Where do you get wild horses?
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Wild horses can be found primarily on government-designated Herd Management Areas (HMAs) in ten western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming, where they roam freely under the management of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). To adopt a wild horse, one needs to contact the BLM about their next mustang auction, as it is not allowed for a private citizen to trap feral horses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wild Horses
General Information
- Where are most wild horses found? Wild horses can be found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
- Can you catch wild horses in America? No, it is not allowed for a private citizen to trap feral horses; the BLM tracks and culls herds, and if you want to own a mustang, you need to contact them about their next mustang auction.
- Where do wild horses usually live? Domesticated, or tamed, horses can live in almost any habitat, but wild horses prefer plains, prairies, and steppes for defense purposes and shelter.
Locations and Distribution
- Where do wild horses run on the beach? Wild horses roam the beaches of the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast, where you can take a guided tour to see them at Corolla and Shackleford Banks.
- Which state has the most wild horses? Nevada is home to the majority of America’s wild horses and has the most wild horse and burro history.
- Which states have wild horses? Wild horses and burros can be found primarily on government-designated Herd Management Areas (HMAs) in ten western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
Behavior and Characteristics
- Are wild horses friendly? Wild horses are inherently different from domestic horses and may seem docile and friendly, but they are wild and will always be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
- Are there any truly wild horses left? The takhi is the only true wild horse left in the world; the so-called “wild” horses in Australia and North America are actually feral.
- What is the difference between feral and wild horses? Horses and burros managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are classified as “wild,” while those on other lands are considered “feral.”
Safety and Conservation
- Are wild horses aggressive? Wild horses see humans and dogs as something dangerous and may defend themselves by charging, kicking, or biting if you get too close.
- What is the problem with wild horses? Wild horse and burro populations can grow at 18-20 percent per year, wreaking havoc on the rangeland ecosystem by overgrazing native plants and out-competing other ungulates.
- In what state is it illegal to trip a horse? Horse tripping has been banned in several U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Texas.
Adoption and Care
- Can you catch a wild horse and keep it? While you are not allowed to catch and keep a wild horse, you can apply to adopt a wild horse through the BLM.
- Are mustangs wild horses? Mustangs are often referred to as wild horses but are properly defined as feral horses since they descended from once-domesticated horses.
- How long do wild horses live? Wild horses and ponies usually live shorter lives, often up to 15-20 years, due to the harsher environment and lack of medical care.