According to some, our new sanctuary has no trees
There are no trees in our sanctuary and there are no liars on the internet. Right?
Today we’re celebrating our April rescue birthdays! 🎉
Happy Birthday to these incredible rescues—we’re so grateful to have them safe, loved, and thriving! 💛
“Where can we go see them?”
The truth is… there’s no single spot we can send you to. Because they are still wild horses—moving freely, choosing their own paths, just as they should be.
Wind is safe… and in the best hands
This is what it takes to give a rescued Salt River stallion a second chance.
REALLY, Apache Sitgreaves Forest Service?! Relabeling the Heber wild horses as “stray livestock” ?!
Blatant disregard for the law, for the public and for innocent animals.
Rest in peace, Candlewick.
His loss is felt. But so is the gratitude—for the life he lived, on his own terms, in his home he was never taken out of.
A Happy Grace Update 💛
Many of you may remember this special Easter story from a couple of years ago.
Arizonans and legislators stand up for the “Salties”!
Thank you “Friends of the Salt River wild horses” and Nick Fierro, plus everyone who came!
We get a lot of questions about our fertility control program, and why we do it.
The reality is that we would have had 1000 Salt River wild horses today, if we had not started darting mares with PZP in 2018.
Happy Easter from the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group
“The wild ones who roam where the Salt River flows, have real joy in their freedom that everyone knows … “
Happy second birthday, Strider!
Just look at you here with Samuray, a tough bachelor who could almost be mistaken for Garrett at first glance.
As the River Flows: Garrett
As we follow the lives of the Salt River wild horses, we celebrate their births and, at times, stand witness to their deaths. But it is the trials in between—the quiet battles and untold journeys—that forge them into who they are meant to become.
It’s that time of year again…☀️🐍
With the early heat, those darn rattlesnakes are already out and about. Stay alert! It’s simple—don’t reach or step where you can’t see. Keep your 👀eyes and👂ears on the trail!
As the River Flows: Poppy
Out here, along the winding river, strength isn’t always the loudest force. Sometimes it’s the one that endures.
🐎 “I want you to know who I am.”
🐎: “Out of the five foals of 2024, only three of us made it… and I am the only female.”
🧬 What is genetic diversity and why is it needed in a wild horse herd?
⚠️🏛️ Today, in an early morning meeting in the House of Representatives, we were reflecting on the important issue of genetic diversity. It was interesting to say the least.
Did you know SRWHMG has a facebook page dedicated to just our Wild Rescues?
The SRWHMG – Wild Rescues shares stories, photos, and progress of the Salt River wild horses who have needed rescue—horses who were suffering in plain sight and would not have survived without intervention.
Please do not try to feed the wild horses!
We will feed enough for every horse *legally* in approved, safe locations.
As the River Flows: Orion
I bet you thought we forgot all about our “As the River Flows” series. We didn’t—just a brief pause in the journey.
Photo Feature: Stewart and Nirvana by Scott at PhotoAdvocacy
This is a great picture of Salt River stallions Stewart and Nirvana, two full brothers who have never left each other, who have their own band together.
“I’m with the band” has a whole new meaning
Watching these two explore, play, and enjoy life is a beautiful reminder of why rescue matters.
Teddy Bear was left behind once… but he will never be forgotten again. ❤️
Alone, neglected, and left behind… yet still so gentle and trusting. Horses like him deserve so much better.
FINALLY, the FULL story of how Moonfire was reunited and saved!
Watch in full, and if you care, please share!
Happy 10th Birthday, Rosco
It’s hard to believe that it is 10 years ago when we found this tiny, helpless wet foal who had been left behind by his band.
It is Rosco’s 10th Birthday today!!
Abandoned right after birth by a new lead stallion , we could not leave him to die. He was our very first Salt River Rescue!! ✨ The one that started it all. ❤️
Breaking: the Arizona horse murderer(s) still on the loose.
