Herd Management

The Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory, about seven miles north of Alturas, California, sits on a continuous lava plateau at 5,000-foot elevation. The territory is managed by the Forest Service (258,114 acres) and the Bureau of Land Management Applegate Field Office (7,759 acres).

Local ranchers and farmers originally managed the herd. After the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act of 1971, the Forest Service began managing the area. Today, that management level is set for 206 to 402 horses.

Other wildlife in this territory include elk, deer, antelope, cougar, rabbits, rodents, migratory birds and aquatic species dependent on delicate high desert, riparian areas.

Origins

Horses have been present on the Devil's Garden Plateau since shortly after the first pioneers arrived. Into the early twentieth century, lighter bred horses worked as ranch stock in the summer and heavier draft horses pulled wagons to feed stock in the snowy winters. In between, horses were turned out on the Devil’s Garden Plateau to graze. Over time, many horses escaped or were no longer gathered. Some local calvary mounts also escaped and made their way to the Plateau.

The herd is well known for their large, feathered feet that can thrive across lava rock. The average horse size is between 14 and 15 hands, though it's not uncommon to find larger ones. Dominant herd colors are bays, blacks and roans; buckskins, sorrels, grays and palominos can be found too. Due to their size, temperament and solid feet, these horses were used for trail riding, ranch work, police mounts, therapy work, and show horses.