WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The topic of feral horses overgrazing lands that Navajo ranchers use to support their livestock was discussed during a recent report from the Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture to the Resources and Development Committee.
“The issue of feral horses encroaching and overgrazing on Navajo pasture land has been a long-standing problem,” RDC Chair Brenda Jesus said. “Feral horses are impeding on the livelihood of our Navajo ranchers.”
According to NNDOA Acting Department Manager III Jesse Jim, in 2018, the feral horse population on the Navajo Nation was approximately 38,000 with an 11% growth rate. In 2024, the NNDOA estimates there are approximately 100,000 feral horses on the Nation.
NNDOA Horse Management Program Senior Extension Agent Olin Begay said the program employs two methods of capture: entrapment and traditional round up. Horses that are rounded up are then tagged.
The Horse Management Program holds non-branded livestock for five to 10 days and branded livestock for 10 to 14 days. From 2019 to 2024, the program rounded up over 10,000 animals.
Not all chapters want the program to intervene in capturing feral horses. Red Mesa Chapter passed a resolution opposing feral horse roundups.
“Because of their resolution, we can’t intervene,” Jim said.
Delegate Danny Simpson recently attended a roundup in Nageezi, New Mexico and provided food for the workers. Simpson said last year’s round up captured 76 horses.
“They work 16-hour days in hot weather. It takes a lot of energy,” Simpson said. “It makes a big difference in managing the rangeland. In many places the horses have destroyed the land.”
Council Delegate Shawna Ann Claw had questions about chapter officials using chapter equipment for the roundups and if usage fees paid to officials were deposited back into chapter accounts.
Claw also asked about reimbursements made to livestock owners from sales of seized livestock.
“As we all know, to have livestock you need a grazing permit,” Jim said. “If you don’t have a permit for grazing, the livestock will be sold. If you can prove ownership, you will get the money. If not, the money goes to probate. Until ownership is provided, they cannot be paid.”
Both Jim and Begay said they would look into the chapter equipment issue.
RDC Vice Chair Casey Allen Johnson said fence reconstruction is needed to secure boundaries from outsiders who abandon their livestock on the Nation.
“In Grey Mountain, there are people who bring their horses out and release them onto the Navajo Nation,” Johnson said. “They need to be arrested for trespassing. We need increased enforcement.”
Simpson and Johnson called for increased support for staffing and proper equipment for the Horse Management Program. Simpson also asked if Agriculture Infrastructure Funds could be used to support the program.
“I know you need more crew, equipment, and resources,” Johnson said. “Thank you for your work. It goes a long way.”
The RDC voted five in favor and zero opposed to accept the report.
Staff Reports
