The El Rito Ranger District will resume the wild horse round-up which they had begun in the Spring of 2003, but had halted before they were able to gather the targeted number of horses. 

Due to the demonstration against Spring Roundups and Helicopters and the public input generated, the roundup will proceed without helicopters and the Forest Service has declared that the El Rito Ranger District (as well as the Jicarilla District) will no longer do their roundups in the Spring.  WHOA would like to thank the new District ranger Diana M. Trujillo for listening!!!!

Although the wild horse roundup will proceed, this is at least a step in the right direction, as the methods used will be safer and more humane.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            CONTACT:     Benjamin Romero

                                                                                                                                    (505) 758-6211

                                                                                                                                    Ignacio Peralta

                                                                                                                                    (505) 758-6344

WILDHORSES TO BE GATHERED ON JARITA MESA

The El Rito Ranger District will commence a wild horse gathering of up to 30 horses on December 1, 2003 lasting for 30 days.  These horses are believed to be descendants of animals released by or escaped from Spanish explorers, ranchers, miners, and Native Americans.  There is currently an estimated 80-100 wild horses occupying the territory.  In a good forage producing year this area can support up to 70 wild horses, but under drought conditions, it can support as few as 20 wild horses. 

In April of 2003, nine wild horses were gathered and adopted from the El Rito District.  During this gather, considerable public interest was expressed regarding the time of year and method used to gather the horses.  As a result, this gathering is being conducted prior to foaling activity.  The gathering method to be used by contractor and founder of the New Mexico Horse Project, Carlos LoPopolo, is a “Walking Roundup” which will not involve any helicopter use and should minimize stress on the horses.  This method will be the first of its kind implemented on the Jarita Wild Horse Territory and the Carson National Forest. 

Once captured, the horses will be offered up for adoption to qualified individuals. This is a unique opportunity to care for, then own, a “Living Legend” – a symbol of Spanish and American History.  To adopt a wild horse you must be at least 18 years of age, have no prior conviction for inhumane treatment of animals, must demonstrate that adequate feed, water, facilities, and a good home can be provided for the adopted animals.  Up to four wild horses may be adopted by an individual who meets the requirements listed above. 

Adoption day will be advertised through news releases, radio announcements, and local TV stations and will be done under a lottery basis where numbers will be drawn and winners will select a horse of their choice in order of the drawing.  Adoption fee is $125.00 for one horse and $250 for a mare and colt.

To facilitate roundup, the El Rito Ranger District will be looking at having an area closure of the Jarita Mesa Wild Horse Territory during the gathering.

An informational update meeting on the gathering will be held on the El Rito Campus of Northern New Mexico Community College on Saturday, December 13, 2003.  For more information on the Wildhorse Gather contact Diana Trujillo, El Rito District Ranger at 505-581-4554.

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Last modified: 04/25/08