Apache
They may have taken him from the Apache Forest, but they never took the Apache out of him.
THANK YOU, ARIZONA
We want to thank those of you who are resharing our important and difficult news about the Salt River wild horse herd being reduced. Your voices matter.
BREAKING: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Salt River Wild Horse Management Group awarded AZDA Contract with New Herd Management Plan
Under the new management plan, the herd is set to be reduced from 274 horses to 120 horses.
Love love love.
Check out this absolutely stunning continuation of Salt River wild horse genetics. Making an appearance at the river today — the breathtaking, the spitting image, the bratty, but stunning Wonder is turning 2 years old this year, right after his brother Splendor turns 3, can you believe it?
Please share because no horse should ever be left behind! ❤️
At first glance, he looked like a Salt River wild horse. But he wasn’t wild. He was a domestic horse abandoned in the forest — left by the person he knew. Heartbreaking
Have you been wondering how Wonder is doing?
This band has not been seen in their usual spot for a while so we’ve been getting this question a lot.
How’s Moonfire doing? Answer: Great!
We are so glad we were able to save this foal’s life!
⚠️How a Salt River Wild Horse Suddenly Dropped Dead
⁉️Tyrus, a healthy 8 year old bachelor stallion, was found in a wash, halfway against a bush, as if he had collapsed in an instant.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Salt River Wild Horse Management Group Calls for Independent Investigation into Repeated Wild Horse Shootings Arizona
The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) is formally calling for an independent investigation by another agency, in addition to the Forest Service investigations and Navajo County Investigations, of the repeated shootings of wild horses in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest in northern Arizona.
Grateful for Community Support
When a 100-year storm moved through the area, our SRWHMG property experienced significant damage. Heavy runoff created holes in our road, damaged our drive, and shifted debris onto our land — all of which needed attention.
One magnificent specimen of Salt River wild horse: Zircon
Zircon, offspring of Shadowfax and Sapphire, being one with his environment, like the mountains and the Saguaro and the wind.
The Wonderful Life, and Dignified Death of One Knee — the Bravest of Wild Stallions.
Today, One Knee, age 24, was released from this world out of mercy, because he had lost all vision in his good eye – and his other eye had already been blind since 2023.
ABC15: The USDA Forest Service is urging anyone with information about the recent killings of nine wild horses,
It’s so disturbing that in this day and age callous brutal wild horse shootings continue year after year, without any investigations amounting to anything. It is notable that these incidents seem to occur every January.
Strider is growing up fast!
Strider, one of 3 surviving 2024 foals, enjoys playfighting with his uncle, who is so patient!
Your Voice Matters, speak upTODAY for the Lake Pleasant Burros!
Most of you know the Salt River wild horses aren’t managed by the BLM—but the Lake Pleasant Burros ARE. If you are like us, you care about their humane treatment—especially if you’ve ever seen them while enjoying a day at Lake Pleasant.
BREAKING NEWS: THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN! ( THE “BAD BOYS” HAVE BEEN RELEASED! )
After “doing time” for the “crime” of breaking into the Saguoro Lake Marina , the “Bad Boys” officially received their “release” papers from the AZDA, and we set them free today!
We have a large mountain lion population along the Salt River.
This is footage from just the other day in two different areas, so please be aware, especially around dusk.
Batman’s complete Legacy and family tree— A Family That Lives On
Many of you have asked about Batman and the bloodline he left behind. This chart shows the full story of his offspring, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, along with the mares who carried his lineage forward.
Batman’s Journey
For those who’ve been asking about Batman — here’s an update from 4 years ago.
Our Beautiful Batman, how do we say goodbye?
We had 4 beautiful years with him and we don’t know how to say goodbye, ..but we had to.
Sadly, as we ring in the new year, the future of the Salt River wild horses is still very uncertain.
We’ll be honest: we don’t yet know what kind of year lies ahead for the Salt River wild horses.
Arizona high, Tonto National Forest! Where wild horses still roam free!
This is Iroquois band with our latest and only foal this year: Moonfire.
Our virtual Christmas card to our dear supporters!
” As just one herd, yet many bands, Salt River wild horses claimed these lands. Living their lives as nature planned, Any sighting of them is just grand…”
A mother. A legacy. A herd still standing.
