The Roberts Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Eureka, Nevada. The terrain within the area varies from level valleys to high mountains, with elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,500 feet. This HMA is around 100,000 acres in size, spanning approximately 17 miles long by 10 miles wide at its widest points. The Roberts Mountain HMA shares its eastern boundary with the Whistler Mountain HMA.

 

The Appropriate Management Level (AML) for the Roberts Mountain HMA has been established at 150 horses. The current estimated population is 450, according to a census completed in May 2007. 

 

The most recent gather was completed in July 2001. During this gather, 449 wild horses were removed from the range, and 131 released back to the HMA following the gather. The highlight of the gather was a special trapsite adoption event that was held after the gather. A total of 36 wild horses were adopted to individuals from the local area, as well as Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. 

 

The animals that were captured in the Roberts Mountain HMA varied in color and confirmation, but are generally some of the larger horses within the Shoshone-Eureka Planning Area. Many of the horses gathered in 2001 were palomino (6%), bay (40%), buckskin (17%), sorrel (13%) and chestnut (8%). Other colors included dun, cremello, gray black and roan. 

 

Wild horses of the Roberts Mountain HMA are some of the finest wild horses managed from the Battle Mountain Field Office. Size of the horses is typically larger than other wild horses, averaging 15 hands. Conformation of the animals is very good, with well-muscled shoulders and hindquarters reflective of the working stock ancestry.

 

During the 2001 gather, it was also noted by wild horse and burro staff that the mares within the HMA were exceptional and attentive mothers to the foals. Wild horses within the pens also appeared to have an unusual tolerance for human activity and were not as agitated as horses from other HMA have been observed to be. A trapsite adoption was held in conjunction with this gather. During the period that the BLM staff cared for the horses prior to the event, the wild horses gentled quickly and were able to be touched and hand fed through the fencing. They were curious and interested in the human activity. Reports from adopters of the 2001 Roberts Mountain HMA wild horses indicate that they have extraordinary demeanor, are quick to learn, intelligent and gentle easier than expected.   

 

The next gather is currently scheduled to take place in January 2008, at which time, another special trapsite adoption will be conducted to showcase these great horses.