According to Arizona’s history, these horses have been living along the Salt river since way before the Tonto National Forest was created in 1902. Around 1867 ,a man who was a missionary named Father Kino came to Southern Arizona, what used to be Sonora. He brought many horses and cows at each mission. He led many expeditions on horseback and covered over 50,000 square miles and had 6 successful missions in Arizona.
At around 1850, the horses were being exterminated, because the horses were considered competition for the cattle, they were shot, poisoned and the Forest service ranchers organized these round ups. In 1908, they were ordered to kill every wild horse in Lander county!
Today, the horses are protected by law! The salt river act was passed and then signed into law in May of 2016.
Here is where you can find them roaming free Phon D.Sutton, Butcher Jones, Granit reef, and saguaro lake.
If you wish to, you can donate, sponsor a horse, volunteer@saltriverherd@respect for horses.com
If you love horses like I do, please donate on The salt river wild horse management page on Facebook!
Thank you for reading about these majestic creatures and keep following my articles! Like my Facebook page and check out videos and photos! Have a great weekend!
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