Oregon is home to wild horses that roam across vast landscapes. These horses, often referred to as Mustangs, are a recognized part of the state’s natural heritage, particularly in its eastern and southeastern high desert regions. Their presence is a result of a unique history and ongoing management efforts.
Presence and Geographic Distribution
Wild horses are present in Oregon, primarily inhabiting the state’s southeastern high desert. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 18 Herd Management Areas (HMAs) in this region, in addition to co-managing one Wild Horse Territory with the U.S. Forest Service. As of 2023, an estimated 4,519 wild horses were living on Oregon’s HMAs, a number significantly higher than the recommended population of approximately 2,690 animals.
These HMAs are scattered across millions of acres of public land. Notable areas where wild horses can be found include the Kiger, Riddle Mountain, and South Steens HMAs. The Kiger Mustangs, near Steens Mountain, are known for their unique Spanish ancestry and distinctive coloration.
Origins and Legal Protections
Oregon’s wild horses are not indigenous to North America; their ancestors originated from domesticated horses brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. These horses either escaped or were released, establishing free-roaming populations that adapted to the Western landscape.
By the mid-20th century, wild horse populations faced severe decline due to unchecked roundups and commercial exploitation. Public outcry led to the passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act in 1971. This landmark federal law recognized wild horses and burros as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West” and mandated their protection on federal lands. The Act made it a federal crime to harass or kill these animals and placed them under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. The BLM is responsible for managing and protecting these herds, ensuring ecological balance on public lands.
Population Management and Conservation Efforts
Managing Oregon’s wild horse populations involves addressing the challenges of overpopulation relative to available resources on public lands. Wild horse herds can increase by approximately 20% annually, potentially doubling in size within four to five years without intervention. This rapid growth can strain rangeland ecosystems, leading to degradation of vegetation and water sources, which impacts not only the horses but also native wildlife and livestock. The BLM’s goal is to maintain wild horse populations within their “Appropriate Management Levels” (AML) to ensure healthy rangelands.
To address overpopulation, the BLM employs various management strategies, with gathers (roundups) being a primary method. These gathers, often conducted using helicopters, aim to remove excess animals from the range to balance herd numbers with the land’s carrying capacity. For example, in 2023, gathers occurred in the Palomino Buttes, Stinkingwater, and Hog Creek HMAs in southeast Oregon. Horses removed from the range are transported to facilities like Oregon’s Wild Horse Corral Facility near Hines, where they receive veterinary care and are prepared for adoption or long-term holding.
Another tool in population management is fertility control, using vaccines like Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP). PZP is administered to mares, often through remote darting, to prevent pregnancy for a period. This method helps to slow population growth rates and can reduce the need for frequent gathers.
While the BLM has increased its use of fertility control vaccines, the adoption program has not always kept pace with the number of horses available, leading to a significant number of animals in off-range holding facilities. The care for these off-range horses constitutes a substantial portion of the BLM’s budget. Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts focus on finding humane and sustainable solutions for managing Oregon’s wild horse populations.