• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Care
    • News
    • Fun
    • Heartwarming
    • Videos
    • Rescue
    • Horse Fun
    • Tips For Riders
    • Fun Facts
    • Stories
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Wild Horses

    Picasso's Son Found Dead; Advocates Are Fighting For A Fence That Could Have Saved Him

    Modified: Oct 6, 2020 by Amber King · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    While wild horse advocates in Colorado are beginning to accept the belief that Picasso, one of the most revered wild mustangs in the country, has passed away, we're faced with yet another tragedy for the herd of horses in the Sand Wash Basin. Van Gogh, Picasso's stunning son, was recently found dead next to Highway 318. His body was found alongside that of another wild horse, and the deaths have sparked renewed outrage and concern for the safety of both the horses and motorists traveling on the popular roadway.

    Van Gogh's distinctive markings and bi-colored mane were homage to his famous father's good looks. At only six years old, Van Gogh was set to continue his father's legacy as a leader within his herd. His life, however, was cut short. 

    Photographer Meg Frederick graciously agreed to share her beautiful of photos of Van Gogh.

    https://www.facebook.com/MegFrederickPhotography/photos/pcb.1656231074555432/1656230794555460

    https://www.facebook.com/MegFrederickPhotography/photos/pcb.1656231074555432/1656230717888801

    https://www.facebook.com/MegFrederickPhotography/photos/pcb.1656231074555432/1656230711222135

    While no witnesses have come forward, it is believed that Van Gogh was hit by a vehicle and killed. The powerful stallion was often spotted grazing on the lush grass on the side of the highway, and concern for his safety was brought up by horse advocates as recently as two weeks before his death. 

    For years, a group called Wild Horse Warriors for Sand Wash Basin, along with countless individuals, has been petitioning the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to install a fence separating the Sand Wash Basin's southern border from Highway 318. There is an 8-mile stretch of land where the wild horse's territory comes in direct contact with the roadway. A basic fence would prevent the horses, and other animals, from roaming onto the dangerous highway.

    WHW has raised the funds needed to build the fence, but CDOT has yet to take action. The lack of response and Van Gogh's recent death have sparked a renewed effort to fight for the fence and the overall safety of the area.

    While Van Gogh's death hits particularly hard, several horses die on Highway 318 every year. There has so far been no human fatalities, but it's only a matter of time until a horse in the roadway causes a serious accident. The Sand Wash Basin is fenced on the other three sides, but this section of land is proving to be exceedingly dangerous for horses and motorists.

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    Everyone who supports wild horses and cares about their safety is urged to contact CDOT about the need for a fence on the southern border of the Sand Wash Basin. Contact the Region 3 (Northwestern Colorado) department by calling 970-243-2368.

    If you'd like to further support the cause, contact WHW through their Facebook page or email them at [email protected].

    More Wild Horses

    • Director Ashley Avis Of Disney+'s New Black Beauty Film Talks With iHeartHorses
    • Troy Wright Photography Captures The Spirit Of America's Wild Horses
    • "Wild Lands Wild Horses" Focuses On The Plight Of America's Mustangs
    • Basic Rules To Follow When Viewing Wild Horses

    Sharing is caring!

    9.0K shares
    • Share9.0K
    • Tweet

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 17 Beautiful Spanish Horses Breeds (Rare Photos)
    • 7 Breathtaking Horseback Riding Rides in Texas
    • 7 Ways to Get Rid Of Dandruff on Your Horse
    • The 7 Hands-Down Best Horse Documentaries
    • 7 Proven Methods to Teach Your Horse to Stand Still

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    9.0K shares
    • 9.0K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy