Researchers at the University of Wyoming found that the animals can maintain good body condition across a variety of landscapes and different seasons according to an October 16 news release.
The study confirms previous research showing high dietary overlap of free-roaming horses and cattle.
Let’s put that finding into practice.
The Stewart Creek HMA lies within the Stewart Creek Allotment. Their borders coincide, more or less, except for the northeast corner.
The 175 horses allowed by plan receive 2,100 AUMs per year.
The permittees receive 8,267 AUMs per year, equivalent to 689 wild horses due to the interchangeability of forage.
Therefore, the land should be able to support 175 + 689 = 864 wild horses.
The herd is held to 20% of carrying capacity because the HMA is managed primarily for livestock.
Advocates with the Wyoming Wild Horse Improvement Partnership enforce the plan by beating the horse numbers down with ovary-killing pesticides.
RELATED: History of Consent Decree and Rock Springs RMP Amendments.
Western Horse Watchers Association 