Last week an important victory for Arizona’s beloved Salt River wild horses occurred when Governor Katie Hobbs announced that planned removals will be paused this year and in 2027 to provide time for the completion of a genetic study to be used as a guide for future management decisions.
This study will examine the herd’s genetic needs and characteristics to help support future decisions to provide a healthy and genetically viable herd population.
The pause prevents the horses from removals that were scheduled to move forward so that an opportunity for science, not random population targets, can guide future decisions.
Under Arizona state law, the Salt River wild horses are protected and are an important part of Arizona’s natural and cultural heritage.
For years, the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group has shown that humane, in-the-wild management works. By utilizing science-based fertility control, daily monitoring, habitat stewardship, and community partnership, they have reduced the herd from over 460 horses while also achieving a net-zero reproduction rate.
Their work has been achieved mostly through humane, in-the-wild management, not by helicopter roundups or large-scale removals.
Many thanks go to Governor Hobbs for upholding the long-standing protections for this significant Arizona herd and ensuring the time necessary to study its genetic needs prior to any future management decisions being made.
The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group should be highly commended for its continued leadership and responsible, humane care of these beloved horses.