The Wild Horses of Alberta Society (WHOAS) was formed in 2002 after public outcry over the destruction of several wild horses that lived in the mountains and foothills of the eastern slopes of Alberta. Their mission is to ensure the provision of all aspects of conservation and humane treatment of wild horses in Alberta, and they are committed to the preservation of these magnificent animals in their natural environment.

WHOAS has always believed that the horses require proper management and protection, and that there is a more civilized and humane way to manage their populations.

Their projects include an adoption program, and a wild mare contraception program administrated through a vaccine to prevent mares from becoming pregnant. To facilitate the adoption program they have secured land and built a handling facility where horses can be rescued, rehabilitated, gentled, and placed for adoption.

WHOAS also provides education and reaches out to schools, 4-H clubs, and interested equestrian groups. They also offer assistance to private land owners whose properties are adjacent to the Crown Land where the wild horses live.

Operated by a group of committed volunteers, WHOAS receives no outside support and relies on donations and community assistance, as well as annual calendar sales.

For more information visit the Wild Horses of Alberta Society, website.

This group is fondly referred to as the “mousy greys” with Latigo out front. 

I call this photo “Freedom Run.” In 2015, Zoro lost four of his herd members to the culls.

This is Phantom and his name speaks volumes; it’s very hard to find this guy.

Cheyanne, Quinn and Po. Cheyanne is one of my favourites to follow. This old girl has a foal on her most of the time. My heart aches for her at times as I’ve followed her over the years.

It had just snowed and Ollie was standing in the sun and steaming as the snow melted off of his back.

Ghost was part of Zoro’s herd and was culled in the 2015 culls and adopted out.

Photographer June Fox documents and photographs Alberta’s wild horses, and loves sharing their photos and stories. All of the stunning photographs in this article were taken by June Fox, FotosbyFox.

This article was originally published in the November/December 2016 issue of Canadian Horse Journal.

Main Photo: “Fabio” is one of the most well-known horses in Alberta’s wild herd, according to photographer June Fox, who gave him the name in 2013 because of his incredible mane. In 2014, Fabio became the poster boy for the battle against the Alberta wild horse culls. People identified with him and it helped bring awareness to their plight.