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Protecting Arizona’s Historic Salt River Wild Horses

Very close to being gone forever, saved in the nick of time; the Salt River wild horses still roam peacefully, along the banks of the lower Salt River, enjoyed by the thousands of visitors to the Tonto National Forest, and managed humanely by the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG).

That is us. Thank you for visiting our website and for giving these historic wild horses a voice.

Protecting wild horses is not a one-time effort — it is an ongoing, daily responsibility. Every day, SRWHMG’s dedicated volunteers are in the field protecting, monitoring, and humanely managing the Salt River wild horses. We do this under a zero pay contract with the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA). We offer our management programs for free to the government, because we love each one of these horses dearly, and believe it is important to preserve them for future generations.

Managing the Salt River wild horses requires balancing a genetically viable herd with the protection of their natural habitat. Because the horses are confined to just 19,000 acres of Tonto National Forest, there has been much discussion and controversy over determining the right sustainable and viable population size. Through our highly successful humane fertility-control program, we have proven that a herd size can be reduced humanely over time, without removals. While we used to have an average foal crop of over 100 per year, we now have only 2 to 3 per year, effectively stabilizing the population.

Without this effort we would have had more than 1000 Salt River wild horses today and we shutter to imagine what would have happened to them all. Today, we have a population of just 267 Salt River horses. With that result, we have saved the government a lot of money, we have saved the horses a lot of suffering and we have saved the public a lot of heartache. We have achieved these results at absolutely no cost to taxpayers, relying entirely on donations and the extraordinary dedication of our volunteers.

We don’t just advocate for wild horses. We protect them, control their population and rescue them when injured—all without charging the government a dime.

A Recent Victory for the Salt River wild horses.  

Under a new AZDA contract, we had originally compromised with the AZDA for an eventual population goal of 120 horses, with removals of 25 horses per year planned to start in 2026. But Arizona spoke up—and Governor Katie Hobbs listened! She increased the population goal to 170 horses, and paused planned removals until 2028. We are extremely grateful for this reprieve.

In addition, through the Board of Regents, money was made available to study the herd’s DNA and genetic diversity. We are now working together with the University of Arizona (UfA) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) who are conducting important genetic research, that will guide future decisions about the herd. After years of fighting to prevent removals, this hard-won reprieve and scientific approach, gives the horses a much better chance at a lasting future.

The Work Behind Their Freedom

Our volunteers continue their daily work: monitoring individual horses and family bands, responding to emergencies, cleaning their habitat, fixing fences, keeping up with the data, taking care of our rescues, and implementing the nation’s most successful humane wild horse fertility-control programs.

Our results show what is possible when public interest, meets science-based management, meets dedicated volunteers. Managing wild horses humanely, is a win win for the government, for the public, and most of all, for the horses! After all, the Salt River wild horses are an economic boon for the State of Arizona and a historic treasure that we must to carry into the future.

Their Freedom Depends on All of Us

We have proven that humane management works. Now we need your help to keep it running, so that they can continue running free. 

Without responsible management,  these horses would literally be nowhere. Their continued freedom, health and safety—are the result of our proven, hands-on management programs, funded by our supporters, carried out by our dedicated volunteers, lead by our founder and president Simone Netherlands.

SRWHMG doesn’t just just advocate for these wild horses; we do the work every day that makes it possible for them to remain wild and free. 

After years of working tirelessly, we are so grateful for the public support and the progress that has been made, but the public appears to think the horses are now safe and donations have dropped dangerously low. When sponsorships get canceled, we cannot stop or slow down our important programs or stop feeding our rescues. We truly cannot keep it up without you. The horses and the government count on us, and we count on you. Stand with us. Donate, volunteer, and continue to speak up for the Salt River wild horses. Thank you so much.

PLEASE Join us in this historic movement to ensure that these beautiful wild horses remain wild and free and managed humanely.

Every donation is crucially important and helps protect Arizona’s most famous wild horse herd. Together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to experience the beauty, history, and freedom of the Salt River wild horses.

We need your help

We are not paid to do this work. Every rescue, every veterinary call, every mile walked in the field, and every bale of hay is made possible by supporters like you. Because we operate with extremely low overhead — no expensive offices and no large salary structure like bigger organizations. We are proud of how much we accomplish with so little.

If you love the Salt River wild horses and want to help, please consider becoming a monthly guardian or just making a one time contribution of any kind. You can even create a lasting legacy for the Salt River wild horses by including SRWHMG in your will. Even a small bequest ensures future security for Salt River wild horses!

