List of Bureau of Land Management Herd Management Areas facts for kids

Mustangs running in Idaho

Wild horses in the Onaqui Mountains, Utah

Imagine vast open lands where wild horses and burros roam free! These special places are called Herd Management Areas (HMAs). The United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) looks after these lands. Their main goal is to help these amazing animals live safely.

Even though we call them "wild horses," they are actually descendants of horses that were once domesticated. This means their ancestors were tamed by people a long, long time ago. But because these horses and burros were "unmarked and unclaimed" on public lands when a law called the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 was passed, they got special legal protection. Horses that escaped after December 15, 1971, don't automatically get this protection.

Back in 1971, there were free-roaming horses and burros on about 53.8 million acres of federal land. Today, there are around 270 HMAs across 10 states, covering about 31.6 million acres. Some other areas, called Herd Areas (HAs), also had these animals in 1971, but they aren't managed specifically for them anymore. You can also find protected wild horses and burros on lands managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Forest Service (USFS). These are sometimes called wild horse territories (WHT).

The number of horses and burros in each HMA can change a lot each year. This depends on how much food and water is available, how many babies are born, or if some animals have been gathered. The BLM tries to figure out the right number of animals for each HMA, which they call the Appropriate Management Level (AML). If there are too many animals, some are carefully removed. They might be adopted by private owners or moved to special long-term homes. Since 1971, about 220,000 horses and burros have found new homes through the BLM.

The first wild horse herds in the Americas came from Spanish horses. Later, settlers brought other types of horses, like large draft horses, fast Thoroughbreds, and elegant Arabians. So, today, most wild horse herds are a mix of different horse types. Some herds have even had DNA tests to learn about their family history!

What Are Herd Management Areas?
Managing Wild Horse Populations
Wild Horse and Burro Populations by State
More About Specific HMAs
Forest Service Wild Horse Territories

What Are Herd Management Areas?

Wild horses on the Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range in Montana

The BLM has two main types of areas for these animals:

Herd Areas (HAs): These are places where wild horses and burros lived when the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act was passed in 1971.
Herd Management Areas (HMAs): These are specific lands that are actively managed to help horses and burros thrive. They are part of a bigger plan for public lands, meaning they're not only for horses but also for other uses.

When the 1971 Act became law, the BLM checked HAs to see which ones had enough food, water, and space to support healthy wild horse and burro populations for a long time. Those became HMAs. Some HAs still have wild horses or burros, but they aren't managed by the BLM for these animals for different reasons, like herd size or land ownership. The USFS also manages about 50 Wild Horse and Burro Territories, and these animals are also protected by the Act.

Today, there are about 270 HMAs across 10 states. Out of the 53.8 million acres where free-roaming horses were found in 1971, about 31.6 million acres became HMAs. The BLM manages most of this land.

Several laws help protect and manage these free-roaming horses and burros. These include the Wild Horse Protection Act of 1959 and the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.

Managing Wild Horse Populations

Horses moved to temporary holding facilities

The number of horses and burros in HMAs changes, but the total population is often higher than the BLM's recommended Appropriate Management Level (AML). Horses eat a lot of forage (grass and plants). In dry places like Nevada, it can take 20 acres or more to feed just one horse for a month!

In 2014, the BLM estimated there were about 49,209 horses and burros on BLM-managed lands. By 2016, this number grew to 55,311 horses and 11,716 burros. This was about twice the recommended AML! More than half of all free-roaming horses and burros live in Nevada, which has 83 HMAs.

Why is population a concern? Unlike other wild animals, horses aren't hunted by many natural predators, and their numbers aren't controlled by grazing permits like livestock. Without management, their numbers can double every four years. Currently, their numbers are growing by about 15% to 18% each year.

As of 2014, nearly 48,500 captured horses and burros were kept in holding facilities. Many of these animals can be adopted by people. Since 1971, about 220,000 horses and burros have been adopted through the BLM. While about 8,000 horses were adopted each year in the early 2000s, only about 2,500 are adopted now. The BLM thinks this is because of changes in the economy.

Besides moving animals for adoption or to holding facilities, the BLM hopes to use methods like fertility control (which helps prevent animals from having too many babies) to manage the wild horse and burro populations.

