These States Boast the Most Wild Mustangs

Wild horses, or mustangs, have roamed the American landscape for centuries. Then urban development, livestock competition, and overpopulation concerns came and wild mustang populations were decimated. These majestic beasts were misunderstood for such a long time that nowadays, the symbol of freedom and the wild spirit remains only in ten western states. While still free, they live in Herd Management Areas (HMAs), their territory reduced to just a small fraction of what once was.

The history of wild mustangs in the US

In recent years, the wild horse population on the East Coast has reduced to almost zero. Historically, wild horses came to North America with Spanish colonizers in the 17th century. Over time, they flourished and became synonymous with the American West.

The 20th century decline

By the early 20th century, wild horse populations were nosediving, which continued over the decades due to various socio-economic factors. Today, these animals are confined to HMAs with tight monitoring and management to prevent overpopulation, ensure environmental sustainability, and protect their well-being against illegal hunting practices.

Wild mustangs in popular culture

Wild mustangs were the subject of amazement and wonder in popular culture. They made their mark in Walter Farley’s “The Black Stallion” series, which has enchanted readers for decades. The 1979 film adaptation brought these horses closer to audiences than ever before.

Horses in movies & music

Additionally, wild mustangs have galloped across the silver screen in classics like “Wild Horse, Wild Ride” and modern hits such as Disney’s “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.” Even in music, wild mustangs make appearances in the Rolling Stones’ song “Wild Horses” which serves as an enduring anthem for love and longing.

Arizona

The wild horses of Arizona live in roughly 20,000 acres of territory, across multiple HMAs, including Yuma and the Cerbat Mountains. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is in charge of these habitats.

California

Californian wild horses have made a comeback with their current numbers going for 9000 strong. BLM has also demonstrated that their population is increasing by around 20% annually. Some horses live near the California/Nevada border in Montgomery Pass.

Colorado

Colorado is home to over 1,300 wild horses. They mostly roam the Spring Creek Basin Herd Management Area located in Disappointment Valley in the southwestern part of the state. In total, there are over 36,000 acres of public land available to them but their population is still very low.

Idaho

In Idaho, around 617 wild horses roam the scenic landscapes across 418,000 acres. The main parts of the populace live in Challis and the Four Mile HMA. In total, there are 6 HMAs in Idaho.

Montana

Montana’s wild horse population is small at around 150 wild horses. The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range is famous for its unique horse population, known as the Pryor Mountain Mustangs.

Nevada

Nevada is home to the largest wild horse population in the US, with over 40,000 wild horses living there. For reference, that’s roughly 60% of the entire wild horse population in the US. Primary habitats include the Antelope Valley, Little Fish Lake, and Triple B.

New Mexico

The 230 federally-protected wild horses live on 1% of federal land in New Mexico. By some estimates, this population is four times the number of horses that is healthy for the herd and the land.

Oregon

Oregon provides one of the largest territories for wild horses, at more than 3,000,000 acres containing 18 HMAs. Currently, there are less than 3000 wild horses in Oregon.

Utah

Utah is another massive state that has dedicated plenty of its federal land for wild horse population control, at 2,500,000+ acres and more than 3,500 wild horses living in the state. The horses predominantly roam in the western and central parts of the state, particularly in the Swasey Herd Management Area and the Confusion Range.

Wyoming

Wyoming’s over 3,000 wild horses typically roam the Rock Springs and Great Divide Basin Herd Management Areas. The wide-open spaces and availability of natural resources in these areas provide an ideal habitat for the wild mustangs.

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