1C: Grappling with Tough Consequences of Free-Roaming Horses on Western Lands

The wild horse is a romantic and iconic symbol of American heritage and values. Few people are unaffected by the image of these animals galloping across untamed western landscapes. However, growing populations on sensitive arid rangelands have spurred debate about wild horse management, competing land uses, and impacts to rural economies and the environment.

Big game hunting and livestock production, activities that are economically vital in rural Utah, often come in direct conflict with wild horse populations. The sustainability of these activities is closely tied to range conditions. Since 2008, horse populations in the western U.S. have increased by more than 230% (Figure 1.C.1). Given extensive habitat and dietary overlap with livestock and wildlife, this creates high potential for competition.

Non-native wild horses have special protections under the law. They are not subject to the same control methods land managers use to regulate livestock grazing or wildlife populations. Utah State University scientists and United States Geological Survey collaborators are conducting research on ways to curtail growth of wild horse populations. They monitor rangelands using NASA satellite imagery to predict grazing capacity, wildlife population trends, and health of wild horses. Research shows that, unlike native animals, the body condition of horses does not fluctuate with range conditions, indicating resilience to drought and harsh winters. Other projects include development of longlasting forms of horse contraception and quantifying the impacts of natural mortality from predation and other causes. These efforts will assist state and federal land managers with efforts to navigate this growing problem.

Currently the only widely effective means of controlling horse populations is to physically remove the animals from the range, but this method has been challenged in court as inhumane. Quantifying the impacts horses have on sensitive habitats, grazing capacity, and competition with valued wildlife will be increasingly important as public opinion and changing demographics continue to influence management decisions.