Colorado House Bill 25-1283 went into effect in early August, which guides wild horse management in the state.
The Colorado Horse Council said the new law could have long-term implications for land use, equine welfare and rural outreach. The bill dissolved the Wild Horse Project nonprofit and appointed oversight to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and established a Wild Horse Advisory Committee. The law also prioritizes immunocontraception (PZP vaccines) over roundups to manage herd populations. Initial implementation will be funded with the $555,000 remaining from the previous nonprofit contract.
“This legislative change represents a shift toward science-based and humane population control methods. While the program is primarily state-led, its direction will likely affect Colorado’s equine landscape—including adoption efforts, public perception, and land-sharing concerns,” the Colorado Horse Council said.
