Why and Where The Let 'em Run Foundation Was Formed

In the Nevada mountains know as the Virginia Range near the circa 1859 "Comstock Lode" gold and silver mining town of Virginia City, bands of wild horses still roam free. Approximately 700 of these estrays descended from domestic horses, Indian ponies and horses that pulled covered wagons across the prairie to the gold fields of Nevada and California have somehow managed to not only survive, but to flourish. They are as much a part of the culture in this tiny mountain community as the saloons and the mines and the stalwart people who live in this "island in the sky" once known as the "richest place on earth."

Nevada is one of the fastest growing states in the nation. Homes are being built above the 6,200-foot level where these horses roam, pushing them further back into the mountains or forcing them to graze in populated areas where automobiles kill or maim dozens of them yearly. There are other dangers as well. In December 1998, three young men slaughtered 33 of these gentle horses for target practice. This brought the horse's plight to the national limelight and, at last, concerned citizens are coming forth to help for the first time.

The Let 'em Run Foundation is working with other organizations to begin to set aside huge tracts of land for these horses, to help manage the herds and to fence off areas where they should not roam. Our dream is to create the "Comstock Wild Horse Sanctuary" where these horses can be preserved, protected and allowed to run free for our children and our children's children.