In this video update, Simone discusses yet more wild horse killings today in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Federal Court Allows Lawsuit Over Alpine Wild Horse Auctions to Move Forward
Phoenix, AZ — February 28, 2026 Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) announced today that a federal judge has denied the government’s motion to dismiss SRWHMG’s lawsuit challenging unlawful practices involving Alpine wild horses removed from the Apache–Sitgreaves National Forest.
Apache
They may have taken him from the Apache Forest, but they never took the Apache out of him.
THANK YOU, ARIZONA
We want to thank those of you who are resharing our important and difficult news about the Salt River wild horse herd being reduced. Your voices matter.
BREAKING: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Salt River Wild Horse Management Group awarded AZDA Contract with New Herd Management Plan
Under the new management plan, the herd is set to be reduced from 274 horses to 120 horses.
Love love love.
Check out this absolutely stunning continuation of Salt River wild horse genetics. Making an appearance at the river today — the breathtaking, the spitting image, the bratty, but stunning Wonder is turning 2 years old this year, right after his brother Splendor turns 3, can you believe it?
Please share because no horse should ever be left behind! ❤️
At first glance, he looked like a Salt River wild horse. But he wasn’t wild. He was a domestic horse abandoned in the forest — left by the person he knew. Heartbreaking
Have you been wondering how Wonder is doing?
This band has not been seen in their usual spot for a while so we’ve been getting this question a lot.
How’s Moonfire doing? Answer: Great!
We are so glad we were able to save this foal’s life!
⚠️How a Salt River Wild Horse Suddenly Dropped Dead
⁉️Tyrus, a healthy 8 year old bachelor stallion, was found in a wash, halfway against a bush, as if he had collapsed in an instant.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Salt River Wild Horse Management Group Calls for Independent Investigation into Repeated Wild Horse Shootings Arizona
The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) is formally calling for an independent investigation by another agency, in addition to the Forest Service investigations and Navajo County Investigations, of the repeated shootings of wild horses in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest in northern Arizona.
Grateful for Community Support
When a 100-year storm moved through the area, our SRWHMG property experienced significant damage. Heavy runoff created holes in our road, damaged our drive, and shifted debris onto our land — all of which needed attention.
One magnificent specimen of Salt River wild horse: Zircon
Zircon, offspring of Shadowfax and Sapphire, being one with his environment, like the mountains and the Saguaro and the wind.
The Wonderful Life, and Dignified Death of One Knee — the Bravest of Wild Stallions.
Today, One Knee, age 24, was released from this world out of mercy, because he had lost all vision in his good eye – and his other eye had already been blind since 2023.
ABC15: The USDA Forest Service is urging anyone with information about the recent killings of nine wild horses,
It’s so disturbing that in this day and age callous brutal wild horse shootings continue year after year, without any investigations amounting to anything. It is notable that these incidents seem to occur every January.
Strider is growing up fast!
Strider, one of 3 surviving 2024 foals, enjoys playfighting with his uncle, who is so patient!
Your Voice Matters, speak upTODAY for the Lake Pleasant Burros!
Most of you know the Salt River wild horses aren’t managed by the BLM—but the Lake Pleasant Burros ARE. If you are like us, you care about their humane treatment—especially if you’ve ever seen them while enjoying a day at Lake Pleasant.
BREAKING NEWS: THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN! ( THE “BAD BOYS” HAVE BEEN RELEASED! )
After “doing time” for the “crime” of breaking into the Saguoro Lake Marina , the “Bad Boys” officially received their “release” papers from the AZDA, and we set them free today!
We have a large mountain lion population along the Salt River.
This is footage from just the other day in two different areas, so please be aware, especially around dusk.
Batman’s complete Legacy and family tree— A Family That Lives On
Many of you have asked about Batman and the bloodline he left behind. This chart shows the full story of his offspring, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, along with the mares who carried his lineage forward.
Batman’s Journey
For those who’ve been asking about Batman — here’s an update from 4 years ago.
Our Beautiful Batman, how do we say goodbye?
We had 4 beautiful years with him and we don’t know how to say goodbye, ..but we had to.
