2023 Bordo Atravesado Wild Horse Gather

The Bureau of Land Management’s Socorro Field Office plans to begin a wild horse gather the week of December 4, 2023 in the Bordo Atravesado Herd Management Area.

Purpose of Gather:

As of March 2023, the BLM estimated there were approximately 230 wild horses within and outside the herd management area, which is almost four times the number that is healthy for the land and the herd.

The purpose of the gather is to reduce wild horse overpopulation by removing excess wild horses from within and outside the Bordo Atravesado, and to reduce the wild horse population growth rates using a temporary fertility control vaccine. 

Details of Gather:

The BLM will conduct gather operations using water to attract animals into existing corrals in the area.

Public Observation:

Because of the nature of the water gathering method, wild horses are reluctant to approach the site when there is too much activity. Therefore, only essential gather operation personnel will be present at the site during operations.

Adoption Information:

All animals identified for removal will be placed into the BLM Wild Horse and Burro adoption program. Horses will be checked and monitored by a veterinarian and BLM staff, and made ready for adoption to qualified homes.

Background:

The Bordo Atravesado Horse Management Area is approximately 15 miles northeast of Socorro, New Mexico. A wild horse herd has been present in the area since at least the early 1950s.  Bordo Atravesado horses come in an array of colors, which include buckskins, roans, grays, palominos, bays, sorrels, and a few black horses.

Daily Gather Reports