Roundup Report: The 2021 Onaqui Wild Horse Roundup

July 14, 2021

AWHC Contributor

The roundup of the beloved Onaqui wild horses began on Tuesday, July 14. The contractor, Sampson Livestock, used helicopters to capture 400 of the estimated 500 wild horses in the Onaqui HMA. Post-roundup, approximately 200 horses will remain, aligning with the Allotted Management Level of 121-210 horses. The operation was scheduled for up to 12 days, with 300 horses permanently removed and 100 (50 mares and 50 stallions) released back to the range.

The BLM aimed to capture 50-70 animals daily, avoiding large groups in a single helicopter run, and planned to conclude operations by 10 am to mitigate high summer temperatures. Volunteers tracked the famous senior stallion “Old Man” to keep helicopters away, and efforts were made to avoid capturing other senior stallions often seen alone.

Report

July 18, 2021: The Onaqui roundup concluded with 435 wild horses removed and one death—a young mare with a severely broken leg, likely from a kick during the chaos of the trap.

91 horses were captured in one run today, with no deaths reported. The removal exceeded the BLM's target of 400 horses. Excess horses are being taken to holding corrals for genetic testing and will be released with the 100 selected for return to the range.

Thanks to the Onaqui Catalogue for their challenging work at the trap, identifying horses and assisting in their placement. This documentation helps the BLM make informed decisions about which horses to return, considering family bands.

Photos by Brian Clopp.

July 17, 2021: Day 4 of the Onaqui roundup ended with 108 horses captured—60 stallions, 39 mares, and 9 foals, with no deaths reported. So far, 344 horses, including some of the most famous individuals in the Onaqui herd, have been removed. 100 horses will be returned to the range. Tomorrow is expected to be the last day of the roundup.

Photos by Brian Clopp

July 16, 2021: 128 wild horses were captured today, with one death: a 4-year-old bay mare with a BCS 4, who was humanely euthanized due to a fracture to her front left pastern. The mare had a low prognosis for recovery.

The BLM caravan left the meetup at 5 AM without a briefing. More public observers were present today than in previous days. The North herd was grazing near the trap site, so the captured horses weren't stampeded far.

Photos by Brian Clopp

July 15, 2021: On the second day of the Onaqui roundup, 94 horses were captured and removed. The BLM brought in horses from both the South and North herds.

A grey mare jumped a 6-foot panel and escaped. From the Onaqui Catalogue Foundation:

"From speaking with staff at the Bureau of Land Management, we have learned that the difference in gathered vs shipped is due to a mare jumping the panel on the range at the corral. There were no observed injuries on the mare. All 93 horses arrived safely at the holding facility. BLM staff reported that all horses were eating and drinking at the facility. There were no reported deaths."

Photos by Brian Clopp.

July 14, 2021: Approximately 14 wild horses, including 4 foals, were captured today. No deaths or injuries were reported.

Individual horse photos provided by Onaqui Catalogue

There was significant public and press turnout. The observation point was atop a steep hill, about 1.5 miles from the trap, which was hidden from view. The area appeared very dusty, and watering down the trap site could benefit the horses.

Photos by Brian Clopp.