The Dangers of Summer Stampedes for Wild Horses

Dr. Bruce Nock is a tenured faculty member at Washington University School of Medicine and founder of Liberated Horsemanship.

Wild horses face significant threats during summer stampedes, especially when chased by helicopters. This practice can lead to severe physiological stress and long-term genetic impacts. Dr. Bruce Nock, a neurobiologist, highlights the dangers and calls for a reevaluation of such practices.

The Immediate Threats of Summer Stampedes

Common sense should warn against conducting "gathers" or stampedes in the summer heat. Yet, despite public warnings, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues this practice. Horses can experience a dangerous rise in body temperature in less than 20 minutes of moderate exercise during hot and humid conditions. The stress of being chased by a helicopter exacerbates this, leading to dehydration, colic, convulsions, and potentially fatal outcomes.

The Role of Sweating in Horses

Horses sweat profusely, up to 30 liters per hour, as their primary means of thermoregulation. This sweat contains not only water but also essential minerals and trace elements. Replenishing these is crucial, as plain water without electrolytes can worsen dehydration.

The Vulnerability of Foals

Foals, only months old during their first summer, are particularly vulnerable. While they may seem resilient, early development is a fragile time. Stress and trauma can have lasting impacts, potentially affecting their health and stress reactivity throughout life.

Understanding Epigenetics

Epigenetics involves the microenvironment surrounding a gene, influencing its activity. Adverse conditions early in life can cause epigenetic changes that affect mental and physical health. These changes might not be immediately visible but are real and significant.

Long-Term Genetic Impacts

Some epigenetic marks are inheritable, meaning the effects of summer stampedes could impact not only the current generation of wild horses but future generations as well. This highlights the broader implications of such practices on the health and welfare of wild horses.

[1] B. Nock, PhD, Neurobiologist, Washington University School of Medicine: Wild Horses—The Stress of Captivity. Liberated Horsemanship Press. Commissioned by The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation). March 16, 2010.
[2] M.I. Lindinger, MSc, PhD, animal and exercise physiologist at the University of Guelph cited by T. Pitman, University of Guelph: Summer Riding: When the Rider is Hot, the Horse is Hotter, TheHorse.com, Article # 16625, 2010.
[3] Ibid.