By: Jordan Gerard | Yellow Sheet Report | Aug 18, 2026
After receiving more than 70 meeting requests from Salt River horse advocates, Gov. Katie Hobbs responded with a two-year moratorium on removing horses from the herd.
Hobbs has also asked the Arizona Board of Regents to fund a genetic viability study on the herd.
Hobbs announced Tuesday that her administration is working with the Arizona Board of Regents to identify funding to determine if the herd remains genetically stable and has a healthy population. The state’s public universities would conduct the study, which would be independently reviewed prior to release.
The Board of Regents is expected to vote on the funding on Aug. 27.
An amendment to the herd’s management plan will suspend removal of horses for adoption for the remainder of 2026 and 2027 so the genetic study can be completed and inform herd management.
The updated management plan changed the desired herd size to 170 horses by 2030, up from the current goal of 120 horses. Advocates said the current goal was too little to maintain genetic diversity.
However, the plan noted, “the population target for years 2028 to 2030 may be reassessed upon completion and review of the genetic diversity study.”
Hobbs said these actions ensure the sustainability and health of the herd for generations to come.
“My administration is committed to preserving the health, safety, and integrity of the Salt River Horse Herd as well as the natural ecosystem they rely on,” Hobbs said in a statement.
The advocates asked lawmakers to take action to protect the herd during the legislative session, which led Rep. Cody Reim to introduce Senate Bill 1199. The bill died in the Senate on the last day of the session.
Susie Bell, who oversees the Friends of the Salt River Wild Horses advocacy group, said they were surprised by the news.
“We are delighted and a lot of us worked hard,” Bell said. “It’s a good day for the Salt River wild horses.”
Simone Netherlands, president of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, said that from the very beginning, it’s always been their mission to preserve the wild horses for future generations of Arizonans to enjoy.
“We commend Governor Hobbs for recognizing the immense public interest in protecting the Salt River wild horses and taking steps to ensure their future,” she said.
Have questions or comments? Contact Jordan Gerard on X @JordanLouWho12 or at [email protected]