
What’s the Difference Between Wild Horses on Federal Lands and Those on Nevada’s Virginia Range?
What’s the Difference Between Wild Horses on Federal Lands and Those on Nevada’s Virginia Range?
A lot of people don’t know this—but there’s a big difference.
Wild Horses, Wilderness, and the Ethics We Choose”
Embedding free-roaming horses and burros within a utilitarian framework and viewing them as livestock at best or pests - at worst allows the BLM the latitude to establish welfare standards of convenience in other words to suit them. These standards need only exceed the lowest threshold of public acceptability. As a result, management can default to roundups and removals. These methods sever deep-rooted social and family bonds, and relegate previously free and self-sufficient to diminished lives in holding pens. These environments are often environmentally and socially impoverished, and the Wild Horses are subjected to the acute stress of roundups and unfamiliar human handling. Once removed from their home ranges and families, the best they can hope for is the companionship of buddy in holding and the care of (hopefully) kind humans.

BLM -1971 TO PRESENT W/ WILD HORSES
President Nixon Signed the Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act in 1971. There have been amendments to the act since. Please visit for links to information regarding the ACT.

At the end of the fiscal year, will there be more Wild Horses & Burros in Holding facilities than on the range?
The March 2025 Wild Horse and Burro Off-Range Facilities Report provides a comprehensive overview of the status of preparation, maintenance, and pasture facilities across the United States. As of March 24, 2025, the total capacity of all facilities is 81,167, with a combined population of 65,189 animals, including 62,534 horses and 2,655 burros.

Angelica’s Story
In the searing dust of Nevada’s 2023 Antelope Complex roundup, a Palomino mare climbs rocky ridges to shield her band, her month-old filly, Angelica, at her side.

BLM seeks input on proposed Lahontan wild horse gather plan
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the Lahontan Wild Horse Gather Preliminary Environmental Assessment. BLM is also seeking public comments and input under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for the project. This includes seeking information and identifying historic properties in or near the project area. Public comments will be accepted through May 12, 2025.