The future of the Salt River wild horses is up for bid! This was our march at the capitol in 2016, the day the Salt River Horse Act was signed, the day we all thought they would forever be safe.

From that day, we have done everything we said we would. We remained steadfast in our commitment, successfully demonstrating that a wild horse population can be humanely managed. Did you know that without our fertility control program, there would be between 900 and 1000 Salt River horses today? What do you think would have happened to them all?

We’ve worked with the AZDA and USFS through three habitat reductions, because we were told that would negate the need for removals in the future. Some people are still upset about the BJ move, but they do know, that it was Forest Service mandated, so they should complain there. We don’t make the decisions, we work for the government, they make the decisions, we just cooperate and do our best to make sure the horses are OK. The AZDA has actually been an amazing partner for the past 8 years. We trusted them 💯

But here we are again, with the horses in limbo, have we been foolish? Will we need to be rallying and protesting again??

We believe we might have to. Some may say it’s just about an RFP, but here is why we are ringing the proverbial alarmbell:

In any normal bidding process, usually the bidder with the lowest offer gets the contract. In our case, this is a zero-pay contract. We are very concerned that they might choose the bidder that offers the lowest amount of Salt River wild horses!

We happen to know they want a number, a very low number, (that will lead to total extinction), and we happen to know that there are persons all too eager to oblige, and turn Salt River wild horses into a commodity to sell.

Consider that if someone fails the fertility control program, which they will, there is an endless supply of horses there. 50 babies per year = 150 horses to “adopt” out per year. 100 babies = 300 etc.

In addition, said same horsetrader plans on breeding them even after they’ve been removed, because mares are just not happy when they are not pregnant right? So, wrong. Anyone can come to the Salt River and see the happiest horses in the world, in the same place they’ve been for many centuries.

Adoption of course sounds very nice, but there is legally no difference between adopt and sell, none. There are no guarantees where these beloved horses will end up, in what cruel ways they would be trained, or how they will fetch the easiest quickest money. Should the state go with the group promising the lowest amount of horses left on the river, they would actually end up with the most.

Anyone can talk the talk that’s the problem.

So what do y’all think we should do? Fight the legality of removals, or offer a low number and make sure they have sanctuary?

We really want to know your opinion, we are your voice for these horses.

Here’s the latest update: The deadline for proposals has been extended by one week, and our contract has been extended for 60 days, until July 25th.

This means that it will be a while before we know what’s up. But that does not mean that we sit idly by and wait. This extension actually affords you, our devoted supporters, more time to reach out far and wide to more Arizonans and make this go viral.

We do not believe that the governor and the AZDA fully grasp yet that they are dealing with one of Arizona’s most cherished assets. We don’t believe that they understand that this is the issue that will make their bucket tip one way or the other.

We are bi-partisan, we are half D’s and we are half R’s, and you won’t believe it, but we all get along. We are composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by our singular focus: who will do right by this historic herd and the people who love them?

The day we thought the Salt River wild horses were safe, we were wrong. But if you’ve ever believed in anything, believe we will keep fighting until the day they really are.

Please keep up the calls, the emails, and you can even visit the AZDA and your legislators in person! Contact any celebrity and every legislator, get everyone you know to sign our petition and stay polite, but don’t let up.

Because, the future of the Salt River wild horses is up for bid.

With great gratitude to YOU! Our loyal supporters!!! We love you. SRWHMG.