The Salt River wild horses are one of Arizona’s most beloved symbols of freedom, beauty, and resilience. These majestic animals roam the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, an area synonymous with the wild, untamed spirit of the American West. But once again, their very existence is under threat.

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A Fight for Survival

In 2015, when the Salt River wild horses faced possible removal, Arizonans came together in a historic show of unity. The outpouring of public support led to the passage of the Salt River Horse Act in 2016, protecting the herd from unnecessary removal and ensuring they could only be taken for humane reasons, such as injury or suffering.

That hard-won victory is now in jeopardy. Recent actions by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA), including a proposal to remove three adult horses for every foal born, threaten to undermine the very protections that keep these horses free. Conservationists warn that such removals could devastate the herd, leaving as few as 100 horses along the Salt River.

Humane Management Is Working

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG), a volunteer-driven nonprofit, has spent years proving that humane, science-based management works. With no government funding and over 100 dedicated volunteers, the group has achieved remarkable results:

• A 40% reduction in herd size through fertility control, without removals.
• A drop from 100 foals a year to just 2.
• Compassionate care and sanctuary for aging and injured horses.
• Protection of both public safety and habitat health, all at no cost to taxpayers.

Their work has become a national model, recognized by the Science and Conservation Center as one of the most effective wild horse management programs in the country.

The Call for Public Action

Supporters argue that AZDA’s proposed removals violate the intent of the Salt River Horse Act, which explicitly prohibits the capture or relocation of the herd for reasons other than humane necessity. SRWHMG is working with Arizona legislators and the state’s Attorney General to challenge the proposal, but they need the public’s help to keep the pressure on.

You can take action by signing the petition to Governor Katie Hobbs at tinyurl.com/SaltRiverWildHorsesPetition.

The law is on their side. The public is on their side. Science is on their side.

A Proven Path Forward

SRWHMG’s fertility control program, which uses the PZP (Porcine Zona Pellucida) vaccine, has stabilized the herd’s growth while preserving natural herd behavior and genetic diversity. Unlike surgical sterilization or mass roundups, this approach is humane, cost-effective, and sustainable.

The group’s operations also include:

• Rescue and rehabilitation of injured horses.
• Habitat improvements, such as removing barbed wire and maintaining fencing.
• Emergency feed programs during drought conditions.
• Daily monitoring and patrols to keep horses safe from traffic and other hazards.

Every effort is driven by volunteers and public donations, with 95% of funds going directly to the horses.

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Keeping the Herd Wild and Free

The Salt River wild horses are more than a tourist attraction; they are living links to Arizona’s natural and cultural heritage. The fight to protect them is a fight for compassion, stewardship, and the belief that wild animals deserve to live free.

To support their continued protection, you can:

• Donate to the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) at srwhmg.org.
• Sponsor a rescued horse or purchase the 2025 Salt River Wild Horse Calendar, which helps fund ongoing care.
• Volunteer your time to assist with fieldwork, events, or sanctuary support.

Together, Arizonans can ensure these magnificent horses remain a proud symbol of the West, wild, free, and thriving along the Salt River.

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