The Bureau of Land Management will begin a wild horse gather on Sept 19 in the Sand Wash Basin Herd Management Area of northwest Colorado. The effort is aimed at reducing herd numbers to a sustainable level, preserving both horse health and the drought‑strained rangeland they depend on. Without active management, horse populations can double every four to five years, leading to scarce forage and water. When numbers exceed the Appropriate Management Level, horses may roam beyond the area, creating safety concerns and possible conflicts with private landowners.