“Wild Horse Annie” was born on March 5, 1912 in Nevada. Her real name was Velma Johnston.

Velma was given the nickname of “Wild Horse Annie,” because she took a stand against the cruel treatment of our wild horses and burros. She fought for changes in our laws to create protections for our horses.

When Annie was five years old she contracted polio. It changed the way she looked. At first she tried to hide herself because she was ashamed. After awhile she decided that hiding was not a good idea. She started going out and talking to kids. Kids let her join their games! Sometimes kids understand so much about beauty that is inside, not just outside.

“Annie” was helped in her fight for horses by kids! Children from around the country wrote letters to Congress asking them to protect our wild horses. Many of the kids that wrote letters had never seen a wild horse in person, but they knew how important it is to care for the living things that share our world.

In 1971, President Nixon signed the “Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros act.” This act set up laws to protect our horses and burros and their homes.

Today those laws still stand.

There is a new need to make sure that those laws are followed. Many grown-ups, and kids, are still working for the wild horses and burros!

Sometimes drawing pictures of what we think is fun! Or writing a poem or story, too! If you want to ask a grown-up to help you send a picture, poem, or story of our wild horses and burros, we will put it on our “Kid Speak” page for you!