860 animals! Typically the corrals are empty going into summer but all the long term facilities are full.  Many of these beautiful animals will be spending extra time here in Hines, Oregon.  Right now most are from Beatty Butte, one of 19 herd management areas in Oregon.  It is a complex issue on how to manage these wild herds.  They burden the public lands, compete with grazing livestock and consume scarce water yet they reflect a wilder time and connote a romantic notion making it impossible to simply do away with them.  Each herd has its unique genetic makeup, coloring, and temperament.  Animals from the Kiger herd nearby are quick to be adopted.  They are in great demand as breeding stock for their intelligence and stamina.  I know very little about horses but these creatures are a beautiful sight and the mares with foals absolutely adorable.

They had a few burros too including a brand new little one. So cute with those big black tipped ears!