Ranches

Wild horses can be placed on public lands not identified for their use by acquiring deeded acreage associated with one or more grazing allotments (known as base a property) and flipping the preference to horses.

Ideally, the property should control at least three public acres for every private acre and not overlap any areas identified for wild horses (or burros) in 1971.

A ranch may be tied to allotments managed by the BLM, Forest Service, or both.

Some have access to state lands.

The following agents specialize in working ranches, some of which may qualify as base properties.  Look for terms such as permit, AUMs and BLM lease in the descriptions.

• Bentz Warner Ranchland
• Bottari and Associates
• California Outdoor Properties
• Fay Ranches
• Hayden Outdoors
• Jett Blackburn
• Land Leader
• Live Water Properties
• Mirr Ranch Group
• Northwest Realty
• UC Ranch Properties

Be sure the grazing preference conveys with the property.

If a proposed refuge does not displace livestock from public lands, it’s not worthy of your support.

RELATED: Equivalent Horses and Stocking Rates for Allotments.

Last updated 01-17-25.