American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC) is dedicated to protecting our wild horses and burros via programs that focus on policy reform, conservation efforts, and community advocacy so that the horses – whose well-being is often endangered –thrive on public lands.

According to the organization, “AWHC exists because our wild horses and burros deserve to roam free. They are symbols of freedom, heritage, and the untamed spirit of the American West. As a nation, we stand up for these majestic creatures by promoting science-based conservation to ensure their protection and preservation.”

CFDA members Chloe Gosselin and Jenni Kayne share a passion for Wild Horses and serve as AWHC ambassadors.

“I came across AWHC and was stunned to learn about the barbaric treatment that wild horses often receive from humans, from traumatic round-ups to inhumane fertility control,” Gosselin said. “I started to educate myself about the issue and got in touch with the association and had the immense privilege to become one of their ambassadors.”

Kayne echoed similar sentiments. “Wild horses are so much like humans—they live in bands, which are their families. They are protective and loving, kind and smart, and they would do anything for the children and other horses in their bands,” she said. “Wild horses are iconic symbols of the West. They are majestic and free and deserve to stay that way. Despite what some may think, they are actually indigenous, part of our ecosystem, and don’t damage the land they roam. I am extremely passionate about protecting them and keeping them wild.”

Suzanne Roy, Executive Director and Board Member of AWHC, explained how AWHC is transforming wild horse conservation across the American West by expanding land conservation projects in places like Fish Springs, Nevada, and improving protection standards. Nevada’s Virginia Range, for example, is home to AWHC’s wild horse fertility control program – the largest in the world.

“These successes are driving change in Congress, shifting funding away from cruel and costly helicopter roundups and toward humane conservation solutions,” Roy said. “Our ambassadors Jenni and Chloe have been instrumental in raising awareness about these keys initiatives and introducing so many people to the reality that wild horses not only exist but urgently need protection. Their dedication and passion have been true gamechangers for our movement – we could not be more grateful for their partnership!”

We spoke to Chloe and Jenni about wild horses and why this is such an important cause for them.

Find out more about AWHC here.

Chloe Gosselin

Tell us about your passion for horses.

I am originally from Normandie, France. I was five years old the first time I rode a pony through my village’s forest and was immediately hooked. I rode on and off my entire childhood. My mother sacrificed a lot so I could take lessons, but we didn’t have enough money to own a horse. I remember helping out at the barn so I could ride extra for free. I lost touch with my passion in my late teens for a decade and reconnected with it when one of my dear friends brought horses back into my life in Las Vegas in 2013. I now own a Dutch horse Arie and I ride Dressage, five days a week. He is definitely a member of my family. It is a huge commitment but it is my childhood dream, so I try to honor “little me” and my passion for this beautiful animal every day I show up to the barn.

You are involved in American Wild Horse Conservation. Tell us why this is so important to you?

When I moved to the West, I wanted to see wild horses roaming free. It was like a fantasy etched in my brain to witness these wonderful animals in the wild. They look like our pets but are also so different…like a dog and a wolf, there is so much beauty in their freedom.

What do you personally do to bring awareness to protect wild horses?

I have been participating in social campaigns and awareness actions. Just a few weeks ago, I hosted an event for AWHC at my home in Las Vegas and gathered a wonderful group of people that wanted to learn about the issue and get involved. My strength has always been to connect people, I was able to bring on board some people in Congress as legislation and budget reform is key to the cause.

March 1 was National Horse Protection Day. What do you recommend people should do on this day?

Just like I was a few years back, most people are unaware of the treatment of wild horses in America, so on March 1st we can educate and share the story of these beautiful animals.

The American Wild Horses Conservation program is the nation’s champion for humane, in the wild protection of wild horses on our public land from fertility control that regulates population to advocating on policies and legislations.

Horses are native to this land and a symbol of the American West. We owe them care and respect, it is by telling their story that we can educate and slowly bring change.

Jenni Kayne

Tell us about your passion for horses.

I love horses so much. They’re such special, intuitive, and sensitive beings. I have been riding horses my entire life. I ride most mornings before work and it’s really my form of moving meditation and a time where I’m able to be truly in the moment, off all devices, and moving my body. There’s really nothing like being connected to my horse out in nature.

I also feel so lucky, because my love for horses has been passed down to my daughter. We ride together and we also have rescue mini horses and donkeys in our backyard that we take care of daily and are a part of our family. Being able to share a passion for horses — and working to protect wild horses together — is so special. I’ve actually taken my daughter and her friend out on the range, and it’s made such an impact on them. I’m really trying to get the younger generation involved in protecting wild horses, especially knowing that when the Wild Horse Protection Act was passed in 1971, it was because children were speaking up!

What do you personally do to bring awareness to protect wild horses?  

I try to advocate and give wild horses a voice wherever possible—and I try to use my platform in any way I can. At Jenni Kayne, we created a special West candle where a portion of the proceeds go to AWHC. We also have photographs by Kimerlee Curl in select stores. She’s an incredible wild horse photographer and advocate, and I love her work.

We host a pop-up every year at the Desert International Horse Show in California with the AWHC, Kimerlee, and the equestrian brand Calidae. We use the pop-up to teach more equestrians about the plight of wild horses. We were able to help the AWHC get more involved with the show. They had Ranger the mustang in the grand prix ring before the class started, which was a special way to highlight the issue and get riders involved.

I have also hosted events at my house to create more awareness and raise money within my community. In fact, I was awarded the Freedom Award at this year’s fundraiser, which I co-hosted. As I mentioned, I have gone out several times with the wild horses to see them roam. It’s one of the most magical and breathtaking experiences.

March 1 was National Horse Protection Day. What do you recommend people should do on this day?

Post on social media, tell a friend about wild horses and the work that the AWHC is doing, and, of course, make a donation to the AWHC. Every dollar makes a difference!