Wild Horses Face Winter Challenges at Palomino Valley

Winter poses unique challenges for the Palomino Valley Wild Horse Adoption Center, where dedicated crews work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of wild horses and burros. From breaking ice to managing feed, the facility adapts to the cold to keep these majestic animals safe.

RENO, NV - It's the sound of ice breaking. You'll hear it twice a day at Palomino Valley. That's how often crews at the wild horse adoption center break ice in troughs these days. One horse undergoing training even chews on the ice left on the ground.

Other horses tend to run around as crews move from trough to trough. Trough heaters would be impractical, as extension cords and electricity could prove hazardous to the animals.

“The water that comes out of the ground is actually over one hundred degrees, so it flows very well. But everything is on a floated system, so it's a constant supply through the troughs. As water goes down, it comes back in. So as long as there are enough horses using the troughs, the ice won't build up. It's the pens where we have a few horses and not enough use that will actually ice up,” says Eric Reid, Palomino Valley Acting Facility Manager.

Reid notes that they didn't get much snowfall with the last storm, but temperatures have dropped dramatically. You can see the horses' breath as they graze in large holding pens.

The facility goes through about 17 tons of hay a day. Reid suspects they'll use more in the coming days as horses and burros get additional feed to stay warm. The hay is spread out so the animals can graze throughout the day, which is their natural inclination.

Herding together creates body heat, helping to keep the horses warm. The BLM reminds you that they have adoptions on the first Saturday of every month, which means this Saturday they'll be open.

If you're interested in giving a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift this year, they welcome you to visit. The Palomino Valley Wild Horse Adoption Facility is open Saturday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

Originally Posted By KOLO-TV