On July 20, 2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will commence a wild horse roundup in the Swasey Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA), which covers over 134,000 acres of federal and public land in Utah. Using helicopters, the BLM aims to capture 166 horses, removing 154 from the area and returning 20. Of the horses that will be returned, ten will receive fertility control treatments—five with GonaCon and five with intrauterine devices (IUDs). This operation aims to adjust the horse population to the BLM's designated appropriate management level (AML) of 60-100 horses. Based on a 2020 survey, the current estimated population is 287; if targeted removal is achieved, it will cause a 46% herd reduction.
Post Roundup Summary
Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024
This roundup was conducted during high summer heat, raising concerns about the welfare of the horses. The roundup captured 23 more horses than the BLM’s original target. To date, zero of the projected horses have been returned or treated with fertility control.
Contractor: Cattoor Livestock Roundup, Inc
Final totals*According to BLM report
Captured: 189—over BLM target.
157 Wild Horses (57 Stallions, 99 Mares, and 33 Foals)
Shipped: 188—over BLM target.
188 Wild Horses (57 Stallions, 98 Mares, and 33 Foals)
1 Death.*According to BLM report
AWHC is on the ground—read our reports below
July 25, 2024: Final day of gather.
Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 76°- 91°F when operations concluded just before 12:30 p.m..
Daily totals*According to BLM report
Captured: 32 (7 Stallions, 20 Mares, and 5 Foals)
Shipped: 49 (14 Stallions, 29 Mares, and 6 Foals)
One death.
Mare was euthanized for an eye abnormality. The mare was missing her left eye.
July 24, 2024
Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 81°- 83°F when operations concluded just before 9:00 a.m..
Daily totals*According to BLM report
Captured: 12 (5 Stallions, 6 Mares, and 1 Foals)
Shipped: 31 (12 Stallions, 13 Mares, and 6 Foals)
July 23, 2024
Weather: The weather was sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 73°- 96°F when operations concluded just before 2:00 p.m.. Heat exceeded the BLM welfare standard (95°F)*w/o approval.
Summary: Operations are expected to last another day or two. Observers noted the BLM and contractor were doing better pushing horses at a slower pace and allowing for good observation.
Daily totals*According to BLM report
Captured: 60 (21 Stallions, 29 Mares, and 10 Foals)
Shipped: 37 (11 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 5 Foals)
Horses being herded into trap.
July 22, 2024
Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 87°- 92°F when operations concluded just before 10:30 a.m. Heat nearly violating BLM welfare standards (95°F).
Daily totals*According to BLM report
Captured: 7 (4 Stallions, 2 Mares, and 1 Foals)
Shipped: 35 (10 Stallions, 14 Mares, and 11 Foals)
July 21, 2024
Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 69°- 97°F when operations concluded just before 12 p.m.. Heat exceeded the BLM welfare standard (95°F)*w/o approval.
Daily totals*According to BLM report
Captured: 42 (10 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 11 Foals)
Shipped: 36 (10 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 5 Foals)
July 20, 2024*According to BLM report
Weather: Sunny and hot with temperatures ranging 73°- 94°F when operations concluded just before 11 a.m.. Heat nearly violating BLM welfare standards.
Total captured today: 36 (10 Stallions, 21 Mares, and 5 Foals)
Last updated July, 2024
