America's Last Wild Horses by Hope Ryden. No wild animal captures the spirit of North America quite so powerfully as the wild horse, nor has any faced such diverse and potent enemies. In this provocative account, Hope Ryden, who helped to ensure the passage of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act, which grants mustangs special protection, combs the history of these proud and noble horses. Descended from the Spanish horses ridden by the conquistadors, they evolved into the tough and intelligent ponies that Native Americans, and later, explorers and cowboys, learned to rely on. From the period when wholesale extermination of the buffalo was underway until recent times, commercial and political interests have sought to eliminate the wild horses as varmints. Unfortunately, these magnificent creatures are in trouble again. In November 2004, an amendment to the 2005 Appropriations Bill opened the way for America's wild horses to be sent to slaughterhouses, thus rendering the no-kill 1971 Wild and Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act obsolete. A few senators have been trying to pass bills to stop the killings, but so far no action has taken place. Meanwhile, horses are being slaughtered by the truckload. In her new introduction, Ryden addresses these latest developements and tells of the successes and failures of regulation over the years. The subject of a front-page article in The New York Times when it was first published, America's Last Wild Horses continues to be a compelling testament to the life of a uniquely American symbol of grace and wildness, and is a must-read for horse lovers and Western history enthusiasts everywhere.Softcover, 6" x 9", 345 pages, b&w photos with color insert photos. We offer free shipping on all orders over $19.94. Orders under $19.95 will have a $2.50 handling fee added. To order by phone call toll-free: 866-596-9982.