Resources & Information About Wild Equine

The Information Provided

The AMBA can refer you to information that is not political in nature. What does that mean? Some organizations are either totally for removing ALL animals from the rangelands or totally against removing ANY animals from the rangelands of the West. Those organizations will present you with information that supports their side of the argument. We have tried to only provide links and information about the animals themselves without regard to whether or not we agree with the Government or organizations opinion on managing the size of the herds in the various areas of the west.

Who Manages the Wild Equine in the U.S.?

The Bureau of Land Management does not manage all the wild equine in the United States. Some are managed by the Forestry Service and are commonly referred to as “Devil’s Garden” Mustangs. Additionally, there are a number of other wild equine managed by private groups. The Chincoteague Ponies are mainly managed by the Fire Company in Assateague, Virginia.  The Corolla Horses in North Carolina are managed by the City. And you will find other pockets where the members of the community protect and manage the horses that graze in their community without any oversight by the Federal Government.

Mustangs (Wild Horses)

  • Origins

    Descendants of horses brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers and missionaries in the 1500s.

  • Habitat

    Primarily roam the vast public lands of the American West, including grasslands, deserts, and mountainous terrains. 

  • Size

    Typically stand 13 to 15 hands high (52-60 inches) and weigh from 700 to 1,000 pounds.

  • Management

    Managed and protected by the BLM, with the goal of balancing their populations with other uses of public lands under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.

  • Adoption

    The BLM offers adoption and sale programs for excess animals, according to the Bureau of Land Management (.gov).

  • Concerns

    Population growth, drought conditions, and habitat degradation can impact their health and survival.

Burros (Wild Donkeys)

  • Origins

    Descendants of the equine brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers and missionaries in the 1500s.

  • Habitat

    Roam rangelands in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Oregon.

  • Size

    Average 11 hands high (44 inches) and weigh about 500 pounds.

  • Intelligence

    Burros are known for their intelligence and are often described as assessing situations before fleeing from danger.

  • Management

    Managed and protected by the BLM, with the goal of balancing their populations with other uses of public lands under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.

  • Adoption

    The BLM offers adoption and sale programs for excess animals, according to the Bureau of Land Management (.gov).

BLM Resources

  • BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program

    Learn about the programs management practices, adoption, and research.

    Learn More

  • BLM Adoption Process Brochure

    Details of the process for adopting a wild mustang or burro.

    Download

  • BLM Care and Feeding Guide

    A guide specifically for adopters and purchasers of wild horses and burros, covering care and feeding needs.

    Download

  • BLM Holding & Adoption

    Best place for finding out how many animals are in holding with BLM and how to adopt.

    Learn More

General Information

Showing & Awards

The American Mustang and Burro Association, Inc. is the only organization that will register a Mustang or Burro cross regardless of whether the animal has a brand.  We also are the only organization that partners with the Dressage (USDF), Endurance (AERC), and Trail (ETS) organizations to provide year-end high point awards for Mustangs.

  • Dressage

    United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is a non-profit organization promoting the equestrian sport of dressage, and providing education and recognition of achievement.

    Learn More

  • Endurance

    The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), is a nonprofit for long distance riding. They sanction hundreds of rides each year throughout North America.

    Learn More

  • Trail

    Equine Trail Sports (ETS) provides Regional and National trail riding events and competitions for its members.

    Learn More