Sadly, as we ring in the new year, the future of the Salt River wild horses is still very uncertain.
We’ll be honest: we don’t yet know what kind of year lies ahead for the Salt River wild horses.
Arizona high, Tonto National Forest! Where wild horses still roam free!
This is Iroquois band with our latest and only foal this year: Moonfire.
Our virtual Christmas card to our dear supporters!
” As just one herd, yet many bands, Salt River wild horses claimed these lands. Living their lives as nature planned, Any sighting of them is just grand…”
A mother. A legacy. A herd still standing.
We are sharing this beautiful memory of Mellie and her fillie Nellie, they were such a sweet pair! Nellie is now 5 and Mellies other filly Kellie is 6 years old, and both are in their own bands and doing great. (Kellie may even be pregnant, fingers crossed!)
This was Mellie yesterday, suffering terribly, but today, she rests in peace.
22-year-old Mellie showed so much bravery to keep going, and this is how you know that wild horses never give up. But we did not want her dying a horrible, slow death, because she deserves better.
It’s not snowing here, but we need more snowfencing asap, so we can let the “Bad boys” out!
We’ve already spent what we raised before, but we are in need of more, before we can safely let them out!
We need to complete 2 miles of fencing so that the “Bad boys” cannot cross the dangerous road anymore!
Most people don’t realize this, but the Salt River wild horses are protected entirely by the community, and our supporters — not by government funding. Every fence line, every rescue, every bale of hay, ever day of monitoring, our hotline etc, can exist only because people choose to support our important work. Without that support, these horses would literally be nowhere; and they would have no safety net.
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON DISEASE OUTBREAK, SALT RIVER HERD (NO EHV1)
We are collecting important information, but unfortunately, beyond monitoring, there is nothing we can do to ease their suffering, they are wild horses after all—the disease just has to run its course.
VSV: We are checking our list twice, but not for who’s naughty or nice…
We just want to assure you who care, and we want to thank you for your share!
This is for everyone who will miss Red Wind, the oldest Salt River wild horse.
It was one of the last times he was seen alive, and it’s as if he said goodbye, or farewell, or perhaps even ” thanks for leaving me wild”.
A mysterious Salt River Wild Horse Death.
He was lesser-known, but not less magnificent— Tyrus, may you run forever free, as thundering and proud as you always did.
We are very sorry to inform you that the first of two unexpected deaths, was Red Wind, the oldest Salt River wild horse. May he run forever free.
“Unexpected” to a certain degree, because we knew Red Wind was very old, but he was doing much better than he was before. Red Wind had gained weight back, with our care, and when we ended the feedprogram at the river, we made sure he was eating grasses and eelgrasses which were easy for him to chew.
Too Adorable to Handle! Dad Garrett and son Moonfire.
Someone commented that wild stallions are mean to foals… clearly they don’t know anything. This is the stunning wild stallion Garrett and his son Moonfire, the only 2025 Salt River foal. We check on him every day, and Garrett checks on him every minute of the day! Wild dads love and protect their babies Watch …
Baby’s First Rain!️ Here they come, Moonshadow and Moonfire!
It’s the baby’s first rain, and it’s been coming and going for two days now — with even more on the way tonight. We’ve been closely monitoring the band, (Iroquois band). Here they are, gathered together, with the baby lying down on the right. He’s a little cold, but we are grateful this didn’t happen …
It’s true — we have a new foal!
Some couldn’t wait to post him… but no one knows what it took to give this little guy a real chance at life.
Run free — forever part of the Salt River herd and our hearts. ❤️
This is a job that requires vigilance, compassion, manpower, expertise and difficult decisions — ensuring that when suffering cannot be healed, it is eased, and that every Salt River wild horse lives and dies with dignity and care.
As the River Flows: Silver
So, what do you get when you cross an older, suave, gray stallion named Sarge with a strikingly beautiful copper-colored mare, graced with a flowing black mane, named Serena? You get Silver.
Grab your coffee for this week’s story… “BADA$$ MARES”.
