Emily Flores
Wild horses may capture attention, but not every herd is meant for private ownership. Across the West, some groups are off-limits, legally protected, and closely watched. Their presence sparks curiosity, awe, and frustration for those who dream of bringing them home. In fact, many remain tied to ranges by law, ensuring they stay wild for generations. Here are ten you’ll never call your own.
Mustangs
Mustangs are direct descendants of Spanish horses introduced in the 1500s. So, they remain wild, protected by the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, which prohibits private ownership. Known for speeds reaching 40 miles per hour, some herds also display striking coats in colors such as grulla or dun, which enhances their recognition.
Pryor Mountain Horses
On the Montana–Wyoming line, the Pryor Mountain Horses stand as wild survivors. They’ve lived there for more than 200 years, hardened by rocky slopes and harsh weather. With shorter, muscular builds, they move easily across steep terrain. Thanks to careful management by the Bureau of Land Management, these herds continue to roam safely.
Kiger Mustangs
Head out to Oregon’s Steens Mountain region and you’ll find Kiger Gorge, home to the striking Kiger Mustangs. These are among the purest descendants of Spanish horses, proven through testing. Many even wear dun coats with zebra-like stripes on their legs. And here’s the cool part—while admired by many, the wild herds stay protected.
Twin Peaks Herd
Along the California–Nevada border, the Twin Peaks Herd makes its stand. As one of the largest BLM-managed groups, it’s impressive in size. Coats vary—bays, grays, and sorrels run together across the range. Every so often, the BLM also organizes gatherings to keep the herd in check and the land in good shape.
Burros
Burros came from donkeys that Spanish explorers brought to the Southwest long ago. Today, they’re federally protected and roam the desert like it’s their own backyard. They don’t need much water to survive, which makes them remarkably resilient. And their bray? You can hear it nearly three miles away!
Devil’s Garden Wild Horses
Deep in Northern California’s Modoc National Forest runs the Devil’s Garden herd, the largest in the state. These horses are built for survival, handling extreme heat and cold without faltering. Photographers admire their beauty, but scientists admire something else—their herd holds one of the most diverse gene pools of all.
Sand Wash Basin Horses
Northwest Colorado’s Sand Wash Basin is home to one of the West’s most photographed herds, called Sand Wash Basin Horses. They are also managed carefully, with every detail of herd growth balanced against the land itself. And their looks? Palomino and paint colors turn heads. No wonder photographers travel worldwide to capture their wild beauty.
Warm Springs Herd
The Warm Springs Herd lives in central Nevada, where federal law protects both the rangeland and the horses themselves. Their coats appear in many colors, bringing variety to the desert backdrop. You might spot them wandering close to the area’s natural hot springs.
Little Book Cliffs Horses
In western Colorado, near Grand Junction, the Little Book Cliffs Horses roam across 36,000 acres of canyonland. Volunteers work alongside the BLM to help manage the herd. Known for adapting well to steep, rocky terrain, they thrive in tough conditions. Annual counts are also carried out to check on herd health.
McCullough Peaks Mustangs
Out on BLM rangelands near Cody, Wyoming, a painted herd runs wild—the McCullough Peaks Mustangs. Their coats, especially the flashy pintos, look like living artwork. Even Eco-tourists chase that perfect picture, and honestly, who can blame them? The thrill? Sometimes you don’t even need to search—just glance from the highway.