On-the-Ground Report from Colorado's Piceance Wild Horse HMA

(June 20, 2022) For the last few days, AWHC Team Member, Scott Wilson, WilsonAxpe Photography, has been on the ground in the Piceance Herd Management Area (HMA) outside of Meeker, Colorado.

photo by scott wilson

WilsonAxpe Photography

He was there to check on the condition of the horses and the public land where they reside after the BLM pushed up the start date of their removal (despite calls from state and federal officials) from late August to this week, citing land degradation and horses' suffering.

photo by scott wilson WilsonAxpe Photography

What he saw, was 'Healthy Horses on a Healthy Range'. Of course, it's not green and lush everywhere in the Piceance Basin, but if we solely listened to what the BLM relayed at a public meeting last week -- it's not like this anywhere.

One of the horses he saw, is known a stunning blue roan known as 'The Prince of Piceance' -- or JR. His body condition was typical of the vast majority of the horses seen.

photo by scott wilson

WilsonAxpe Photography

Scott also saw many privately-owned cows in the horses' habitat, who also looked to be in better than average condition. More soon.