Wild Horse and Burro Populations by State

Here's a quick look at how many wild horses and burros are in different states, and how much land they live on:

State	What's Special About Them?	HMAs	HMA Acres	Horses	Burros	Total	AML
Arizona	Arizona has the most free-roaming burros. Two HMAs are for horses, and seven are for burros.	9 HMAs, 2 USFS territories	2,296,269 acres	318	5,317	5,635	1,676
California	Horses here come from ranch escapes, cavalry horses, Spanish types, and even large draft horses.	22 HMAs, 8 USFS territories	2,533,722 acres	4,925	3,391	8,316	2,200
Colorado	Colorado adopts about 150 horses and burros each year. They even have a program where prison inmates train Mustangs for adoption!	4 HMAs	404,013 acres	1,530	0	1,530	812
Idaho	Idaho's wild horses are descendants of domestic horses that escaped or were released before 1971. Some HMAs have horses with Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse ancestry.	6 HMAS	418,268 acres	468	0	468	617
Montana	The Pryor Range was set aside for wild horses in 1968. The BLM works with the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center.	1 HMA	33,187 acres	160	0	160	120
Nevada	Nevada has almost half of all wild horses and burros managed by the BLM. It also has almost half of the total HMA land in the U.S.	83 HMAs, 24 USFS territories	15,718,630 acres	31,979	2,552	34,351	12,811
New Mexico	The BLM also manages a holding facility in Oklahoma. New Mexico has more free-ranging horses on Forest Service territories.	2 HMAs, 11 USFS territories	28,613 acres	175	0	175	83
Oregon	Oregon is home to the famous Kiger Mustang. Three to five herds are gathered each year.	17 HMAs, 2 USFS territories	2,978,571 acres	3,785	56	3,841	2,715
Utah	Two HMAs are also managed for burros. The number of animals in each HMA varies from 35 to over 400.	20 HMAs, 2 USFS territories	2,451,227 acres	5,440	400	5,840	1,956
Wyoming	Wyoming's HMAs do not include the Pryor Range, which is managed by BLM in Montana.	16 HMAs	4,768,682 acres	6,535	0	6,535	3,725
Totals	This total doesn't include horses in long-term holding facilities.	270 HMAs, 49 USFS territories	31,631,362 acres	55,311	11,716	67,027	26,715

More About Specific HMAs

The actual number of animals in each HMA changes often. These numbers are usually higher than the AML. Wild horses come in many sizes, colors, and body shapes. Some horses can trace their family lines back to the original Colonial Spanish Horses. Others are descendants of ranch and farm animals that escaped. Many burro herds come from animals that escaped from mining operations.

Some HMAs cross state lines. They are usually listed under the state that manages them. Also, some areas are managed together as one unit. The BLM's records can change each year. Sometimes, land is swapped, or animals are moved.

Arizona HMAs

List of HMAs in Arizona
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Alamo	These burros are descendants of those left behind by early miners and rangers. They might have North African ancestors.	AZ	burro	AML 128–160
Big Sandy HMA	Miners brought these burros in the 1860s. Farmers brought more in the 1870s to breed mules.	AZ	burro	AML 111–139
Black Mountain HMA (AZ)	These burros also came from miners in the 1860s. They have North African ancestors. The population has been as high as 2,000.	AZ	burro	AML 382–478
Cerbat	These are Spanish-type horses. Their origins are debated. They might be from Spanish mustangs from the 1500s or later.	AZ	horse	AML 72–90
Cibola-Trigo	These horses are a mix of types, probably from escaped ranch horses around 1940. Some look like Appaloosas. Burros probably came with miners in the mid-1800s.	AZ/ CA	horse burro	AML 120 horses, 285 burros
Havasu HMA	These burros arrived with miners around 1858. They were left behind when railroads came. They have traits of Nubian wild ass and Somali wild ass.	AZ/ CA	burro	AML 133–166
Lake Pleasant	These burros are from small pack animals that escaped or were released in the 1880s and 1890s.	AZ	burro	476/AML 166–208

