BLM Completes Idaho Wild Horse Gather to Support Healthy Herds and Healthy Lands
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CHALLIS, Idaho–The Bureau of Land Management recently completed a wild horse gather operation in Idaho to improve rangeland health and ensure long-term well-being of the Challis wild horse herd. In total, BLM gathered and removed 226 wild horses from overpopulated rangelands.
This operation is part of BLM’s ongoing effort to maintain healthy wild horse populations on healthy public rangelands consistent with the agency’s multiple-use mission and obligations under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.
“Maintaining healthy wild horse populations on thriving rangelands is a core part of the Bureau of Land Management’s mission,” said Acting BLM Idaho State Director Tanya Thrift. “This recent gather will support the restoration of ecological balance across the landscape and help ensure the horses remaining on the range have sufficient access to forage and water.”
Wild horse herds grow rapidly on public lands, doubling in size every 4-5 years. Without management, herds can quickly exceed available food and water, leading to overgrazing, degraded vegetation, and declining range and horse health. Gathers help restore balance on public lands and improve conditions for wildlife, permitted uses, and the horses.
The BLM also provided public observation opportunities during the gather operation. Trained gather personnel conducted operations in accordance with the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program, which ensures safe and humane treatment of all animals.
The gathered horses were transported to the Challis Off-Range Wild Horse Corrals. There will be a public viewing at the Challis Corrals on Sept. 19 from noon to 2 p.m.
To learn more about the gather, visit 2026 Challis Herd Management Area Wild Horse Gather | Bureau of Land Management. To explore adoption opportunities, visit Adoptions and Sales | Bureau of Land Management
View photos from the gather: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD3RT8
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.