TRNP Signs Agreement for Horses: Officials Say New Roundup Method Less Stressful
Wild horses, iconic symbols of the American West, have roamed the plains of North Dakota for centuries. Today, in a bid to manage and preserve these populations, Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the North Dakota Badlands Horse Registry (NDBH) have signed a partnership agreement. This collaboration aims to facilitate the transfer of excess feral horses from the park to private owners.
Blake McCann, a biologist for the park, emphasized the cultural significance of wild horses in the area, noting their popularity among tourists. However, to prevent overgrazing and resource damage, population management is essential.
Traditionally, park staff conducted horse roundups using helicopters every four to five years, removing about one hundred horses to maintain sustainable population levels. These excess animals were then transported to auction shows and sold to private owners. With the new agreement between the park and NDBH, this process is set to change.
McCann explained that the park plans to transition away from helicopter herding, adopting gentler techniques instead. The large-scale roundup method has been stressful for the horses, and the park aims to eliminate this stress.
Bill Whitworth, chief of resource management for the park, stated that officials are moving towards using the horses' natural tendencies rather than physical force. This involves guiding the horses into controlled columns through light pressure and gentle nudging.
The park intends to implement this gentler approach more frequently, reducing the number of horses removed at one time from 100 to 30-40 annually. Once separated from the herd, NDBH will place the horses with private owners.
Whitworth noted that due to their bloodlines, these horses are highly desirable. "They have been around for a long time and are well adapted to the area," he said. Past buyers have been pleased with these rugged and special animals.
While the exact costs and benefits of the new technique are still uncertain, Whitworth is confident it will be financially beneficial for the park. More importantly, the new strategy is expected to reduce stress on these historic animals.
Originally Posted By Dickinson Press