California HMAs

List of HMAs in California
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Bitner	These horses are thought to be from local ranches. Most are black and bay, with some piebald (spotted) ones.	CA	horse	AML 15–25
Buckhorn	These horses have Spanish origins, mixed with ranch animals and U.S. Cavalry horses from World War I.	CA/ NV	horse	59–85
Carter Reservoir	These horses have Spanish characteristics, including many dun-colored horses with primitive markings (like stripes on their legs).	CA/ NV	horse	25–35
Centennial	These horses are believed to be from abandoned or escaped ranch animals. Most are bay or gray. This area also had 426 burros in 2015, even though the AML is zero.	CA	horse burro	AML 134–168 horses, 0 burros
Chemehuevi	These burros are from those brought by miners in the 1800s and later abandoned.	CA	burro	AML 97–108
Chicago Valley	These are light saddle horses, believed to be from local ranches.	CA	horse	AML 10–12
Coppersmith	These horses originally had Spanish heritage, mixed with ranch animals and US Cavalry horses. Many look like Morgans and Quarter Horses.	CA	horse	50–75 horses
Devils Garden Wild Horse Territory/Round Mountain HMA	These horses are a mix of large draft horses and lighter breeds. This area is managed by the United States Forest Service.	CA	horse	206–402 USFS, 8–10 BLM
Fort Sage	These horses are from escaped farm and ranch animals. This HMA is in both Nevada and California, but California manages it.	CA/ NV	horse	AML max 29 CA, 36 NV
Fox Hog	These horses are a mix of light and draft types. This HMA is in both Nevada and California, but California manages it.	CA/ NV	horse	120–220
High Rock	These are Spanish-type horses. Some show Spanish Mustang traits.	NV	horse	30 to 40; East Canyon 48 to 80; Little High Rock
Lee Flat	These are small, gray burros from miners who left them behind.	CA	burro	15
Massacre Lakes	These horses are believed to be from escaped ranch animals.	CA	horse	25–45
New Ravendale	These are escaped horses, both light ranch and draft types.	CA	horse	25
Nut Mountain	Also called Pine Nut Mountain. These horses are 13 to 14 hands high. Many colors have been seen, including black, bay, and pinto.	NV	horse	AML 30–55
Piper Mountain	These are escaped ranch horses and abandoned miners' burros.	CA	horse burro	17 horses, 82 burros
Red Rock Lakes HMA	These horses have Spanish mustang ancestry, mixed with other horse types brought by ranchers.	CA	horse	25
Twin Peaks	These horses originally had Spanish heritage, mixed with ranch animals and US Cavalry horses. Burros are from sheep herding.	CA	horse burro	448–758 horses 72–116 burros
Wall Canyon	These horses are believed to be from ranch animals. Most are dark, solid-colored.	CA/ NV	horse	15–25
Waucoba-Hunter Mountain	These are small burros thought to be from abandoned miners' animals.	CA	burro	11

Colorado HMAs

List of HMAs in Colorado
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range	This is one of only three areas in the U.S. specifically for wild horses. Every 3-4 years, some horses are gathered for adoption.	CO	horse	90–150
Piceance/East Douglas Creek HMA	Genetic tests showed these horses are similar to gaited, racing, and light riding breeds.	CO	horse	AML 135–235
Sandwash Basin	These horses have many different coat colors. DNA studies show they are most similar to Spanish/Iberian horse breeds.	CO	horse	AML 163–363
Spring Creek Basin	These horses are small, about 14 hands tall. They came from ranch animals in the late 1800s.	CO	horse	AML 35–65

Idaho HMAs

List of HMAs in Idaho
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Black Mountain (Owyhee ID)	These are mixed light saddle horses. Some wild horses in Idaho came from animals released during the Great Depression. This HMA has good-sized horses because Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stallions were released here until 1978.	ID	horse	AML 30–60
Challis	These horses have mixed origins and are larger than most wild horses. They are about 14-16 hands tall.	ID	horse	AML 185–253
Four Mile (ID)	These are mixed light saddle horses. They are good-sized because Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stallions were released here until 1978.	ID	horse	AML 37–60
Hardtrigger (Owyhee)	These are mixed light saddle horses. The BLM considers them high quality because Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stallions were released here until 1978.	ID	horse	AML 66–130
Sands Basin (Owyhee)	After a wildfire in 2015, the population dropped to six horses, but it's expected to return to the AML.	ID	horse	AML 33–64
Saylor Creek	These are mixed light saddle horses, 14-16 hands tall. The herd started from mares captured in the Challis area in the 1960s.	ID	horse	AML 40–50