We are sharing this beautiful memory of Mellie and her fillie Nellie, they were such a sweet pair! Nellie is now 5 and Mellies other filly Kellie is 6 years old, and both are in their own bands and doing great. (Kellie may even be pregnant, fingers crossed!)
This was Mellie yesterday, suffering terribly, but today, she rests in peace.
22-year-old Mellie showed so much bravery to keep going, and this is how you know that wild horses never give up. But we did not want her dying a horrible, slow death, because she deserves better.
It’s not snowing here, but we need more snowfencing asap, so we can let the “Bad boys” out!
We’ve already spent what we raised before, but we are in need of more, before we can safely let them out!
We need to complete 2 miles of fencing so that the “Bad boys” cannot cross the dangerous road anymore!
Most people don’t realize this, but the Salt River wild horses are protected entirely by the community, and our supporters — not by government funding. Every fence line, every rescue, every bale of hay, ever day of monitoring, our hotline etc, can exist only because people choose to support our important work. Without that support, these horses would literally be nowhere; and they would have no safety net.
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON DISEASE OUTBREAK, SALT RIVER HERD (NO EHV1)
We are collecting important information, but unfortunately, beyond monitoring, there is nothing we can do to ease their suffering, they are wild horses after all—the disease just has to run its course.
VSV: We are checking our list twice, but not for who’s naughty or nice…
We just want to assure you who care, and we want to thank you for your share!
This is for everyone who will miss Red Wind, the oldest Salt River wild horse.
It was one of the last times he was seen alive, and it’s as if he said goodbye, or farewell, or perhaps even ” thanks for leaving me wild”.
A mysterious Salt River Wild Horse Death.
He was lesser-known, but not less magnificent— Tyrus, may you run forever free, as thundering and proud as you always did.
We are very sorry to inform you that the first of two unexpected deaths, was Red Wind, the oldest Salt River wild horse. May he run forever free.
“Unexpected” to a certain degree, because we knew Red Wind was very old, but he was doing much better than he was before. Red Wind had gained weight back, with our care, and when we ended the feedprogram at the river, we made sure he was eating grasses and eelgrasses which were easy for him to chew.
Too Adorable to Handle! Dad Garrett and son Moonfire.
Someone commented that wild stallions are mean to foals… clearly they don’t know anything. This is the stunning wild stallion Garrett and his son Moonfire, the only 2025 Salt River foal. We check on him every day, and Garrett checks on him every minute of the day! Wild dads love and protect their babies Watch …
Baby’s First Rain!️ Here they come, Moonshadow and Moonfire!
It’s the baby’s first rain, and it’s been coming and going for two days now — with even more on the way tonight. We’ve been closely monitoring the band, (Iroquois band). Here they are, gathered together, with the baby lying down on the right. He’s a little cold, but we are grateful this didn’t happen …
It’s true — we have a new foal!
Some couldn’t wait to post him… but no one knows what it took to give this little guy a real chance at life.
Run free — forever part of the Salt River herd and our hearts. ❤️
This is a job that requires vigilance, compassion, manpower, expertise and difficult decisions — ensuring that when suffering cannot be healed, it is eased, and that every Salt River wild horse lives and dies with dignity and care.
As the River Flows: Silver
So, what do you get when you cross an older, suave, gray stallion named Sarge with a strikingly beautiful copper-colored mare, graced with a flowing black mane, named Serena? You get Silver.
Grab your coffee for this week’s story… “BADA$$ MARES”.
Please note, many of the stories currently being told come from our longtime volunteers from years ago, who had a particular horse—or horses—they first fell in love with.
Bearing heartbreaking news, again…
Please keep Rainna and her band in your thoughts and prayers tonight. We also still have another expecting mare for this year, so please keep them in your prayers also. If anyone wants to help search, or finds anything, please call our hotline.
The Bad Boys in time out… living up to their reputation.
Classic bachelor stallion behavior: one minute, they’re best friends, the next, they’re trying to kick each other in the face. (Not unlike human bachelors!)
Grab your coffee for this week’s “Old Warriors”…
Do you remember what we’ve mentioned before—that some stallions make better lieutenants than lead stallions? Well, we’re not even sure that role fit our boy, Charles.
