Let's Help the Horses!

Friends, fellow horse lovers, and bloggers:

Many of you may be aware of the ongoing fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota. Native American tribes that used to be enemies for centuries have made peace in order to unite against the Pipeline. In the process, they have been joined by thousands of indigenous people from all over the world as well as non-native allies, all rallying together to stop the construction of a Bakken tar sands oil pipeline. This pipeline will pass underneath the Missouri River, upstream of the drinking water source for 17 million Americans. The state of North Dakota has responded to protests and civil disobedience by unarmed resistors with attack dogs, mace, rubber bullets, clubs, tasers, concussion grenades, and sonic cannons.

The Lakota have come with their relatives - their horses. Hundreds of horses are at the front lines and in the camps.  The descendants of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull are defending the future health and well being of their families and communities on horseback, as they have for generations. 

If you're like us, you've wondered what, if anything, you can do to help.

Through our farrier Dan, Liz and I are in contact with Greg Grey Cloud, leader of the Crow Creek Spirit Riders, to offer support to the horses and riders at Standing Rock.

Greg Grey Cloud's Crow Creek Spirit Riders

As of last week, several horses have suffered injuries, including one fatality, inflicted by riot police using "non lethal" weapons. Next week, a vet from Colorado will be donating time to come to Standing Rock to provide veterinary care, medicines, and farrier supplies. Additionally, several farriers from around the country will be donating their time and efforts to trim the horses' hooves, donate farrier supplies, and teach trimming techniques to the people.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can donate to help offset travel expenses and supplies that these professionals will be donating, please email Liz at estout18 (at) gmail (dot) com for more information.

Thank you for your help and consideration. We hope to hear from you! Please share this post and pass it on!