Navigating the New Political Landscape for America’s Wild Horses & Burros
Navigating the New Political Landscape for America’s Wild Horses & Burros
In the wake of the 2024 election and the political shift it will bring, many advocates are wondering what the next four years hold for the future of our wild horses and burros. While much remains uncertain, there are some things we know for sure.
Bipartisan Support for Wild Horses
Protecting wild horses is a cause that transcends political divides. AWHC polling consistently shows broad support from voters across the political spectrum. A 2017 poll revealed that 83% of Trump voters and 77% of Clinton voters supported protecting wild horses and burros from slaughter.
While bipartisan voter support isn’t fully reflected in Congress, progress has been made. Republican support for wild horse protection continues to grow, led by champions like Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), influential members of the Ways and Means and Appropriations Committees, respectively. Their leadership is pivotal to expanding bipartisan coalitions and advancing humane management policies.
The Importance of Grassroots Advocacy
History has shown that public opposition and grassroots advocacy can overcome political threats to wild horses. During President Trump’s first term, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) initially sought to lift the ban on euthanizing and slaughtering wild horses. However, bipartisan public backlash, amplified by strong advocacy efforts, prevented these lethal policies from moving forward. By 2019, the BLM removed slaughter from the table, citing the President’s lack of support for lethal management options.
Furthermore, Doug Burgum, Trump’s nominee for Interior Secretary, has demonstrated a nuanced stance on wild horses. As Governor of North Dakota, he opposed efforts to remove wild horses from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, recognizing them as “embodying the untamed spirit of the badlands” and “a hugely popular tourist attraction.” This history suggests a potential recognition of the strong public support for wild horses, which hopefully will translate into leadership for better management and conservation of wild herds across the West.
Slaughter and Privatization Threats
Despite these positive signs, the risks to wild horses and burros may intensify in 2025.
Pressure for Lethal Options
Thanks to the aggressive roundup program of the last four years, over 66,000 wild horses and burros are now stockpiled in holding facilities—a historic high. For the first time ever, more wild horses are held in captivity than remain free in the wild. As the costs to feed and house these animals continue to climb, so does the risk that Congress will legalize lethal options as a cost-cutting strategy. Such a move would not only endanger the lives of tens of thousands of horses but also enable the BLM to continue its costly and inhumane roundup policies indefinitely.
Privatization of Public Lands & Project 2025
Organizations like the Heritage Foundation and Property & Environment Research Center (PERC) are pushing for privatization and state control of federal lands—a shift that would strip wild horses of federal protections tied to their presence on these lands. The Heritage Foundation-led Project 2025 blueprint for remaking the federal government explicitly calls for weakening wildlife protection laws and granting the BLM authority to "dispose" of wild horses and burros.
Individuals and interest groups advocating for these dangerous positions will be influential within the new White House and Congress. For example, Project 2025 co-author Russell Vought was recently announced as President Trump’s nominee to head the Office of Management and Budget.
Charting a Path Forward
Principles for Progress
- Public Support for Public Lands and Wild Horses
A 2022 poll showed that 91% of Western voters view public lands as critical to their quality of life, with over 70% opposing the sale or transfer of federal lands. Additionally, 80% of Americans support wild horse protection and oppose slaughter. The will of the people is persuasive and strongly bipartisan.
- Cost-Effective, Humane Solutions
AWHC’s in-the-wild conservation models demonstrate that humane management strategies are more effective and cost-efficient than roundups and captivity. This message aligns with fiscal conservatives who prioritize taxpayer savings.
- Science as a Driving Force
Emerging research highlights the ecological roles of wild horses, from reducing wildfire risks to promoting biodiversity. This science challenges outdated narratives and supports evidence-based management policies.
What’s Next for AWHC?
To navigate this critical moment, AWHC is strengthening its efforts across multiple fronts:
- Supporting Science: Investing in research to dismantle misconceptions, highlight the ecological benefits of wild horses, and further prove the conservation models that provide alternatives to costly and cruel roundups.
- Expanding Bipartisan Alliances: Building coalitions with Congressional allies, taxpayer advocacy groups, conservation organizations, animal welfare advocates, and rural stakeholders.
- Collaborating with Interest Groups: Expanding partnerships like the Colorado Wild Horse Project to develop consensus solutions to conserve wild herds, end helicopter roundups, and save taxpayer dollars.
- Growing Grassroots Mobilization: Expanding public support and channeling it into legislative action while organizing opposition to slaughter proposals when necessary.
- Developing Humane Management Models: Scaling fertility control programs and land preservation efforts to create national models for effective wild horse conservation.
- Preparing for Legal Challenges: Strengthening litigation capacity to defend wild horse protections and challenge harmful policies.
A Resilient Future for Wild Horses
The fight for wild horses is far from over, but AWHC’s resolve is stronger than ever. As political shifts bring new threats and opportunities, AWHC stands ready to protect these iconic symbols of freedom, ensuring their survival and rightful place on America’s public lands. With public support, bipartisan allies, and science-based solutions, we can meet the challenges ahead and continue to work toward a brighter future for wild horses and burros.