Sponsor a Salt River Wild Horse
Leave a Legacy
Save an Alpine Wild Horse
Become a Salt River Wild Horse Guardian
Here are more fun ways in which you can help us make a difference!
Merchandise
Feed Program
Donate with PayPal
Donate with Venmo
Donate with Zelle

Or send a check to:
PO BOX 64264
Phoenix, AZ 85082

Thank you for your consideration of a donation to the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG), an Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the federal tax ID: 46-5280587

In this life, the greatest wisdom is knowing right from wrong; the greatest purpose is fighting for what is right; and the greatest reward is knowing you make a difference.

salt river wild horses

Our humane fertility control program has reduced the foaling rate from over 100 foals a year, to just one or two per year. The low birthrate keeps the herd in balance with it’s habitat, as well as with government goals.

SRWHMG is showing that there is a better way, did you know that without this program, we would have had more than 1000 Salt River wild horses today? We shutter to imagine what would have happened to them all. This is why we say;” an unborn horse is a horse that doesn’t suffer.  Our way is a win-win for the public, for the government, and most of all for the horses themselves, who get to stay in their home as a result.

LEARN MORE

Our programs are in the news a lot, watch the latest from Fox10!

Arizona forest refuses offer from group to help control wild horse population. Here’s the reason why

An Arizona group has had some success in controlling the Salt River Wild Horse population, but as they set their sights on wild horses in other parts of Arizona, some officials are refusing the group’s offer.

READ MORE
Managing Wild Horses Humanely

We, the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG), perform the scope of work under contract with the State and we just received the new 5 year contract.

Humane management includes many different aspects, from administering humane birth control, to rescuing injured wild horses when needed, to fencing maintenance which keeps them safe from the roads. With our large volunteer force we monitor the horses daily and we are available for emergencies 24/7.

Components of successful wild horse management:

  1. A data collection program that monitors the health of the herd and keeps records of each individual in it.
  2. A fertility control program backed by the Science and Conservation Center to stabilize population growth.
  3. A rescue program for critically injured wild horses and humane euthanasia in cases where a horse would otherwise die a cruel death. (See Valentina with her horrible broken leg.)
  4. An emergency response program, including a feed program during severe drought. We have been able to sustain the entire herd in good condition even during the worst of natural conditions.
  5. A habitat improvement program; cleanups and downed barbed wire removal plus any other safety hazards to wild horses.
  6. A road patrol program to keep horses off the roads and out of dangerous areas. (and close gates that people forget to close)
  7. Fencing maintenance program, which is important in keeping horses safely behind the fences.

SRWHMG does not receive any funds or grants from the government and we do not charge them for what we do. Our programs enjoy broad public support, and rely entirely on YOU, the public.

The Salt River wild horses are an economic boon for the State of Arizona and a historic treasure that we have to carry into the future.

The next chapter; building a large Sanctuary

When the removals were imminent, we realized that we did not want to send Salt River wild horses to individuals across the country. We also did not want to split families up and we did not want them to leave Arizona either. However, our contract even now, requires that we remove 22 Salt River wild horses in 2028, so we need to be prepared. We want them as close to their natural habitat as possible, so we are thinking big, to give Salt River wild horses a real Sanctuary. The sanctuary goal will be to preserve family bands, give them room to roam, provide lifelong care, and allow visitors to enjoy the horses they have come to know and love. This will be one of the largest and most important projects in our organization’s history. Stay tuned for updates!

A Decade of Humane Management

Since our start in 2014 and assuming management in 2018, SRWHMG focus has been on preventing mandated removals by reducing the herd humanely through fertility control. But what else does humane management entail?

*emergency response and rescue when needed

*fence maintenance to keep them safe

* habitat improvement and cleanups

* supplemental feeding during drought

*daily monitoring and continued record keeping

*road patrol and public education

We receive no government funding for any of our work. Every aspect of humane management is funded through public donations.

What is Humane Birth Control and Why is it Important?

We use PZP (Porcine Zona Pelucida) immuno-contraception to stabilize population growth. It is darted in the field by our certified volunteers, without capturing wild horses. PZP is the only acceptable form of birth control for wild horses, as it does not harm nor influence their hormones and therefore does not harm or influence their reproductive behaviors and herd dynamics.

Any other form of birth control, such as geldings or overie-ectomies, are cruel, expensive, and will influence their hormones, which is why we do not support those forms of birth control for wild horses.

Birth control is important, because the herd is fenced in by civilization on all sides and their resources are limited; therefore they cannot grow exponentially. The goal of this program is for each horse born in the wild, to be able to live out its life in the wild.

PLEASE Join us in this historic movement to ensure that these beautiful wild horses remain wild and free and managed humanely.