Montana HMAs

List of HMAs in Montana
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range	These are Colonial Spanish horse types, about 14 hands tall, often dun-colored with primitive markings. This area was created in 1968 to protect wild horses.	MT/ WY	horse	AML 90–120

Nevada HMAs

List of HMAs in Nevada
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Antelope	Between 1900 and 1940, the Army Remount Service added Morgan, Thoroughbred, and some draft stallions to local wild horses. These horses are known for being tough and healthy.	NV	horse	AML 324
Antelope Valley	In 1971, local ranchers had domestic horses like Standardbreds and American Quarter Horses. Some escaped and joined wild herds, creating mixed bloodlines.	NV	horse	AML 259
Augusta Mountains	Horses in this HMA have many different colors, mostly solid shades, but also some buckskins, duns, roans, and pintos.	NV	horse	AML 308
Bald Mountain	It takes 25 acres to support one horse for one month in some parts of this area. These are relatively large horses with many colors.	NV	horse	AML 362
Black Rock, Black Rock East, Black Rock West	Most horses here are from ranch animals, with many different coat colors. There are also a few Baskir Curly horses.	NV	horse	121–186
Blue Wing Mountains	Horses are mostly from escaped ranch animals. Burros are from pack animals brought by miners and sheep ranchers.	NV	horse burro	27–36 horses, 21–28 burros
Buffalo Hills	Horses here are from escaped ranch animals and cavalry horses. Most are bay or chestnut.	NV	horse	236–314
Bullfrog	This small area is good for burros but not horses.	NV	horse burro	204/AML 55–91
Calico Mountain	Most horses here are from ranch animals, with many different coat colors.	NV	horse	250–333
Callaghan	These horses are larger than other herds, 14-15 hands tall. They have many colors, including pinto, dun, and Appaloosa. Some Curly horses have also been found.	NV	horse	AML 134–247
Clan Alpine	These horses have many different coat colors and are 14-15 hands tall.	NV	horse	AML 612–979
Delamar Mountains HA	These horses are 13-14 hands tall. They are from escaped ranch animals, miners' animals, settlers' animals, and cavalry horses.	NV	horse	300
Diamond, Diamond Hills North, Diamond Hills South	Horses move freely between these three areas. They have many colors and types, probably from a mix of breeds.	NV	horse	AML max 210 (151, 36, 22 respectively)
Dogskin Mountains	These horses move between Dogskin and Granite Peak HMAs. They are 14-15 hands tall and have strong Morgan horse traits.	NV	horse	100/AML 10–15
Fish Creek	The original Curly horse populations in Nevada started here in 1874. A few are still found here.	NV	horse	AML 180
Fish Lake Valley	This area has a very dry climate and few mountain lions, which keeps the horse population low.	NV	horse	AML 65
Flanigan	These horses show some signs of draft horse breeding. Most were removed after a 1999 fire and later returned.	NV	horse	AML 80–124
Fox Lake	These horses are from ranch animals and have many different coat colors.	NV	horse	AML 153–204
Gold Butte	Burros of all colors and types are found in this very harsh, dry area with little water.	NV	burro	AML 98–100
Gold Mountain	This area is good for burros but not horses. Horses have been gathered from here since 1996.	NV	horse burro	15 horses (2005)/AML 0 horses AML 78 burros
Goldfield	This area is good for burros but not horses. The plants here are good for burros but not horses.	NV	horse burro	AML 125 horses AML 50 burros
