Governor Hobbs Takes Action to Ensure Sustainability of Salt River Horse Herd for Generations

Phoenix, AZ - Today, Governor Hobbs announced a series of actions designed to ensure the sustainability and health of the Salt River Horse Herd located in the Tonto National Forest.

First, the Governor has worked with the Arizona Board of Regents to identify funding for a genetic viability study to ensure that the Salt River Horse Herd remains a genetically stable and healthy population. The study, requested by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) in 2025, would be conducted by Arizona's public universities and independently reviewed prior to release. A vote by the Board of Regents is scheduled for August 27, 2026.

Second, an amendment from the AZDA to the Salt River Horse Herd Management Plan will suspend removal of horses for adoption off of the management area to state-approved sanctuaries and refuges in 2026 and 2027 so that the genetic study can be completed and inform management of the herd.

"I am taking action to ensure the sustainability and health of the Salt River Horse Herd for generations to come," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "By pausing the adoption schedule in the current Management Plan, the Arizona Department of Agriculture has created time for the Arizona Board of Regents to fund a study at my request on the genetic needs and characteristics of the Salt River Horses. My administration is committed to preserving the health, safety, and integrity of the Salt River Horse Herd as well as the natural ecosystem they rely on."

"Arizona's public universities have the expertise and research capabilities to help answer important questions facing our state," said Arizona Board of Regents Executive Director Chad Sampson. "The Salt River Horses are an important part of Arizona's heritage, and this Regents' Grant will provide the research and data needed to support science-based decisions about the herd's long-term health and the ecosystem they share."

"I'm thrilled that under Governor Hobbs' leadership funding has been identified for a genetic study and we will be following the best available science for managing the Salt River Horses," said Simone Netherlands, President of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group. "This suspension of removals and new study will allow us to continue our successful management of the herd and ensure that the Salt River Horses are healthy and thriving."

The AZDA is charged with managing the herd, and has an agreement with the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) to monitor, care for, and manage the horses. AZDA's role in managing the Salt River Horse Herd came via state statute after a federal plan to remove large amounts of horses from the Tonto National Forest was withdrawn.

AZDA's current Contract and Management Plan resulted from a competitive procurement that selected a proposal put forth by SRWHMG. AZDA is committed to managing the Salt River Horse Herd to ensure a thriving, sustainable population that is humanely treated and in healthy coexistence with the natural habitat.

A summary of the Salt River Horse Management Plan amendments can be found here and the complete, updated Management Plan can be found here.