Beatys Butte Wild Horse Roundup: A Detailed Account

November 5, 2015

AWHC Contributor

The Beatys Butte Roundup, conducted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), began on November 4, 2015, with the aim of capturing 1,400 wild horses in Oregon. This controversial event saw these majestic creatures lose their freedom and families, with some tragically losing their lives. The roundup, initially planned to be partially open to public observation, became fully accessible after legal pressure from the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) and Return to Freedom.

Daily Reports

Day 19: Sunday, November 22, 2015 - FINAL DAY: 21 animals were captured, 62 were shipped, and there were 2 deaths. A 4-month-old colt with a preexisting condition died, and a 4-month-old filly with injuries was euthanized. The final count of horses removed was 1,070, with a death toll of 16.

Day 18: Saturday, November 21, 2015: 54 wild horses were captured.

Day 17: Friday, November 20, 2015: No flying occurred; aerial surveying was done to move the trap site.

Day 16: Thursday, November 19, 2015: 12 horses were captured, and 61 were shipped. Five deaths occurred, including a blind mare and several young horses with old injuries.

Day 15: Wednesday, November 18, 2015: 64 wild horses were captured, and 34 were shipped.

Day 14: Tuesday, November 17, 2015: Helicopters were grounded most of the day; 31 wild horses were captured.

Day 13: Monday, November 16, 2015: No flying due to inclement weather.

Day 12: Sunday, November 15, 2015: No flying due to high winds; 117 wild horses were shipped.

Day 11: Saturday, November 14, 2015: 70 wild horses were captured, and 92 were shipped.

Day 10: Friday, November 13, 2015: 51 wild horses were captured, and 124 were shipped. Three albino and blind horses were euthanized.

Thoughts from AWHC observer Carol Statton: I was truly amazed by the Beatys Butte horses, their beauty, spirit, and adaptability. Despite their world being turned upside down, they showed resilience. We must redeem those who have lost their freedom and protect those that remain. Our interventions must improve.

Day 9: Thursday, November 12, 2015

Report from Grace Kuhn: We arrived at the BLM Lakeview office at 5 a.m. and saw our first wild horses free on the range. The helicopters began their runs, capturing around 130 horses with no deaths reported. The sight of foals struggling to keep up was heartbreaking.

Day 8: Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Report by Grace Kuhn: No flying occurred as the trap site was moved. The previous day's count was 85 horses captured with no deaths.

Day 7: Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Report by Grace Kuhn: The Beatys Butte Herd Management Area spans 437,120 acres. Despite the vastness, helicopters captured horses from miles away. The day's operations resulted in 12 runs and several horses captured.

Day 6: November 9, 2015: No flying due to inclement weather.

Day 5: November 8, 2015: Photographer Mike Lorden attended. 23 horses were removed, and 127 were shipped.

Day 4: November 7, 2015: AWHC's Deniz Bolbol observed the roundup, with 149 horses captured, bringing the total to 415 over three days.