ABOUT

SB90 is a simple piece of legislation that designates the wild mustang as the official state horse to Nevada. It is similar to legislation passed in previous years to designate other state emblems the State Bird (Bluebird), the state reptile (Desert Tortoise), State Insect (Vivid Dancer Damselfly), State Flower (Sagebrush), State Rock (Sandstone), State Fish (Lahontan Cutthroat Trout).

The Wild Mustang has an undeniably significant place in Nevada’s history and culture and is an important ecotourism resource for the state. 

  • Wild Mustangs emblazon the Nevada State Quarter, chosen by the people of Nevada to represent the state over four other designs submitted to the U.S. mint. 

  • 86% of Nevadans believe that wild mustangs are defining symbols for the state and the West. (source: March 9-10, 2018, Public Policy Polling Survey)

  • Nevada is the state where over half of the nation’s wild horses live.

  • The Wild Mustang is memorialized in the names of businesses throughout the state and celebrated in literature and art, including statues that flank Nevada’s roadways and adorn businesses and housing developments.  

  • Travel Nevada, the state’s official tourism website, lists 12 Icons of Nevada, 11 of which are already legislative state designations. The only icon on the list without official designation is the Wild Mustang.

  • Precedent for such a designation exists in other states where the Wild Mustang is historically, culturally and economically significant: 

    • The North Carolina Legislature designated the Colonial Spanish Mustangs as the official state horse in June 2010.

    • The Virginia Legislature just designated the Chincoteague Island Pony as the official state horse in February 2023. 

    The legislation solely designates a state emblem, it makes no statement or policy related to the management of wild horses in the state. 

    • This designation is consistent with the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act's designation of these animals as living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West. Nothing in this act violates the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. 

Endorsements

“There is no better marketing emblem we have than wild horses. Simply put, wild horses are great for marketing Nevada and improving the diversity of our economy. Senate Bill 90 is a simple, short legislative declaration that would enshrine what is already true in the hearts and minds of Nevada voters.” 

— Kris Thompson, Project Manager, Tahoe Reno Industrial Center

“The passage of SB90 would codify the cultural and historic significance of the wild mustangs as a defining symbol of the American West and state of Nevada.”

— Sena Loyd, Director of Public Policy, Blockchains, Inc.

“This is a simple bill making these beautiful mustangs the state horse.  We support this bill because it is one of the first questions asked by visitors - where can I see the wild horses? Rounding up the herds is cruel and not a part of this bill.  We know this is a passionate issue on both sides, but this is not about passion, it is about simply honoring a beautiful part of wild Nevada.”

— Ronni Hannaman, Executive Director, Carson City Chamber of Commerce

Ready to Send a Message of Support?

It only takes a moment to send an email to your legislator. We’ve made it incredibly easy for you!