As the River Flows: Robin
We have many old warriors who fit—or have fit—into this category, and we will tell their stories. But the story of the old warrior could not be told without this stallion.
As the River Flows: Until this old warrior, too, is called home.
Many of our volunteers have been with us for over 10 years, so we asked some of them, who their “first love” was when they joined us. This is the precursor to our first story next week.
🌧️A Stormy Welcome to Our First 2025 Foal! 🌧️
We are overjoyed to introduce the newest member of the Salt River Wild Horse Herd! 🎉 Time for A Fundraising Name Vote!
From Starving to Safe — DaVinci Has Found His Forever Home!
They found him starving, confused and ready to get out of the desert — and brought him to the SRWHMG Headquarters and safety.
25 Arizona wild mustangs brought to the Bowie Auction!
Our hotline received a heartbreaking call from Nirvana Mustang Sanctuary — Jackie Hughes from Rail Lazy H has brought 25 Arizona wild mustangs to the Bowie Auction right now! We feel compelled to stand with Nirvana Mustang Sanctuary.
As the River Flows: “Behind a great stallion is a great lieutenant”
Serta has had his band for several years, and his lieutenants, One Knee, and Surfer Dude, have been right by his side.
The death of a bandmate… and the funeral that follows.
You may have noticed that many of our recent posts have focused on family and emotion. Today, we continue with that theme.
Humane Management: When suffering won’t end on its own, and we are authorized to step in, we will.
Our beloved wild rescues came to us from desperate situations and with time and healing become happy little family bands. That now live safe, happy lives surrounded by care and love from our SRWHMG Care Team.
We are sad to report another loss on the Salt River.
A young stallion, just 6 years old named Cadence was found deceased today.
Community Support in Action!
Recently, thanks to the generosity of All American Rentals, we were able to complete improvements at our SRWHMG headquarters.
Grab your coffee… we are back with our Friday “As the River Flows”
To emancipate: to release from parental control and responsibility.
Announcement
Our president, Simone Netherlands, is finally taking a well-deserved 3-week break. 🌿✨
🌊 Meanwhile, on the Salt River…
Inspector’s band was peacefully snorkeling for eelgrass when this … well, let’s just say quite selfish human being … decided to disturb not only their peace, but also the peace of many onlookers. 😠
✨ Wind Has Arrived ✨
The beloved Salt River stallion with the old injury is in his forever home 💙 Thank you donors and supporters! Thank you volunteers, and thank you Simone for the update.
Salt River stallion Wind 💨 Rescue Part 2. This part of his journey is all about patience, trust, and comfort.
Because it was too hot to transport him all the way to Prescott on rescue day, Wind made a little layover at our Beeline facility 🏡. Here, he’s slowly getting used to people, and we’ve started his gentling process — always on his terms.
Happy Birthday to one of our longest standing volunteers, Pam Buschbacher!
Pam has been with us ever since February of 2015, that’s almost 11 years of spending every free minute she has!
🌟 Rescue for Wind! 🐴
Ten years ago, a brave Salt River stallion named Wind broke his front leg. Against all odds, he not only survived—he thrived. Wind healed, adapted, raised a family, and defended his band with strength and dignity.
Your generosity stocked our feed room with grain for our Salt River Rescues!
Join the impact—Tractor Supply cards make it easy to help!
🚨These horses are counting on us!
You know we’ve always walked the walk for the Salt River wild horses—and we know you do too, and it’s no easy feat.
🌎 The Bigger Picture
We’ve been quiet on social media lately—hard at work on the important proposal for the Salt River wild horses. (We also don’t use auto-generated posts here—you always get the real us!)
📹 A piece of Salt River horse history you might not know.
In this exclusive testimonial, a former Tonto National Forest supervisor confirms an important part of Arizona’s history: Before 1971, the Salt River wild horses were managed under federal law, on the Sunflower Allotment, in the TNF, as part of the Forest Service’s multiple-use mandate.
Our volunteers make us proud 💛 Every. Single. Day. 💛
Before most people have had their first cup of coffee, they’ve already been miles deep into the river, lifting hay bales, checking fences, and watching over every wild horse in the Salt River herd. 🐎🌊
🥰 We love you dear supporters!
We want you, our supporters, to understand that while we cannot say too much until after the state has made its decision, our passion is no less strong.
