This Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 6-9 p.m., at Telluride’s Palm Theater, there will be a free evening of wild horse education and activism; presented by The Spirit Riders Foundation. Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker James Anaquad Kleinert will be screening his film, Wild Horses and Renegades. This award-winning film has been presented as a work-in-progress to the community in the past, and now everyone is invited to come see the finished version, on Blue Ray, on the big screen at the Palm. Beautifully shot in high definition (much of it on location here in nearby Disappointment Valley), the film not only captures the magnificence of America’s wild horses and the shocking reality of their plight, but also delves into what is consuming the American West itself. From wild horses to uranium, it is all connected.

The film will help answer the too-often-asked question in today’s world: “Why should I care?” and in addition give us a glimpse into what is happening in our very own backyard.

The evening will also include a silent art auction of some very beautiful artwork by local artists, complimentary appetizers from local restaurants, a very special poetry reading by Michael Blake, author of Dances with Wolves, and information on the upcoming gather of our local herd in Spring Creek Basin located in Disappointment Valley; a herd that is just now recovering from the decimating effects of the 2007 gather.

Please come join us at the Palm to learn more about the wild kin of the magnificent four-legged creatures that have not only been our companions, but have literally carried us upon their backs on our journey together through time. Hopefully by the night’s end, you will come to understand why we should honor our debts to them; and give to those that love freedom perhaps more than we do ourselves, that which they deserve; and that is, their continued freedom.

For more information on wild horses or to see the trailer to Wild Horses and Renegades please go to: The American Wild Horse.com.

Thank you, and see you at the Palm for a good dose of Wild Horse medicine.