Cherise Arthur, Saturday, March 15, 4-5:30PM, $20

Join us for an inspiring presentation about Velma Johnstone, a remarkable woman whose life and advocacy for wild horses continue to impact the movement today. Velma grew up in Nevada, where her deep connection with wild horses played a vital role in her personal healing after battling polio as a child. Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and a lifelong mission to protect the wild horses and burros of the United States.

In this presentation, we’ll dive into Velma’s incredible life and how she became a tireless advocate for these majestic animals. You’ll learn about:

• The history of wild horses in Oregon and the 19 wild herds that call this state home
• How horses are deeply intuitive creatures with the ability to sense our emotions from over 30 feet away
• The steps we can take as a community to ensure these wild horses remain free and protected
• Specifics about Velma’s legacy and how her work continues to inspire modern-day efforts to protect wild horses

Whether you’re new to the cause or an advocate already, this talk will give you new insight into the history and the vital role we all play in protecting these animals.

Cherise Arthur is a native Oregonian, a writer, and a former educator dedicated to wild horse advocacy in Oregon. With three children’s books published and a current project on her first YA novel, Cherise combines her passion for storytelling and nature to spread awareness about the importance of preserving our wild horses.