The Abaco Wild Horse Fund, Inc.

The Fund is part of ARKWILD, Inc a 501(c) (3) tax exempt corporation. The project was started by Milanne Rehor. In 1992 Rehor spent three months in the Abacos and brought to public attention the fact that the horses, nearly exterminated in the 60's, were making a slow comeback.

In 1992 there were about 30 horses living in the pine forests on Great Abaco Island, Bahamas. Overcoming a harsh enviornment and warding off continued wild dog attacks which destroy several foals a year, the herd appeared to be no longer in danger of extinction. A second trip in 1994 confirmed these findings and suggested continued research.

A third research trip was done (Dec. 1996 to July 1997). Grim statistics resulted: the herd was down to 20 horses.By the time Rehor got back in January, 1998, the herd was down to 17. Fortunately, by September of '98, four fillies had been born and survive so far. In March , '99 the stallion Acrux had to be put down due to an infection. (See article in HOOFBEATS). A few weeks later a six year old stallion, Vega, died from unknown causes. The herd is down to 19; l0 mares, 9 stallions.

Goal: Achieved! to publicize the existence and rarity of these horses; initial DNA testing indicates that the horses "most closely resemble Paso Fino" and thus may be of Spanish origin. They have been isolated for so long that they may have become a new, indigenous breed. Their genes are unique.

Goal: to provide the herd with a forest preserve surrounding the citrus farm where they have taken refuge, with limited and controlled human access to the preserve.

Goal: In Process - to provide medical care and support for both natural injuries and those resulting from inappropriate human intervention.

Goal: Achieved! to complete DNA testing as soon as possible to officially establish the horses' genealogy and to provide the basis for a stud book

Goal: to open up the genetic bottleneck with careful breeding to minimize potential ‘bad’ genes and encourage preservation of the unique genetic line..

Overall Goal: to provide these rare and beautiful horses with a safe and secure future, whatever their origins, by educating the public about the inappropriate human intervention that has prevented them from once again reaching viable numbers.

Be sure to check our newsletter, HOOFBEATS, for continuing updates on all our activities.