Wild Horse Education

Wild Horse Education (WHE) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit devoted to protecting America’s wild horses and burros from abuse and slaughter while advancing humane, science-based management on public lands. Our work brings together field documentation, public education, advocacy, and legal action to increase truth, transparency, and accountability in the management of wild horses and burros.

Wild Horse Education is a registered 501c3 with the Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible according to the laws of the IRS. Our federal EIN is 45-2507000.

Who We Are

Wild Horse Education was founded by Laura Leigh and built from the urgent need to document what was happening to wild horses and burros both on the range and inside government systems. WHE identifies itself as a small organization with a dedicated volunteer base that educates the public and media while advocating for change in the way wild horses and burros are managed on public land.

• Learn more about our beginnings: https://wildhorseeducation.org/2013/01/19/wild-horse-education-who-we-are-and-what-we-do/

• Visit our About page: https://wildhorseeducation.org/donate/blog/

• Read about founder Laura Leigh: https://wildhorseeducation.org/laura-leigh/

What Drives Us

WHE states that it was formed to educate the public about the plight of wild horses and burros on public land and in government holding, work to end inhumane treatment, encourage sane and scientifically based management in the wild, promote adoptions, and assist the public in advocacy. The organization also says its role is to help facilitate public awareness and participation in the public decision-making process by providing first-hand information about what is happening on the range and in holding facilities.

• • Read our Mission Statement: https://wildhorseeducation.org/donate/mission-statement/

  • Take part in current advocacy: https://wildhorseeducation.org/urgent-action/

What We Do

WHE documents range conditions, roundups, and holding facilities, prepares reports used in discussions with government agencies, and takes documentation into the courtroom when other avenues fail. Its published goals include enforceable humane handling policy, reforming on-range management to minimize removals, protecting forage and water resources, improving adoption programs, and protecting wild horses and burros from slaughter.

How We Work

WHE says it was founded on the principle that educated advocacy is the strongest defense wild horses and burros can have in a propaganda-driven world. That means we explain what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what happens next—whether the work is taking place in the field, at a roundup, in a legislative office, or in court. Our approach is rooted in evidence, public education, and sustained engagement over time.

• Read our history: https://wildhorseeducation.org/whe-history/

• Read the founder’s perspective: https://wildhorseeducation.org/essential-reading/my-wild-horse-education/

Identity At A Glance

• Nonprofit advocacy for wild horses and burros on public lands.

• Field-based documentation paired with education, litigation, and policy work.

• Grounded in humane treatment, transparency, and public participation.

• Built on the principle of educated advocacy.

Wild Horse Education is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to protect wild horses and burros through documentation, education, public engagement, and legal action. We believe that educated advocacy, grounded in evidence and transparency, is essential to protecting wild herds on public lands