Velma "Wild Horse Annie" Johnston was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas, October 9.

Annie is credited with sparking nationwide interest and concern for the plight of wild horses and burros as early as the 1950's. Her work led to the eventual passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, which provides for the protection and preservation of these animals as "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West."

Accepting on her behalf was Dawn Lappin, who with Velma, worked with WHOA (Wild Horse Organized Assistance) in Nevada and the precursor to the BLM adoption program.

"I never called her anything but Annie until the day she died," recalled Dawn. "She was never insulted by that nickname. She was one of the most organized and dedicated people I ever knew and inspired so many who thought they could never overcome their own problems."

Joining Dawn was Nevada Wild Horse Commission administrator Cahty Barcomb, as well as members of the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the Bureau of Land Management staff.

Serving as ambassadors were the mustang Mucho Mas with 2008 EMM trainer Janet Kalinowski, along with Abel and Roberta Garcia.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and documents the lives of women who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying that same spirit. Annie was nominated for induction into the Hall of Fame by the Mustang Heritage Foundation, which works closely with the BLM in promoting public understanding of, and support for, the purposes of the Act.

To learn more about the program and apply, click here or download the application and information.