An overpopulation of wild horses on the tribal lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs has caused serious damage to the native ecosystem. Overgrazing by the horses contributes to the spread of invasive annual weeds that fuel more frequent wildfires. Other impacts include compacted soil that limits plant growth, damaged wetland areas near rivers and streams, and a reduction in native plant and animal species important to cultural and ecological health.
The Warm Springs community benefits through improved rangeland health, reduced wildfire risk, and better conditions for wildlife and livestock.
To help address the issue, the Oregon State University Extension Service and OSU Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine offer free wild horse sterilization clinics in partnership with the Warm Springs Range and Agriculture Department, which gathers the horses multiple times each year. Since sterilization can be expensive, OSU Extension has worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) to provide this service at no cost to the tribe.
The hands-on clinics are held at the Warm Springs Rodeo Grounds and include participation from OSU Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine students and faculty, as well as veterinary alumni and tribal horse handlers. In recent years, the clinics have grown to include more than 20 veterinary students and volunteers, and there are plans to increase their frequency to twice a year.
More than 110 stallions have been sterilized, helping prevent the birth of hundreds of additional horses on tribal lands. At an estimated cost of $250 per procedure, the program has saved the tribe at least $27,500 in veterinary fees—and likely much more. The effort has reduced ecological pressure on culturally and ecologically important landscapes and helped restore balance to native plant and wildlife populations.
The Warm Springs community benefits through improved rangeland health, reduced wildfire risk, and better conditions for wildlife and livestock. The clinic also provides no-cost services to tribal horse owners who may not otherwise afford veterinary care, while strengthening tribal–university partnerships and giving veterinary students invaluable field experience.
The Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine is raising funds to continue its vital partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Your gift will help provide essential veterinary care, support rural horse herd management, and give veterinary students hands-on field experience in a high-impact, community-centered program.
