"We're in extreme danger of losing the largest wild horse herd in the country. A precious part of our western heritage will be gone forever unless you help right now.

"The Nevada Department of Agriculture intends to quickly remove all 1200 of these beautiful animals - the whole herd - and send them to the livestock sale where they can be sold for slaughter.

"Call Nevada Governor Gibbons right now and urge him to intervene on behalf of OUR wild horses. Call 775-684-5670."

Nelson's spokesperson said that if the present horse situation didn't resolve itself soon, Nelson would find time and a studio to record some radio spots. Funds have already been pledged by various sources to air these spots in target markets.

A few celebrity web sites are also starting to take up the "Horse Wars" subject, providing links to on-line information sites and celebrity support is running all across the public spectrum with rapper and TV star Snoop Dogg recording one of the first radio spots for the horses.

On Tuesday, April 15th, internationally acclaimed Austrian filmmaker Antonia Umlauf Baroness von Lamatsch swung through Nevada on her way to receive a number of film festival awards in Houston. The Baroness spent two days in the Virginia range, viewing the animals and giving ideas to wild horse groups.

The Baroness' visit can be viewed here: Baroness: Europeans see wild horses as representing America, Nevada Appeal, April 16, 2008.

and Austrian baroness visits area to film wild horse bands, RGJ / Dayton Courier, April 25, 2008.

There have been overtures made by the Governor's office and other officials to wild horse leaders and advocates, asking how this issue could be resolved. Lacy J. Dalton explained, "We didn't pick this fight, but we're in it now and we're in it until we reach a sustainable, enforceable solution for these horses."

In response to a message from Governor Gibbons' office requesting advocate input for a six month study to develop a new horse management plan, Willis Lamm responded,

"Thanks for forwarding the notice about the NDoA Horse Management Plan.

"Here's the problem. I hope the Executive Office will seriously consider these issues as they are what are most relevant in resolving this matter - and in preventing a significant escalation.

"1. The NRCS previously published a management plan. It's been posted to the internet, with the data summaries, for everyone to see.

"2. The IFC provided funds to the NDoA under false pretenses. If you review the tape of the meeting I believe you will find Director Lesperance's justification laced with false statements. This is inappropriate conduct at any time - especially during a budget crisis.

"3. Director Lesperance went to the media and made a number of patently false statements that quite frankly made me embarrassed for our state.

"4. Director Lesperance is Governor Gibbons' appointee. Either the Governor condones this kind of conduct or he doesn't. It's time for some clear leadership. The public expects honesty and full accountability.

"5. Under the present leadership, the NDoA instills no public confidence. It is my assessment that given the recently contrived "crisis," any study results will receive skeptical review.

"6. This matter is very likely to escalate next week so my most sincere council is to deal with this matter forthwith! You will probably be surprised at the significant people who are coming on board on the side of the horse advocates."

Singer Sheryl Crow and Actor Viggo Mortensen have recently appeared in James Kleinert's latest film, Saving the American Wild Horse.