Goshute	These horses are mostly solid colored, including some with cream dilution colors or duns. They are small, about 14 hands tall.	NV	horse	AML 123
Granite Range	Horses here are from escaped ranch animals and cavalry horses. Most solid colors are seen, plus a few pintos and Appaloosas.	NV	horse	193–258
Hot Creek	This is a very dry area with few water sources. Horses leave the HMA in spring and return in winter.	NV	horse	AML 25–41
Jackson Mountains	These horses are dark, solid colors and are from ranch animals.	NV	horse	130–217
Johnnie HMA	This area is managed by both the BLM and the US Forest Service. Horses and burros live in different parts of the desert.	NV	horse burro	50 horses 50 burros
Kamma Mountains	These horses are mostly dark, solid colors. They are part of the Blue Wing Complex.	NV	horse	46–77
Lahontan	Many horses live outside this HMA. The herd is known for having many pinto horses and other colors like dun.	NV	horse	7–10, but over 100 in the area
Lava Beds	Horses here are from ranch animals, mostly dark solid colors, but also some duns and buckskins. Burros are from pack animals left by miners and sheep ranchers.	NV	horse burro	89–148 horses 10–16 burros
Lake Havasu HMA	These burros are from those abandoned by miners around 1858. About 90% are gray.	NV	burro	178
Little Fish Lake	These horses have many different colors. This area is famous for the James Wild Horse Trap, a historic site.	NV	horse	AML 39
Little Humboldt	These horses have many different colors and are from ranch animals. They are 12-14 hands tall.	NV	horse	23/AML 40–80
Little Owyhee	These horses are from ranch animals. Most are dark solid colors, but there are also palomino, buckskin, pinto, gray, roan, and white horses.	NV	horse	1097/AML 194–298
Marietta HMA	This area is managed for burros, but about 70 horses also live here.	NV	burro	AML 104–230 burros
Maverick-Medicine	These horses have many different colors and are from ranch animals.	NV	horse	AML 276
McGee Mountain	These burros are mostly gray and are from pack animals used by miners and sheep ranchers. There is little water here.	NV	burro	AML 26–47
Monte Cristo WHT	This area has both BLM and USFS land. Horses are 13-15 hands tall and have many colors. This area also has a Curly horse population.	NV	horse	AML 236 2005 (merged)
Montezuma Peak	Most animals were supposed to be removed in 1996, but some remained.	NV	horse burro	5 horses, 7 burros
Montgomery Pass HMA	This is a joint BLM and USFS area managed by the USFS.	NV	horse	173/AML 64-81
Muddy Mountains	This desert area is near Las Vegas, Nevada and includes Lake Mead. Some burros move to National Park Service land.	NV	burro	50
Nevada Wild Horse Range	This HMA is inside the Nellis Air Force Range, so visitors and photography are not allowed for security reasons. It was the first official wild horse area in the U.S., created in 1962.	NV	horse	AML 500
New Pass-Ravenwood	Horses are mostly dark solid colors, and a few are Curly horse type.	NV	horse	AML 476
Owyhee	This is part of a complex of HMAs that includes Little Humboldt, Little Owyhee, Owyhee, Rock Creek, and Snowstorm.	NV	horse	AML 139–231
Palmetto	All horses in this area disappeared between 1990 and 1997 for unknown reasons.	NV	horse	AML 76
Pancake HMA	This HMA complex includes Sand Springs West, Pancake, Jakes Wash, and Monte Cristo Wild Horse Territory.	NV	horse	AML 240–493
Paymaster-Lone Mountain	This is a steep, rocky area with little water. It's poor horse habitat, so animals sometimes move to other HMAs.	NV	horse	AML 49
Pinenut Mountain	Also called Nut Mountain. This HMA is entirely in Nevada but managed by California.	NV	horse	AML 179
