This Saturday, why not pack up the kids and head to a Christmas party with a bit of a twist?
Sandie Hucal, founder of Free Spirit Sanctuary, will be throwing a family-friendly event Dec. 14 — all to support Alberta’s wild horses. Set to run from 1-4 p.m. at Frank Wills Memorial Hall, the festive get-together aims to raise awareness for feral equines.
In addition to the traditional holiday activities — like cookie decorating and face painting — the event will be handing out postcards to all attendees. Kids and adults alike will be encouraged to fill out the cards, which will be collected at the end of the event.
The letters will be forwarded to the Alberta government, said Hucal. She hopes the postcards will catch the attention of Environment Minister Diana McQueen and, ultimately, end the capture and slaughter of Alberta’s wild horses.
“Children’s letter-writing campaigns have proven successful in the past,” she said, citing the conservation of the Sable Island horses as an example. “One of the things missing for the wildies is public awareness. And we’re trying to do something a little different to get the attention of the government.”
Bob Henderson, president of the Wild Horses of Alberta Society, will be presenting attendees with a brief talk about the history and survival tactics of the wild horses.
“Kids are unstoppable when they can demonstrate a passion for something they believe in,” said Henderson. “They have a much more important voice than people given them credit for.”
At last count, it is estimated that there are more than 850 wild horses in Alberta, with many of them found in the foothills west of Sundre and Rocky Mountain House. Herds can also be found a little closer to home — in the Kananaskis and Ghost-Waiparous areas.
As a way of managing the growth of wild horse populations, the province has issued capture permits. In 2011-2012, more than 200 horses were culled. The province doesn’t track where the horses end up after they are rounded up.
Hucal is the proud owner of two wild horses. Juno, a five-year-old gelding, was purchased from an auction house. Ganu, a two-year-old gelding, was an abandoned foal.
While Henderson agrees the wild horse population needs to be managed, he said he’s not sure if continuing to cull large numbers from the herds is the best solution. He said nature often has a way of managing populations. This year, for example, the harsh weather resulted in increased foal mortality rate, he added.
“The horses are part of the ecosystem in these areas and they have been for a long time,” he remarked.
In addition to the postcards, children can participate in the creation of a mural that Hucal plans to take to Edmonton as part of the campaign.
The event will also play host to a small silent auction. Door prizes and refreshments will be on hand.
Admission to the Christmas party is free, but donations will be welcomed. For additional details — or to order postcards to send to McQueen — email Hucal at [email protected].