Giving Care and Sanctuary:

We operate a sanctuary for the wild horses we rescue. While wild horses are very good at healing and at taking care of themselves in the wild, nature can be very cruel sometimes. When there is unnecessary suffering and we can do something about it, we will. Most of the time, the  rescues are necessary due to human influences, such as barbed wire, cattle guards, traffic or accidental human interference. Once we rescue a suffering wild horse we are committed to providing that horse sanctuary and a quality life. But we cannot do this without you. Please consider becoming a sponsor for one of our wonderful rescued Salt River wild horses.

SO MANY WAYS TO HELP

Sponsor Rosy SRWHMG
Sponsor Rosy
Sponsor Peanut SRWHMG
Sponsor Peanut
ALL HORSES TO SPONSOR
YOU can make a difference!

All of the SRWHMG non-profit programs are dedicated to safeguarding wild horse habitat and using humane standards of treatment.  Every dollar of your tax deductible donation will go towards the horses directly. To donate  click here.  For checks, our mailing address is: SRWHMG, PO BOX 64264, Phoenix, AZ 85082. You donation saves lives. Thank you.

There is no reward greater, than knowing you have made a difference.

Connect with us through our social media pages;  follow srwhmg on facebook  follow srwhmg on twitter  

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Background: In 2015, when the impound notice for their removal was posted by the Forest Service, we knew that it would take an unprecedented public outrage to prevent this disastrous fate. We gave it our all; we alerted the media, we held many rallies, and we filed an injunction in federal court. What happened next, was amazing, it was the unprecedented public outrage we needed, and then some- the people of Arizona and its politicians gave these iconic wild horses a voice. Eventually, the Forest Service agreed to rescind the impound notice. Together, we changed the course of history for the Salt River wild horses, who now have a legal right to live on the Salt River in Arizona and are protected under State law. We are now under contract with the AZDA to manage the horses humanely. More than 100 news pieces can be found when you search “Salt River Wild Horse Management Group” , including pieces on CNN, the New York Times, USA Today, the Washington Times and local stations ABC15, FOX10, CBS5/3tv and 12News. It is important to remember this public outrage that was a reflection of how cherished this herd is. The public wants to see these wild horses treated humanely in their historic habitat.

more saved

MORI SAVED!

On the top of a steep mountain, three month old Mori stood all alone, disoriented and blinded with a broken skull. We rescued her on Nov 14th 2017. Her prognosis was bleak..

about salt river wild horse management group

ABOUT US

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) is an Arizona non-profit organization 501(c)3, dedicated to monitor, study and protect the Salt River wild horses, who reside in the Tonto National Forest, Arizona…

volunteer to rescue horses

VOLUNTEER

There are so many jobs to do, from monitoring horses on the river, to fixing fences to keep horses off the roads, to organizing and fundraising. We have sales booths and events and also there is lots of mucking to do at our Facility!

Our Mission: Ensure Their Long Term Protection and Humane Management

The Salt River wild horses are the historic and majestic creatures roaming the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. They are the pride of the community, a favorite subject of photographers and the icon of the wild, free spirit of Arizona and the American West.

These wild horses were brought into the limelight during  our epic battle  for their protection; the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group together with the public gave them a voice. We worked with congress and we worked toward positive solutions with Federal and State governments. It worked; while almost gone forever, today the Salt River wild horses are protected pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 3-1491 (aka the Salt River Horse Act).  We are now under contract with the AZ Department of Agriculture (AZDA) to manage this herd humanely. This partnership between the federal government, the State Government and a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) is a one of its kind and our groundbreaking program is finding the balance between it all.

So close to being gone forever, the Salt River wild horses now roam peacefully along the banks of the lower Salt River, enjoyed by the thousands of visitors to the Tonto National Forest. Together, we changed the course of history, together we have the responsibility to manage them humanely as part of our national heritage.

Our Mission: Ensure Their Long Term Protection and Humane Management

The Salt River wild horses are the historic and majestic creatures roaming the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. They are the pride of the community, a favorite subject of photographers and the icon of the wild, free spirit of Arizona and the American West.

These wild horses were brought into the limelight during  our epic battle  for their protection; the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group together with the public gave them a voice. We worked with congress and we worked toward positive solutions with Federal and State governments. It worked; while almost gone forever, today the Salt River wild horses are protected pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 3-1491 (aka the Salt River Horse Act).  We are now under contract with the AZ Department of Agriculture (AZDA) to manage this herd humanely. This partnership between the federal government, the State Government and a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) is a one of its kind and our groundbreaking program is finding the balance between it all.

So close to being gone forever, the Salt River wild horses now roam peacefully along the banks of the lower Salt River, enjoyed by the thousands of visitors to the Tonto National Forest. Together, we changed the course of history, together we have the responsibility to manage them humanely as part of our national heritage.