Red Rock	This Mohave Desert area is surrounded by mountains. In summer, burros stay in shaded areas, and horses stay in open areas.	NV	horse burro	AML 50 horses, 50 burros
Reveille	Most of the horse herd has moved out of this HMA because there isn't enough food.	NV	horse	AML 138
Roberts Mountain	These horses tend to be larger than other wild horses in the area. They have many body types and coat colors. Some Curly horses live here.	NV	horse	AML 150
Rock Creek	These horses are from workhorses and draft horses released by the Ellison Ranching Company. They are larger than usual wild horses and have good body shapes. Roan horses are common.	NV	horse	AML 250
Rocky Hills	Horses in this HMA can be as tall as 16 hands and some have draft traits. Gathers have found Curly horses, Appaloosas, pintos, roans, buckskins, and duns.	NV	horse	AML 143
Sand Springs East/West	This is a combined HMA and HA. Horses have many different coat colors.	NV	horse	AML 29–49
Saulsbury	Horses move between this HMA and the Monitor wild horse territory. The BLM and USFS manage this area together.	NV	horse	AML 40
Seven Mile	These horses are thought to be from ranch animals. They are relatively tall (15-16 hands) and have good body shapes. They are known for being calm.	NV	horse	AML 100
Seven Troughs	Horses here are from ranch animals, mostly solid colors, but also many buckskins and duns. Burros are from escaped pack animals.	NV	horse burro	AML 117–156 horses AML 35–46 burros
Shawave Mountains	Horses here are believed to be from ranch animals, mostly solid colors, but including some roans and duns.	NV	horse	AML 44–73
Silver King	This HMA was created by combining Dry Lake, Highland Peak, and Rattlesnake areas.	NV	horse	789/AML 60–128
Silver Peak	All horses were removed in 1996, but new horses moved in by 1997.	NV	horse	AML 314
Snowstorm Mountains	These horses are probably from ranch animals. They are small (12-14 hands) and have many solid colors, including palominos and buckskins, as well as pintos, grays, roans, and whites.	NV	horse	AML 90–140
South Shoshone	Horses here are thought to move between this HMA and the Bald Mountain and Callaghan HMAs. They are larger than most wild horse herds and some are pinto.	NV	horse	AML 78
Spruce-Pequop	These horses are average size (14.2-15 hands) and have many different coat colors.	NV	horse	AML 82
Stone Cabin	This HMA held the first approved wild horse gather in 1975. It has a unique type of horse called the "Stone Cabin Grey."	NV	horse	AML 364
Stonewall	This habitat is good for burros but not horses. There are no horses living here, and only a few burros.	NV	horse burro	0 horses, 3 burros/AML 50 horses, AML 25 burros
Tobin Range	These horses are from ranch animals and are mostly dark solid colors.	NV	horse	AML 12–19
Triple B HMA	This HMA was created by combining Butte, Buck and Bald, and Cherry Creek areas.	NV	horse	AML 250–518
Warm Springs Canyon	Horses here are from ranch animals and have many different colors. Burros are from pack animals brought by miners and sheep herders.	NV	horse burro	AML 105–175 horses AML 15–24 burros
Wassuk	These horses are from ranch animals and are 14-15 hands tall. They are known for being surefooted in the rugged terrain.	NV	horse	AML 109–165
Wheeler Pass	This HMA has both horses and burros.	NV	horse burro	AML 47–66 horses AML 20–35 burros
Whistler Mountain	This HMA is next to Roberts Mountain HMA, and horses move between them. These horses tend to be larger and have many body types and colors. Some Curly horses live here.	NV	horse	AML 24

