When we think of wild horses we traditionally think of mustangs roaming the picturesque landscapes of the Western US, but they’re just 25% of America’s free-roaming horses. Join us today as we explore the population of 300,000 free-roaming horses across the US, how they’re commonly managed, and how federal regulations cross into it. Listen in…

HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3921 –Show Notes and Links:

1. Your Hosts: Julie Broadway (President) and Emily Stearns (Health, Welfare, and Regulatory Affairs Liaison) of the American Horse Council
2. Guest: Sarah Coleman, Kentucky Horse Council
3. Guests: Dr. Melissa Esser and Kayla Gram from The Science and Conservation Center
4. Link: Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board
5. Sponsors: Zoetis – Wild Horse Refuge
6. Subscribe to the American Horse Council Podcast – Search American Horse Council Podcast on your podcast player.
7. Follow Horses In The Morning on Facebook
8. Follow the American Horse Council on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)

Time Stamps:

1. 00:30 – AHC monthly episode and feral horse topic intro
2. 01:00 – Define feral vs wild horses; where they live
3. 02:48 – Introduce SCC guests Kayla and Melissa
4. 04:27 – Introduce Sarah Coleman & Kentucky Horse Council
5. 06:42 – Kentucky free-roaming horse history & coal country context
6. 11:29 – What free-roaming herds look like on public lands
7. 12:03 – Why population control matters for range and safety
8. 14:37 – Kentucky residential conflicts and nuisance road horses
9. 16:49 – Kentucky’s three‑prong approach (gelding, removal, PZP)
10. 19:05 – Federal range management: gathers, holding, adoption
11. 31:12 – How PZP darting works and who uses it
12. 34:02 – How listeners can volunteer and get involved
13. 36:46 – Wild Horse Refuge sponsor & segue to law/policy
14. 38:21 – Wild Horse & Burro Act, AMLs, tools, oversight & board