"Rescuing an American Icon"

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pnickoles
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"Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by pnickoles »

When Carien posted this project I thought it was such a wonderful idea. A very tough topic, but so deserving of the attention. I had no idea at the time how deeply affected I would personally become by the subject.

"Rescuing an American Icon" by Pam Nickoles (http://www.nickolesphotography.com/HTML ... nIcon.html)
Last edited by pnickoles on Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by wendyreeves »

Hi Pam,
Wow, what an incredible, wonderful, touching story!!!!!! I own a mustang myself and he is soooo special to me. I'm so glad these 2 horses have someone like you (and the others) in their lives.

Thanks for sharing the link.

Wendy
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by mustang1629 »

Pam... When I first heard about the issues surrounding 3 Strikes Ranch I immediately thought of El Mariachi. I knew you were going to have a battle on your hands trying to get him out of that situation. It is never easy seeing horses in that bad of condition and even worse when you have a personal connection to them. It takes a lot of courage to come forward with with an experience like this and I thank you for that. I was afraid to ask and I am glad that you were strong enough to share this story. The wild horses need more advocates like you on their side.
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pnickoles
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by pnickoles »

Wendy - I'm glad you were touched by the story. I remember you telling me you have a Mustang. Congratulations for giving one a good home!

Leah - I didn't think I was ever going to be able to speak about this ordeal, but as soon as I had a good, safe place for the horses to go, it became more bearable. The people who went through this with me over the months said the story needed to be told. Their support and encouragement is what gave me the strength to write about it. Folks said it would be good therapy for me too - and it has been. Now, if we can only get some work done towards putting an end to animal suffering...
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by equipix »

Thank you for sharing. I'm so glad he is safe and happy now.
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by Kathy Higgins »

Pam,
What a fantastic story and images. I'm so glad El Mariachi is doing better now. Thank you for all the work you do for wild horses.
Last edited by Kathy Higgins on Wed Jul 15, 2009 2:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by pnickoles »

Kathy and Melody - thanks for taking the time to read the story and for your comments. I appreciate it very much.
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by shapack »

Pam, as you know, you are my hero!
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by pnickoles »

Thanks Sharon. Means alot coming from you - a fellow advocate and one who gave a deserving horse a new home herself (how's Lily doing?).
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by shapack »

Lily is an amazing horse! She is bringing great joy to family and friends. She is very social though her eyes say she is always watchful. She wants to be near. She is the most gentle horse I've ever been around. I think the best way of summing her up, is that she truly has a kind soul.
She is definitely a member of the family. Just before dark, when it cools down each day, she and E-male take advantage of all of their space. They engage in rearing war games, race wide open from one pasture to the next, bucking and carrying on. She leaves him in the dust. They have so much fun! It brings be great joy to see her, full of her self, having fun and just being a horse.
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by allthehorses »

Pam, thank you so much for sharing your story. I can only imagine how hard this was for you to go through, and I am so glad you followed through for this magnifcent horse. I have been following the story of 3 Strikes and am so happy to hear of one of the success stories from this situation.
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by Laura Cotterman »

Pam, this is a fascinating back story to the 3 Strikes tragedy. I think it helps to illuminate some of the complex issues with the BLM wild horses. Very well told and I am sure it was very difficult for you to boil down and write. I really enjoy your writing style!
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by pnickoles »

Karen - thanks for your comments on El Mariachi's story. I enjoyed reading your story as well. I actually think everyone wrote wonderful, heartfelt (sometimes heartbreaking) and inspiring articles.

Laura - thank you for your comments as well. All I can hope is that some kind of positive change comes from this ordeal. I know it affected many people and of course, the animals themselves. So incomprehensible. You know, before I wrote the piece, I actually asked Michael Blake (the author and who has the horses now) for some advice. He gave it to me very simply. "Write from your heart." As so I did. I'm glad you like that particular style. And many thanks to you for what you did for 5 lucky horses.
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Re: "Rescuing an American Icon"

Post by Beverley »

Hi Pam,

I have spent the evening looking at horse sanctuaries here in the UK, and, although I've seen images of ill-treated and neglected equines before, the magnitude of it takes my breath away, and if I let it it would break my heart... I'm new to EPN, and liked the idea of documenting horses in need, thus the research, but it was your story that made me cry. 'Writing from the heart' as you did, of your promises kept, of the journeys shared, and of the 'meant to be' outcome - truly amazing. I didn't know the mustangs belonged to us all - I hope you published your story nationally, in as many genres as possible, for truly wild is a rare thing, and it needs to be protected. Thank-you so much for sharing your story.
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