New Mexico HMAs

List of HMAs in New Mexico
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Bordo Atravesado HMA	To make the herd more genetically diverse, horses from other herds were brought here in 1992, 1997, and 1998.	NM	horse	AML 40–60
Carracas Mesa HMA/Jicarila WHT	The BLM and USFS manage this area together because the herd crosses between their lands. The herd has a mixed background of cavalry horses, ranch horses, and horses from the Jicarilla Apache Reservation.	NM	horse	AML 18–23

Oregon HMAs

List of HMAs in Oregon
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Beatys Butte	Some horses here have Spanish traits. Others are draft or saddle types. Some show Thoroughbred traits. They are 14-16 hands tall.	OR	horse	1,255/AML 150–250
Cold Springs	Most of the original draft-type herd died in a harsh winter. Horses from other HMAs were brought in, so the current herd is now saddle-type.	OR	horse	AML 75–150
Coyote Lake/Alvord-Tule Springs HA	These two areas are managed as one unit because horses can move between them. Many horses are from Thoroughbred cavalry horses or ranch horses.	OR	horse	AML 198–390
Hog Creek	These are taller horses, 15-16 hands tall. Genetic tests found some Spanish and gaited horse ancestry.	OR	horse	62/AML 30–50
Jackies Butte	These are military remount type horses, similar to light racing and riding horses. They have a "hot-blooded" temperament and small heads.	OR	horse	AML 75–150
Kiger	These are Spanish mustang types known as the Kiger Mustang. Most are dun-colored with primitive markings. They are generally 13-15 hands tall.	OR	horse	130/AML 51–82
Ligget Table	This herd looks very uniform. They are taller (15-15.2 hands), mostly chestnut, and have good body shapes. They are an isolated group from rodeo stock.	OR	horse	35/AML 10–25
Paisley Desert	Genetic tests show these horses are similar to Spanish horses and North American gaited breeds like the Morgan.	OR	horse	154/AML 60–150
Palomino Buttes	These are local ranch horses, 15-16 hands tall. All horses were removed in 1977 due to drought. Those returned are now managed for palomino and red dun colors.	OR	horse	78/AML 32–64
Pokegama	This is the only HMA in the Cascade Range. These are smaller horses, 14-15 hands tall. The herd is thought to be from the early 1900s.	OR/ CA	horse	AML 30–50
Riddle Mountain	These are Spanish mustang types known as the Kiger Mustang. Most are dun-colored with primitive markings. They are generally 13-15 hands tall.	OR	horse	AML 33–66
Sand Springs	These horses are mostly pinto and buckskin, saddle horse type, 14.2-15.2 hands tall. The herd is managed to keep its color and body shape.	OR	horse	128/AML 100–200
Sheepshead/Heath Creek	These are saddle-type horses, 14-15.2 hands tall, with signs of Thoroughbred ancestry.	OR	horse	161–302
South Steens	These horses are 14-16 hands tall and are managed for pinto color and good conformation. They come in many colors.	OR	horse	662/AML 159–304
Stinkingwater	These horses are from ranch animals and homesteaders. They are now managed for light draft horse type, 14.2-16 hands tall.	OR	horse	144/AML 40–80
Three Fingers	These horses are mostly from homesteaders and ranch animals, possibly with some Army remount horse ancestry.	OR	horse	AML 75–150
Warm Springs	These are heavily muscled saddle-type horses, known for being calm. Genetic tests found similarities with Old World Iberian breeds.	OR	horse burro	368 horses/AML 111–202 horses 49 burros/AML 20–25 burros

Utah HMAs

List of HMAs in Utah
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Bible Springs Complex	This area includes four sections. Management aims to keep horses with historic Spanish Barb characteristics.	UT	horse	AML 30–60
Cedar Mountain	Horse herds here date back to the late 1800s. Horses weigh between 700 and 1000 pounds. Black and bay are the most common colors.	UT	horse	290–434/AML 190–390
Choke Cherry	Horses in this area move across state lines into Nevada. They are from ranch animals and are 14.1-15 hands tall.	UT	horse	20–30
Confusion Mountain	This herd has many grays and other "light colors." The herd is managed to keep these colors.	UT	horse	368/AML 70–100
Conger	A genetic study in 2009 showed these horses have high genetic diversity and mixed ancestry from North American breeds.	UT	horse	285 AML est. 40–80
Frisco	Genetic tests in 2006 and 2012 showed this herd is genetically stable and has mixed ancestry, probably from local ranch animals. Mostly bays and roans.	UT	horse	AML 30–60
Muddy Creek	Horses and burros here date back to the Old Spanish Trail in the early 1800s.	UT	horse	AML 50
North Hills	This area is managed jointly with the USFS North Hills Wild Horse Territory.	UT	horse	250/AML 40–60
Onaqui Mountains	There was concern that the herd's genetic variety was too low, so horses from other HMAs were added. The goal is to make them easier to adopt.	UT	horse	AML 121–210
Range Creek	Original horses might have escaped from the Preston Nutter ranch. They are stout with compact bodies, mostly bay and black.	UT	horse	125
Sinbad	Original horses and burros here date back to the early 1800s. A uranium mine owner bred horses and brought Thoroughbreds and Welsh ponies to the area.	UT	horse burro	AML 50 horses AML 70 burros
Sulphur	These horses are known for their Colonial Spanish characteristics. Dun coloring with primitive markings is common.	UT	horse	95 (2016)/AML 165–250
Swasey	This HMA has horses.	UT	horse	AML 60–100

