Arizona's wild horses are believed to be decendants of horses brought to the area by the Spanish conquistadors in the 17th century.In the mid-1800's the wild horse populationin Arizona was estimated to number over a half-million horses. Today only around five-humdred wild horses remain in the State. Advocacy groups have fought long and hard to stave off efforts by the US Forrest Service to relocate the Salt River herd. They are safe for now and much loved by many including local photographers.