DAWN RICHARDS
October 2, 2015 -- We love and appreciate the beauty of the Salt River Wild Horses in Tonto National Forest here in Arizona. It is believed that these horses are descended from Spanish horses brought to Arizona by a Spanish missionary in the 1600s. It has been documented that this herd has lived in the area of the Salt River since the late 1800s and probably well before that time. They have been living freely and thriving in this desert landscape, and I have enjoyed watching them over the past several years.
Several weeks ago, the US National Forest announced that it would begin impounding all the horses because they were "unauthorized livestock" as opposed to being classified as wild horses. This prompted a public outcry from residents, animal activists, and thankfully our state and local politicians. Fortunately, the US Forest Service has delayed any action as they try to work with the Salt River Wild Horses Management Group and other animal protection groups to agree upon a comprehensive management plan. We desperately need a commitment by the US Forest Service for a humane management program to preserve these Salt River Wild Horses.
If you would like more information about these horses and how to support the efforts to keep them wild, please visit the Salt River Wild Horses Management Group on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/saltriverwildhorsemanagementgroup?fref=nf
If you do make a trip to the Tonto National Forest to see the Salt River Wild Horses, please follow these tips for viewing horses in a way that is safe for both horses and visitors:
1. Observe a distance of at least 25 feet from any wild horse at any given time, even if the horse approaches.
2. Do not feed wild horses.
3. Observe calm and quiet manners when in the presence of wild horses.
4. Keep dogs leashed and away from horses.
5. Be a respectful observer of wild horse behavior, and don't interfere.
6. Take photos, but please use a ZOOM lens so you keep your distance and no flashes, please.
7. Observe the speed limit and heed the watch-for-horses signs.
8. Observe all Tonto National Park rules including purchasing your parking pass and please don't litter.
We love and appreciate the beauty of the Salt River Wild Horses in Tonto National Forest here in Arizona. It is believed that these horses are descended from Spanish horses brought to Arizona by a Spanish missionary in the 1600s. It has been documented that this herd has lived in the area of the Salt River since the late 1800s and probably well before that time. They have been living freely and thriving in this desert landscape, and I have enjoyed watching them over the past several years.
Several weeks ago, the US National Forest announced that it would begin impounding all the horses because they were "unauthorized livestock" as opposed to being classified as wild horses. This prompted a public outcry from residents, animal activists, and thankfully our state and local politicians. Fortunately, the US Forest Service has delayed any action as they try to work with the Salt River Wild Horses Management Group and other animal protection groups to agree upon a comprehensive management plan. We desperately need a commitment by the US Forest Service for a humane management program to preserve these Salt River Wild Horses.
If you would like more information about these horses and how to support the efforts to keep them wild, please visit the Salt River Wild Horses Management Group on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/saltriverwildhorsemanagementgroup?fref=nf
If you do make a trip to the Tonto National Forest to see the Salt River Wild Horses, please follow these tips for viewing horses in a way that is safe for both horses and visitors:
1. Observe a distance of at least 25 feet from any wild horse at any given time, even if the horse approaches.
2. Do not feed wild horses.
3. Observe calm and quiet manners when in the presence of wild horses.
4. Keep dogs leashed and away from horses.
5. Be a respectful observer of wild horse behavior, and don't interfere.
6. Take photos, but please use a ZOOM lens so you keep your distance and no flashes, please.
7. Observe the speed limit and heed the watch-for-horses signs.
8. Observe all Tonto National Park rules including purchasing your parking pass and please don't litter.
