FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2026
Wildlife Ecologist Craig C. Downer to Join July 22 Rally at Arizona Capitol in Support of Salt River Wild Horses
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Wildlife ecologist, author and longtime wild horse advocate Craig C. Downer will join Friends of the Salt River Horses at the Arizona State Capitol on Wednesday, July 22, at 8:00 a.m. to build public and legislative support for preserving Arizona’s Salt River wild horse herd.
Downer has studied wild horses and burros throughout the West for decades and conducted ecological studies of the Salt River herd and its habitat in 2012 and 2015. He is raising serious concerns about plans to reduce the herd to approximately 125 horses.
From a scientific standpoint, Downer questions whether a herd of that size would retain sufficient genetic diversity to remain healthy, adaptable and self-sustaining over the long term.
“Such an artificially low population will interfere with maintaining sufficient genetic diversity to adapt to the rigors of survival in the wild,” Downer said.
Downer is calling for an independent scientific review by qualified wildlife ecologists, equine geneticists and other experts before any horses are removed. He believes Arizona officials should publicly disclose the genetic, habitat, forage and population data used to establish the proposed herd-size target.
Friends of the Salt River Horses is urging Governor Katie Hobbs and state officials to pause any removals, scheduled to begin in September, until the proposed reduction has been independently reviewed and supported by credible science.
The group maintains that the Arizona Department of Agriculture decisions should preserve a genetically viable, naturally functioning herd rather than leave behind a population to small to continue for future generations of Arizonans to enjoy.
Downer also challenges the portrayal of wild horses as ecological misfits. He describes horses as a returned native species with deep evolutionary roots in North America and argues that wild horses can contribute to western ecosystems through seed dispersal, nutrient movement and the addition of organic matter to soils.
The July 22 gathering will call attention to the need for peer-reviewed science when making critical decisions regarding future existence of the Salt River herd.
Members of the public, wild horse advocates and elected officials are invited to attend and hear directly about the ecological and genetic consequences of reducing the herd to 125 horses, as is planned by Arizona Department of Agriculture.
Event Details:
What: Preserve the Herd – Follow the Science Rally
When: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
Where: Arizona State Capitol (in front of the Senate Building) 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix
Who: Craig C. Downer, Friends of the Salt River Horses, advocates and members of the public
The message of the gathering is clear:
Preserve the Herd – Follow the Science.
Before a single horse is removed, the State of Arizona should be able to demonstrate that its approach to herd reduction is based on peer-reviewed science and will preserve the Salt River wild horse herd for generations to come.
# # #
About Craig C. Downer
Craig C. Downer is a wildlife ecologist, author and founder and president of the nonprofit Andean Tapir Fund and its Wild Horse and Burro Fund. He holds degrees in biology and wildlife ecology from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Nevada, Reno. His research, writing and advocacy have focused on wild horses, burros, endangered species, and the preservation of naturally functioning wildlife populations.
Contact to arrange a meeting with Craig Downer or one of the other organizers for more information.
Media Contact
Susie Bell
Friends of the Salt River Horses
Email: [email protected]