July 11th @ 1PM

Thirsty? Extreme temperatures of 116F in Arizona can be rough on everyone, including wild horses. So please let them get their drink and let them stay in the river to cool off, by not approaching or disturbing them.

As you can see and hear in this video, there were lots of photographers taking pictures of these horses as they came in for a drink, and that doesn’t bother them at all, as long as you respect them and give them their 50 ft space.

Please share our safe viewing guidelines and have a great weekend:

1. Observe a distance of at least 50 feet from any wild horse at any given time. If a wild horse comes toward you, please move out of it’s way to maintain the distance. Horses may be trying to access water — please allow them to do so. They’re just as thirsty as you are.
2. Please do not feed wild horses. Feeding wild horses an inappropriate diet can upset their digestive system and/or kill them. When forage gets sparse, SRWHMG instates a feed program for them, so they are not hungry.
3. Do not attempt to tame or touch a wild horse. It is not good for wild horses to become habituated to people as they will then not respect our space, and that can result in their loss of freedom.
4. Keep dogs leashed at all times and away from the horses. Dogs are naturally inclined to chase horses, which causes horses to flee. They may run towards other people who are recreating or they can injure themselves on rugged terrain. Horses may also defend themselves and kick at a dog that is trying to bite their heels and that can be fatal to dogs.
5. Be a respectful observer of wild horse behavior, don’t interfere or chase or follow them when they are walking away from you. Each wild horse behavior has a purpose. That includes “battling,” i.e., stallions challenging each other.
6. Take lots of pictures, but please remember that the photo itself is never more important than the well-being of the subject of your photography.
7. Observe the speed limit on Bush Hwy and Goldfield road.
8. Bring a garbage bag and play a role in cleaning up the Tonto National Forest. If you love wild horses, pick up trash that might harm them!
9. Call the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group hotline if you see an injured horses or any emergent situation involving a wild horse.
10. Have fun posting your pictures on the Facebook Page: “Salt River Wild Horses – Advocates” where you are sharing them with other visitors and photographers.

We hope that people have a great time viewing wild horses, while at the same time keeping the horses’ best interests at heart. Thank you!
SRWHMG.

Enjoy a video of wading horses on our Facebook page! (here)