By Alexander Lomax
Photo Credit: inaraftaz.com
To any close observers of Scottsdale politics, it’s no secret that Mayor Lisa Borowsky loves horses. In a fun little campaign quirk, she even put her horse on campaign signs. So a recent development is right up her alley, and she may have a perfect solution for a problem.
In the midst of escalating tensions over the future of Salt River horses, Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky has emerged with a proposal that deserves serious consideration. As state officials contemplate thinning the current population of approximately 280 horses, Borowsky is exploring relocating 50 to 60 of them to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
The timing of this proposal couldn’t be better. With the Arizona Department of Agriculture recommending reducing the herd to 100-200 horses and planning to remove more than 100 horses, Borowsky’s sanctuary concept offers a humane alternative to more drastic population control measures. Rather than simply removing horses from the ecosystem entirely, her plan would preserve a portion of the herd while addressing legitimate environmental concerns.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve presents compelling advantages as a potential horse sanctuary. With over 30,000 acres of protected desert, it offers ample space and established infrastructure for wildlife management. The preserve already attracts thousands of visitors annually who would likely embrace the opportunity to observe these iconic animals in a controlled setting.
Borowsky’s approach demonstrates the pragmatic leadership that she has shined with on occasion. She’s navigating between competing interests, horse advocates who oppose any population reduction and environmental groups concerned about overgrazing, while proposing a solution that acknowledges both perspectives. This isn’t grandstanding; it’s thoughtful problem-solving.
The proposal also positions Scottsdale as a conservation leader, potentially creating a model for wildlife management that other communities could replicate. If successful, the relocated horses could serve educational purposes while maintaining their wild character in a sustainable environment.
While questions remain about implementation costs, veterinary care, and long-term management, Borowsky’s willingness to explore innovative solutions deserves credit. In a controversy marked by litigation and heated rhetoric, her measured approach offered here offers hope for an outcome that serves both the horses and the broader ecosystem.