A message from WHE volunteer Bobbie Moller: Black Mountain HMA, Idaho: Springtime, Wild Horses and Healing
There’s something raw and untamed about the wide-open spaces of Idaho, and recently, I went to a place that truly embodies that spirit: the Black Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA). Spring just arrived, with its vibrant green and promising new beginnings. My purpose? As a volunteer for Wild Horse Education, I periodically check on the wild horse herds at all the HMA’s in Idaho. This year, Black Mountain is the first on my list. It’s also a great time to reconnect with nature after a long winter and perhaps, find a little solace.
The drive in was beautiful, seeing all the greenery with the scent of sagebrush in the air. As we wound our way along the dirt roads, my anticipation grew. While wild horse sightings are never guaranteed, the hope of seeing them in their natural habitat is always present.
After much searching, we finally saw them. We stopped our UTV, keeping a respectful distance for both our safety and the well-being of the animals. These horses are truly wild, and maintaining a safe space is crucial to ensure they remain undisturbed.
The horses definitely noticed us. A few paused their grazing, ears alert, watching our every move. It was a moment of mutual awareness. They were acknowledging our presence, watchful but mostly focused on their own world.
After a little while, they seemed to determine we weren’t a threat. The mild tension eased. One by one, they lowered their heads and resumed grazing. It was a beautiful thing to witness – that shift from alertness to a calm, focused routine. It spoke volumes about their resilience and ability to coexist peacefully when given proper respect.
And what beautiful condition they were in! After the winter, these horses looked incredibly healthy. Their strong, muscular frames were a testament to their adaptability and strength.
But the highlight of our visit, without a doubt, was seeing the new additions to the herd. Foals! Tiny, gangly-legged bundles of energy, they frolicked near their mothers, a sure sign of the cycle of life continuing. Seeing these little ones, with their curious expressions and wobbly steps, was incredibly heartwarming. One especially adorable older foal, with its soft, white, downy coat, stole our hearts.
As we sat and quietly observed the herd, a deep sense of peace washed over me. The only sounds were the birds, the light wind and an occasional whinny from the horses. It was a moment of pure connection to the natural world. In that space, with these amazing creatures, the worries and anxieties of daily life seemed to disappear.
This trip held an even deeper meaning for me. I recently lost my sister to a brave fight against cancer. The weight of that loss has been heavy, but being out here, surrounded by the beauty and resilience of these wild horses, felt incredibly therapeutic. It was a reminder of the power and wonder of God’s creations, a testament to the enduring spirit of life.
There’s nothing like spending time with a wild horse herd to find solace and a renewed sense of hope.
Leaving the Black Mountain HMA, I carried with me a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to witness these beautiful creatures in their element, gratitude for the peaceful moments they provided, and a renewed appreciation for the healing power of nature.
If you ever have the chance to visit a wild horse HMA, I highly recommend it. Just remember to be respectful, keep your distance, and simply savor the magic of these incredible animals.
Idaho spans about 52.9 million acres in total, of which roughly 32.6 million acres—about 62 percent of the state—are federally managed public lands. Within that public estate, the Bureau of Land Management manages six wild horse Herd Management Areas (HMAs) in Idaho on approximately 428,000 acres today, with a combined statewide appropriate management level (AML) of only 617 wild horses and 0 burros in the entire state.
The Black Mountain herd Bobbie visited has an estimated population of 40 wild horses after the 2023 roundup.
According to the 2026 Population statistics report, BLM estimates there are only 564 wild horses in the entire state of Idaho.
The “AML” for the state is 617. The low AML is only 401. Low AML is the target of every roundup. Only one herd in the entire state, Challis, has an “Appropriate Management Level” (AML) of over 150 (the minimum for genetic stability according to BLM’s own geneticist).
Saylor Creek is on the roundup schedule to capture 150 and release 22 mares with fertility control (probably GonaCon). Saylor Creek has an AML of 50. The current estimated population in March of 2026 is 131 wild horses. The helicopter roundup is intended to catch every horse on the range and ensure the ones released cannot reproduce.
131 estimated wild horses in Saylor Creek represent a 262% “over AML.”
To learn more about the manufactured “overpopulation crisis” that is a (debunked) financial burden, click: BLM’s 2026 Population Statistics Report: A Political Tool, Not a Science Document
Our team members are busy working on reports and litigation this week. We are blocking in our welfare team coverage for the coming helicopter roundup season. Our team members are also checking herd and range health on various ranges throughout the West.
We thank you for standing up for Freedom, Mercy and Justice.
Every mile we travel to cover roundups or assess a herd, every court case we bring, every win, every action we take is only possible because of your support.
Categories: Wild Horse Education
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