A Special Independence Day Message from Equine Advocates

Onaqui, a Wild Mustang, arrived at the sanctuary on June 4, 2022. She had been rounded up and captured by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on July 16, 2021, on the public rangelands of Utah in the Onaqui Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) located 60 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. During that brutal 5-day roundup, more than 300 wild horses lost their freedom and their families.

Wild Horses and Burros are living embodiments of the American spirit and symbols of freedom. As Americans, we need to stand up, speak up, and fight for the rights of our remaining Wild Mustangs and Burros to live their lives wild and free on the range where they belong, and liberate those being cruelly held captive in government pens. Today, on this country’s 249th birthday, the “independence” and very existence of these majestic animals are being threatened as never before, as tens of thousands face death by slaughter and other lethal means, as well as possible extinction if Congress votes to pass the current FY2026 Appropriations Bills as written. It is up to us, the American People, to fight for their independence and make sure that does not happen.

The four Wild Horses and four Wild Burros living at Equine Advocates play important roles as ambassadors to help educate the public about the crisis that these animals are currently facing. Americans know that freedom is worth fighting for, and this is one fight we must win!

On behalf of the wild and wonderful spirits of America’s wild equines who inspire us every day, we wish you and yours a very safe and happy July 4th weekend!

Click here to learn more about our fight to protect these majestic animals and our Public Lands.

Dylan, Sly, Willie, and Bruce are Wild Burros who were placed for adoption after being rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management. Sly, Willie, and Bruce are from Arizona, and Dylan is from Nevada. They arrived at the sanctuary on June 13, 2025.