Sharing a good post of a very similar situation of the pine nut wild horses who have just one foal this year. Great job pine nut wild horse advocates.

Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates is with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and 5 others

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 11:02 AM

**Neptune’s Story: A Case for Effective Wild Horse Management**

Our beloved Neptune, the feisty 2025 colt of the Fish Springs range, is growing up before our eyes, captivating our followers with every silly leap and bossy glance. As our only foal this season in our herd, Neptune’s arrival isn’t just a heartwarming milestone—it’s a powerful testament to the success of our targeted birth control program. With only one foal among our wild horses, we’re proving a point: *wild horse populations can be managed humanely and effectively with disciplined use of fertility control.*

Skeptics might argue that our success hinges on managing a small herd. But size isn’t the barrier—execution is. A robust fertility control program, centered on the use of PZP (porcine zona pellucida) vaccine, scales with commitment and precision. For larger herds, the solution is straightforward: deploy more trained darters and adhere to a rigorous, deliberate plan. Establish a dedicated *dart team* whose sole mission is administering PZP to mares. No distractions, no divided priorities—just a laser focus on reducing the reproduction rate.

Data backs this up. Studies, like those from the National Academy of Sciences (2013), show PZP reduces foaling rates by up to 90% when properly administered. In a 2020 study on the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, PZP-treated mares had a foaling rate of just 5-10%, compared to 20-25% in untreated populations. Our own herd’s single foal this year reflects similar success, achieved through meticulous planning and a committed team.

To make this work, organization is critical. Appoint a *vaccine coordinator* to oversee PZP and adjuvant supplies. PZP must remain frozen until use, while adjuvants require refrigeration—any lapse risks vaccine failure. Regular inventory checks are non-negotiable; expired or improperly stored product can lead to an unintended foal. Re-priming mares showing signs of pregnancy before they foal is equally essential to maintain control. One mistake can undo months of effort.

Why does this matter? The alternative—allowing unchecked population growth—leads to roundups, removals, and taxpayer-funded holding facilities. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) spent $91 million on wild horse management in 2022 alone, with over half going to off-range holding. Meanwhile, fertility control costs far less—estimated at $35-$70 per mare per year for PZP programs. It’s not just logical; it’s economical.

Neptune’s adorable presence as he trots across the range is more than a charming sight. It’s proof that with dedication, data-driven strategies, and a commitment to humane management, we can protect our wild horses while keeping populations sustainable. Let’s focus on solutions that work—because our wild horses deserve nothing less. Do you agree that we should make this common sense approach to wild horse management more common?

What do you think?

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