Eyewitness Report: Fallon/Indian Lakes Wild Horse Corrals

On May 12, 2023, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hosted an annual public viewing of the Indian Lakes Wild Horse and Burro Corrals in Fallon, Nevada. This facility, which recently doubled its capacity, can now accommodate up to 7,600 wild horses and burros. During the visit, approximately 2,600 horses and 9 burros were observed.

Facility Overview

The horses at the facility are separated by gender and age. The tour began with pens for geldings, followed by a separate pen for studs. An estimated 250 foals were present, staying with their dams until they reach about 5 months old. At 4 months, foals begin vaccination and weaning.

Concerns About Shade

A significant concern was the lack of shade over the pens. Although trees surround the facility's outskirts, no structures provide shade for relief during high summer temperatures. When asked, officials stated that healthy animals can withstand high temperatures, gaining relief at night when temperatures drop. Specific accommodations for unhealthy horses were not detailed.

Hoof Maintenance

In the wild, horses naturally trim their hooves by traveling long distances. At the facility, a contracting service trims about 100 horses weekly, with staff assistance in wrangling the horses.

Pen Cleaning Rotation

The tour guides mentioned a rotation for cleaning pens, ensuring they are cleaned before new horses are added. However, specifics on the rotation schedule were not provided.

Overall Condition

Overall, the horses at the Indian Lakes Corral appeared to be in good body condition. They originate from Herd Management Areas (HMAs) across the country and will eventually be moved to facilities farther east, where they are expected to be adopted soon.