what is now modern-day Mexico. From there they migrated north throughout the American Great Plains, after escaping from their owners or from being stolen. The horse had a great impact on the lives of the Natives and became a part of many tribe’s culture. The horses swift feet benefited the Natives when it came time for them to hunt buffalo and those that embraced the skills of riding horses became much better warriors over tribes without the power and speed that the horses provided. Today the horse is still revered as a part of the Native Culture and are respected.
Out in Arizona located on the Navajo Reservation 43 miles north of Flagstaff, roam some majestic wild horses that are in peril. Thanks to a group of dedicated individuals coming together, a difference is being made in the lives of those horses, they are the Gray Mountain Horse Heroes. The original Gray Mountain Horse Heroes are: Sonora Isaac, Dave, Glenda Seweingyawma, Paul Lincoln and Emery. Sadly Emery has passed away but his memory will live on in the spirit of all the horses he hellped and the hearts of the people he inspired. Since there has been a drought in the area the horses roam, they were witnessing the rapid deterioration of the health of the Navajo Nation horses. Many have already died from starvation and dehydration. They decided to take matters into their own hands and started hauling water and hay themselves to the areas where the horses roam.
Billie McGraw, a realtor in Flagstaff, saw pictures her husband had taken of the skinny horses and decided to make a trip to Gray Mountain to see them for herself. There she met the Gray Mountain Horse Heroes. Billie posted the information on the plight of the horses on her FB page and shared the information where donations could be made. Right away people started to support the horses and donate money for hay and water. Billie decided to make a separate FB page for Gray Mountain Horse Heroes. It gave those who have visited a way to share their great pictures, videos and experience of meeting the people and seeing the horses that are a big part of the Navajo Nation. It also allows people who support a common interest to join from all over the world. Without this group of people and others that have contributed in some way or another, these horses would not survive and a part of the
Spirit of the West would die.
Thanks to all that have played a part big and small in the fight to save the Navajo Nation Horses
Out in Arizona located on the Navajo Reservation 43 miles north of Flagstaff, roam some majestic wild horses that are in peril. Thanks to a group of dedicated individuals coming together, a difference is being made in the lives of those horses, they are the Gray Mountain Horse Heroes. The original Gray Mountain Horse Heroes are: Sonora Isaac, Dave, Glenda Seweingyawma, Paul Lincoln and Emery. Sadly Emery has passed away but his memory will live on in the spirit of all the horses he hellped and the hearts of the people he inspired. Since there has been a drought in the area the horses roam, they were witnessing the rapid deterioration of the health of the Navajo Nation horses. Many have already died from starvation and dehydration. They decided to take matters into their own hands and started hauling water and hay themselves to the areas where the horses roam.
Billie McGraw, a realtor in Flagstaff, saw pictures her husband had taken of the skinny horses and decided to make a trip to Gray Mountain to see them for herself. There she met the Gray Mountain Horse Heroes. Billie posted the information on the plight of the horses on her FB page and shared the information where donations could be made. Right away people started to support the horses and donate money for hay and water. Billie decided to make a separate FB page for Gray Mountain Horse Heroes. It gave those who have visited a way to share their great pictures, videos and experience of meeting the people and seeing the horses that are a big part of the Navajo Nation. It also allows people who support a common interest to join from all over the world. Without this group of people and others that have contributed in some way or another, these horses would not survive and a part of the
Spirit of the West would die.
Thanks to all that have played a part big and small in the fight to save the Navajo Nation Horses
If you love horses and want to help make a difference, here are ways to donate!
1. Wildhorse Ranch Rescue (Gilbert, AZ based 501(c)(3) non profit) is focused on supplying water. This non-profit is ordering 4000 gallons to be delivered every three days. Cost is $300 per 4000 gallons. Please donate ANY amount to ‘Water for Horses’ Your donation is tax deductible.
2. Olsen’s Grain in Flag- 928-522-0568 if for HAY. You can use your credit card to donate to the Gray Mountain Horse Heroes gift card. To avoid confusion, we will order the Bermuda hay with the balance. The hay will then be picked up by volunteers and transported to Gray Mountain- generally on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
3. Animal Guardian Network are fundraising to buy water and hay via their website. All one has to do is make a note when donating that the money is for the Gray Mountain Horses.
1. Wildhorse Ranch Rescue (Gilbert, AZ based 501(c)(3) non profit) is focused on supplying water. This non-profit is ordering 4000 gallons to be delivered every three days. Cost is $300 per 4000 gallons. Please donate ANY amount to ‘Water for Horses’ Your donation is tax deductible.
2. Olsen’s Grain in Flag- 928-522-0568 if for HAY. You can use your credit card to donate to the Gray Mountain Horse Heroes gift card. To avoid confusion, we will order the Bermuda hay with the balance. The hay will then be picked up by volunteers and transported to Gray Mountain- generally on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
3. Animal Guardian Network are fundraising to buy water and hay via their website. All one has to do is make a note when donating that the money is for the Gray Mountain Horses.
Thank you Glenda Seweingyawma , Billie McGraw and G Shanahan who captured beautiful photos of the majestic horses of the Navajo Nation
Page photo by Edward S Curtis
Page photo by Edward S Curtis