Axtell Wild Horse and Burro Holding Facility: Insights from December 16, 2015
On December 14, 2015, despite challenging weather conditions, I embarked on a journey to the Axtell Contract Off-Range Corrals in Axtell, Utah. This facility plays a crucial role in the care and management of wild horses and burros removed from the range. During the visit, I met the contractor and his family, who manage the facility, along with several BLM employees and the facility veterinarian.
Facility Overview
The Axtell facility is one of two locations in Utah dedicated to the care of wild horses and burros, with the other being the BLM facility in Delta, UT. Initially established as a burro facility, it remains the only one of its kind in the U.S. Currently, the facility houses approximately 900 burros, with a capacity for up to 1,200.
Operations and Capacity
Since June, the facility has also been accommodating horses, with around 650 currently on site and a capacity for up to 1,000. The BLM compensates the facility at a rate of $4.00 per horse per day, covering feed and care, while also handling veterinary and foot care expenses. The contractor has invested significantly in infrastructure, including pens, waterlines, and a treatment building.
Horse Identification and Adoption
Horses at the facility are identified with freeze brands and numbered medallions. Although adoptions have decreased, the facility continues to facilitate the adoption process by transferring identified horses to BLM facilities, primarily in Delta, UT. Horses over five years old are typically sent to long-term pastures in the Midwest.
Community and Economic Impact
The contractor's operation is well-received in the rural community, contributing economically by purchasing local hay and providing manure for agricultural use. While some community members express concerns, these are often mitigated by the economic benefits the facility brings.
For more information, visit the Wild Horses of America Foundation at www.wildhorses.org or follow them on Facebook.