Wyoming HMAs

List of HMAs in Wyoming
Name	What Kind of Animals Live Here?	State	Type(s)	Pop./AML
Adobe Town	These horses are from escaped ranch animals. Many are grays and roans.	WY	horse	AML 610–800
Antelope Hills	These are Spanish-type horses, mostly bay or brown. Genetic markers match Spanish Colonial horse breeds.	WY	horse	AML 60–82
Conant Creek	These are mixed light saddle horses. They are managed with other HMAs so horses can move freely to increase genetic diversity.	WY	horse	AML 60–100
Dishpan Butte	These are mixed light saddle horses. They are managed with other HMAs so horses can move freely to increase genetic diversity.	WY	horse	AML 100
Divide Basin	These are mixed light horse types, some are gaited. They have many coat colors and come from multiple domestic horse breeds.	WY	horse	AML 415–600
Fifteenmile	This was the site of the first recorded wild horse gather on federal land in October 1938.	WY	horse	AML 70–160
Green Mountain	These are light saddle horses, mostly solid-colored, some tobiano pintos. They are 11-15 hands tall.	WY	horse	AML 170–300
Little Colorado	These are mixed light horse types, some are gaited. They are mostly dark colors and some grays.	WY	horse	AML 69–100
Lost Creek	These are mixed light horse types, possibly with Spanish horse ancestry. They are 14-15 hands tall.	WY	horse	AML 60–82
McCullough Peaks	These horses are moderate to large size, with many coat colors and good body shapes. This HMA is popular for adoptions and tourists.	WY	horse	AML 100–140
Muskrat Basin	These are mixed light saddle horses. They are managed with other HMAs so horses can move freely to increase genetic diversity.	WY	horse	AML 160–250
Rock Creek Mountain	These are mixed light saddle horses. They are managed with other HMAs so horses can move freely to increase genetic diversity.	WY	horse	AML 50–86
Salt Wells Creek	These are mixed light horse types, some are gaited. They have many coat colors, with a high percentage of palomino and sorrel with flaxen manes and tails.	WY	horse	AML 251–365
Stewart Creek	These are light saddle horses with many coat colors, including many Appaloosas. They are 14-15 hands tall.	WY	horse	AML 125–175
White Mountain	These are mixed light horse types, some are gaited. They have many coat colors, including roan and pinto.	WY	horse	AML 205–300

Forest Service Wild Horse Territories

Besides the BLM's HMAs, the United States Forest Service (USFS) also has wild horse territories. These areas are also protected by the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. Some are managed with the BLM, and about 37 are managed by the USFS alone. Even though they are called "wild horse territories," a few also have burros.

Key: USFS Territories are sourced to footnote unless otherwise noted; † Double-listed as a BLM HMA or cooperatively managed with the BLM; †† Current AML is zero, federal land habitat insufficient to support a viable horse population

Arizona

Deep Creek, Arizona/New Mexico
Double A, Arizona†

California

Big Bear Wild Burro Territory, California†
Black Mountain Wild Horse Territory, California
Brushy Mountain Wild Horse Territory, California
Devil's Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory, California†
McGavin Peak Wild Horse Territory, California† ††
Saline Valley, California
Three Sisters Wild Horse Territory, California
White Mountain Wild Horse Territory, California/Nevada

Nevada

Burro Wild Burro Territory, Nevada
Butler Basin Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Cherry Spring Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Dobbin Summit Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Ellsworth Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Johnny, Nevada†
Kelly Creek Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Little Fishlake Wild Horse Territory, Nevada†
Monitor Wild Horse Territory, Nevada† (USFS manages BLM North Monitor HMA)
Monte Cristo Wild Horse Territory, Nevada†
Mount Moriah, Nevada
Murphy Wash, Nevada
Northumberland Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Paradise Peak Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Powell Mountain, Nevada
Quinn, Nevada
Red Rock, Nevada†
Seven Mile, Nevada
Shoshone Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Spring Mountains, Nevada
Stone Cabin, Nevada†
Tierney Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Toiyabe Wild Horse Territory, Nevada
Toquima Wild Horse Territory, Nevada

New Mexico

Caja del Rio Wild Horse Territory, New Mexico
Chicoma, New Mexico
Deep Creek, Arizona/New Mexico
Dome, New Mexico
Heber, New Mexico
Jarita Wild Horse Territory, New Mexico (aka Jarita Mesa)
Jicarilla Wild Horse Territory, New Mexico†
Mesa de Las Viegas, New Mexico
Mesa Montosa, New Mexico
Saguaro, New Mexico
San Diego, New Mexico

Oregon

Big Summit, Oregon 114 horses (AML 50–60)
Murderer's Creek, Oregon† 254 horses (AML 50–140)

Utah

Big Creek Wild Horse Territory, Utah
North Hills, Utah†

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List of Bureau of Land Management Herd Management Areas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.