ABACO WILD HORSE - Abaco Journal April 1998

April 1998 Table of Contents - Current Issue of The Abaco Journal - Abaco Bahamas' Home Page

ABACO WILD HORSE FUND

The Fund was started by Milanne Rehor. In 1992 Rehor spent three months in the Abacos and brought to public attention the fact that the horses, nearly exterminated in the 1960's, were making a slow comeback.

In 1992 there were about 30 horses living in the pine forests and on Bahamas Star Citrus Farm on Abaco. Overcoming a harsh environment and warding off continued wild dog attacks which destroy several foals a year, the herd appeared to be no longer in danger of extinction. But inbreeding, occasional applications of pesticides on a nearby farm, possible future commercial exploitation of the pine forests and growing public interest all pointed to potential problems. A second trip in 1994 confirmed these problems and suggested continued research.

A third research trip was just completed (Dec. 1996 to July 1997). Some grim statistics resulted:

* The herd is down to 20 horses, possibly 17.

* As many as 15 and possibly more horses have been lost since 1992. Completion of a detailed ID programme and comparisons with photos from past trips provided this data.

* There are probably only three breeding mares left, there is one gelding,four fillies just coming into their first seasons, one mare probably too old to breed, and 12 stallions.

* During the recent trip a stallion died under strange circumstances (no vultures were ever seen on the corpse).

* One of the mares died giving birth. From June 1996 to June 1997 two other horses died.

* An orphaned colt was being bottle fed and was doing well until he died from what apparently was a viciously inflicted wound.

The Department of Agriculture of the Government of the Bahamas has been provided with a photo album of all 22 horses (now 20, perhaps 17) and detailed reports. Many meetings were held with the Department of Agriculture's second top ranking officer.
Rapid implementation of measures to preserve the remaining horses have been urged, and the Fund has been assured that progress is being made.

Unfortunately, the Fund is not big enough to support Rehor in the Bahamas and she has had to return to the US. She cannot continue her research and lobbying efforts until she can return to the Bahamas.

The Fund located a former teacher who will take an animal awareness educational programme into the Abaco schools next fall. The Fund continued to support AARK (Abaco Animals Require Kindness) in its efforts to run low cost and free spay and neuter clinics on Abaco.

It seemed for a while that a healthy, lively herd with some fascinating genetic possibilites was making a comeback. Somehow, in the last few years, something has gone very wrong. The Fund needs support to find out why so many apparently healthy horses are being lost. We need support in order to provide information to the
Government of the Bahamas so that it can continue its efforts to preserve the remaining horses and to encourage their wellbeing and growth.

The Abaco Wild Horse Fund, Inc., gains support for these projects by offering Memberships, Gift Item sales, and an "Adopt The Whole Herd!" programme. In addition, a portion of the profits generated by sale of items through ARKWILD is donated to the Fund. Questions and comments are welcome:

The Abaco Wild Horse Fund Email: arkwild@netrunner.net
2809 Bird Ave #170 Phone: (305) 854-6387
Miami, FL 33133
Online: netrunner.net/~arkwild

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