🐴 From Starving to Safe — Help Us Name Our Handsome Survivor! 🐴
Thanks to YOU — our incredible supporters — he is now safe, gaining weight fast (he eats twice as much as our wild rescues!), and has a real chance at a happy future.
🐴SRWHMG Rescues Emaciated Horse, Found In The Forest, Abandoned!
Domestic horses are not equipped to survive in the wild. Abandonment means slow starvation! Does anyone recognize this horse? He is pretty distinct.
BREAKING: Scottsdale Mayor Considers Sanctuary for Salt River Wild Horses 🐴💚
Just in case.
Check out this beautiful video by Experience Scottsdale!
Mesa, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and Phoenix are all less than half an hour drive from the Salt River and all these cities and local communities benefit from their presence through tourism!
Navigating life with your best friends is so much better.
That’s what wild horses care about most, each other!
Run Forever Free Aquarius!
We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all of you for the fifteen thousand responses and three hundred thousand views regarding the passing of Aquarius.
They kept Calling for Her…Hoping She Would Get Up, But She Was Gone 💔
Wild horses are so bonded to each other, so social and sentient, and they mourn just like we do.
💔 A Salt River Legend Has Passed — Remembering Aquarius 💔
Yesterday, someone reported a horse lying still on the riverbank thinking she was already deceased. We responded immediately—it was Aquarius. She was alive, but clearly not well.
📚 History Lessons – Part 1 📰 “Phoenix Concern Eliminating Wild Horses From State”
In 1927, a newspaper article revealed the industrial-scale Elimination of Arizona’s wild horses by the Arizona Reduction Works, a horse slaughter plant in Phoenix.
A Closer Look at Red Wind: An Aging wild Stallion Fighting to survive. (Pt. 1 and 2)
As Red Wind ages his teeth wear down… and slowly, he stopped being able to eat properly. That’s usually a death sentence for wild horses.
🐴 FROM AUCTION TO PEACE 🌿
Meet Zander, born wild and free in March of 2024 in the Apache Sitgreaves national Forest, documented by SRWHMG and the Alpine Wild Horse Advocates.
Once again, Jackie Hughes and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are back at it.
They’re sending Alpine horses to slaughter auctions — and it’s absolutely deplorable.
🚨Total Outrage! Auctioning Tonight, Please Help!
We have enough to save just 3 out of the 6 Alpines! Please help to share for the other 3, as there are only 2 hours left!
Wild horses should get more credit for all the good things they do for the environment!
Please spread this reel! Thank you.
A great documentary is in the works!
The new RFP has yet to be released, so we are waiting like everyone else to see what happens next.
🌞 It’s hot in Arizona — please stay cool, and also be cool to the Salt River Wild Horses! 🐴💦
Here’s what’s NOT cool when visiting the very cool Salt River.
🌞 It’s hot in Arizona — please stay cool, and also be cool to the Salt River Wild Horses! 🐴💦
Here’s what’s NOT cool when visiting the very cool Salt River.
Have you watched this spectacular footage?
The mare, Lady Gallahad, and her foal, Constance, remain happy, wild, and free on the Salt River to this day.
Let’s take a minute to breath and notice the good things still on this earth.
Share the innocence, love and tranquility between these brothers and their watchful Dad. And then renew your vow to help protect it, just please share and help us protect it!
When Your Own “Defense” Becomes the Smoking Gun 🔥
In a clumsy attempt to prove that JH is a compassionate and law-abiding steward of wild horses, her proxy John Mack recently posted a video on YouTube. The goal? To prove that “everything you’ve heard about Jackie Hughes is not true.” But ironically, the video only added more proof of her unlawful actions—violations of FSrules as well as her contract. (Her contracts together cost the tax payer close to 2 million)
Why Wild Horses Make Incredible Dads 🐴👨👧👦
Wild stallions are more than just majestic symbols of freedom—they’re also loving, devoted and fiercely protective fathers.
💞Not a job too daunting, not a mile too distant and not a challenge she can’t overcome!
Karen makes a profound impact in our organization, and it’s her Birthday!!
💞🐴Happy Friday, Happy Bear Update!
It’s in moments like this, that we know without a doubt, that all the hard work is worth it.