Salt River Horses

Equestrian Users Please Be Aware

According to the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA), four Salt River horses in the Bulldog and Goldfield areas of the Salt River have lesions consistent with Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV). While these horses are suspected to have VSV, it has not been confirmed by testing. Out of an abundance of caution, all Salt River Horses in this area are currently under a quarantine. For more detailed information, Visit AZDA's Post. For questions, contact AZDA.

Intergovernmental Agreement Governs Salt River Horse Herd

On Dec. 28, 2017, the USDA Forest Service and Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) entered into an intergovernmental agreement that identified actions and responsibilities to manage the Salt River horses as required by House Bill 2340. The agreement directs AZDA to contract with a private entity for short-term management of the horses. AZDA conducted a request for proposal process and chose the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group to undertake short-term management of the Salt River horse herd, beginning in May 2018.

The agreement also committed the USDA Forest Service to fund and organize a collaborative process of interested parties to create a proposed long-term management plan for the Salt River horse herd.

Final Report: Salt River Horse Collaborative

The Salt River Horse Collaborative Final Report documents the outcomes of the Salt River Horse Collaborative process. The report was submitted to the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) and USDA Forest Service on behalf of the Collaborative by the facilitation team.

Several Federal and state policy initiative and related activities in the 2015-2017 timeframe provided the backdrop and impetus for the convening and formation of the Collaborative.