Please note, many of the stories currently being told come from our longtime volunteers from years ago, who had a particular horse—or horses—they first fell in love with.
Bearing heartbreaking news, again…
Please keep Rainna and her band in your thoughts and prayers tonight. We also still have another expecting mare for this year, so please keep them in your prayers also. If anyone wants to help search, or finds anything, please call our hotline.
The Bad Boys in time out… living up to their reputation.
Classic bachelor stallion behavior: one minute, they’re best friends, the next, they’re trying to kick each other in the face. (Not unlike human bachelors!)
Grab your coffee for this week’s “Old Warriors”…
Do you remember what we’ve mentioned before—that some stallions make better lieutenants than lead stallions? Well, we’re not even sure that role fit our boy, Charles.
As the River Flows: Robin
We have many old warriors who fit—or have fit—into this category, and we will tell their stories. But the story of the old warrior could not be told without this stallion.
As the River Flows: Until this old warrior, too, is called home.
Many of our volunteers have been with us for over 10 years, so we asked some of them, who their “first love” was when they joined us. This is the precursor to our first story next week.
🌧️A Stormy Welcome to Our First 2025 Foal! 🌧️
We are overjoyed to introduce the newest member of the Salt River Wild Horse Herd! 🎉 Time for A Fundraising Name Vote!
From Starving to Safe — DaVinci Has Found His Forever Home!
They found him starving, confused and ready to get out of the desert — and brought him to the SRWHMG Headquarters and safety.
25 Arizona wild mustangs brought to the Bowie Auction!
Our hotline received a heartbreaking call from Nirvana Mustang Sanctuary — Jackie Hughes from Rail Lazy H has brought 25 Arizona wild mustangs to the Bowie Auction right now! We feel compelled to stand with Nirvana Mustang Sanctuary.
As the River Flows: “Behind a great stallion is a great lieutenant”
Serta has had his band for several years, and his lieutenants, One Knee, and Surfer Dude, have been right by his side.
The death of a bandmate… and the funeral that follows.
You may have noticed that many of our recent posts have focused on family and emotion. Today, we continue with that theme.
Humane Management: When suffering won’t end on its own, and we are authorized to step in, we will.
Our beloved wild rescues came to us from desperate situations and with time and healing become happy little family bands. That now live safe, happy lives surrounded by care and love from our SRWHMG Care Team.
We are sad to report another loss on the Salt River.
A young stallion, just 6 years old named Cadence was found deceased today.
Community Support in Action!
Recently, thanks to the generosity of All American Rentals, we were able to complete improvements at our SRWHMG headquarters.
Grab your coffee… we are back with our Friday “As the River Flows”
To emancipate: to release from parental control and responsibility.
Announcement
Our president, Simone Netherlands, is finally taking a well-deserved 3-week break. 🌿✨
🌊 Meanwhile, on the Salt River…
Inspector’s band was peacefully snorkeling for eelgrass when this … well, let’s just say quite selfish human being … decided to disturb not only their peace, but also the peace of many onlookers. 😠
✨ Wind Has Arrived ✨
The beloved Salt River stallion with the old injury is in his forever home 💙 Thank you donors and supporters! Thank you volunteers, and thank you Simone for the update.
Salt River stallion Wind 💨 Rescue Part 2. This part of his journey is all about patience, trust, and comfort.
Because it was too hot to transport him all the way to Prescott on rescue day, Wind made a little layover at our Beeline facility 🏡. Here, he’s slowly getting used to people, and we’ve started his gentling process — always on his terms.
Happy Birthday to one of our longest standing volunteers, Pam Buschbacher!
Pam has been with us ever since February of 2015, that’s almost 11 years of spending every free minute she has!
🌟 Rescue for Wind! 🐴
Ten years ago, a brave Salt River stallion named Wind broke his front leg. Against all odds, he not only survived—he thrived. Wind healed, adapted, raised a family, and defended his band with strength and dignity.
Your generosity stocked our feed room with grain for our Salt River Rescues!
Join the impact—Tractor Supply cards make it easy to help!
