Alberta Wild Horses and Population Management

Free-roaming horses have lived along Alberta’s Eastern Slopes for generations. They are commonly called wild horses, while the Government of Alberta uses the term feral horses.

Where are they found?

Alberta monitors feral horses in six equine management zones: Brazeau, Nordegg, Clearwater, Sundre, Ghost River and Elbow.

How many are there?

Alberta’s 2026 minimum-count survey recorded 2,072 horses.

A minimum count represents horses actually observed during the survey. Alberta notes that more horses may be present than were observed.

Why does Alberta manage the population?

The provincial government says public rangelands support multiple uses and species, including wildlife, livestock, recreation and feral horses.

Its management framework considers horse populations alongside forage availability, vegetation, watershed function, wildlife and overall rangeland health.

The issue is contested

People can strongly disagree about how these horses should be described and managed.

Some emphasize their historical and cultural significance and argue for strong protection. Others emphasize population growth, grazing pressure, biodiversity and management of public rangelands.

Those perspectives should be distinguished rather than pretending the debate does not exist.

Capture is regulated

Feral horse management is subject to Alberta’s Horse Capture Regulation. Alberta says the regulation was developed in response to concerns about mistreatment during historical captures and restricts inhumane capture methods.

Domestic horses cannot simply be released

The Government of Alberta states that releasing domestic horses onto these public lands is illegal.