Alto Wild Horse Herd Returns to Lincoln County

The Alto wild horse herd has been returned to Lincoln County, concluding a month-long conflict between advocates and the New Mexico Livestock Board. This event marks a significant moment for the community and the ongoing legal battle over the horses' status.

The return of the horses to pens on land owned by Shelley McAlister was arranged quietly to avoid upsetting the animals, according to advocate Teeatta Lippert. "They called me 20 minutes before they got here and said I needed to get here, they were ready to pull into the driveway," Lippert said.

McAlister learned of the horses' return through a local resident. "Someone in Carrizozo saw the truck and asked if they were the horses going back to Alto," she said. "They told a woman, who called me. We just happened to be here working on the security cameras and packing up the house."

Lippert expressed gratitude for the peaceful resolution. "Trying to sort them with people hollering or calling names or screaming would have made our job a lot harder and would have stressed them out," she said. The unloading process was swift, and the foals were reunited with their mothers.

Lippert emphasized the importance of maintaining the horses' wild status. "My biggest advice to the community is that our stance is that these horses are wild," she said. "They were born wild. They are wild, so we must keep our distance."

The legal battle continues as a district judge will decide if the horses are wild or estray livestock. The Wild Horse Observers Association has filed for a restraining order on the sale of the horses, which was granted. The horses are currently in isolation and may be moved to larger pastures if the case remains undecided.

Lippert praised the community's peaceful approach. "We achieved more than shootings and riots and bombings and fires," she said. "And our children can see that a small town can make a difference."

William Bunce, executive director of the livestock board, acknowledged the professionalism of his staff during the emotional issue. "Their courtesy extended to others, while being maligned for holding to the letter of the law, is exemplary," he said.

With the Aspenfest parade approaching, Lippert and others hope to celebrate the horses' return with a banner.

Originally posted by Ruidoso News