How to Get Wild Horses from the Government

Imagine 36,000 wild horses and burros roaming on public lands in the West. Add to this population another 31,000 that are maintained in corral and pasture holding facilities. One branch of the US government manages public lands and the wild horses that roam them. The agency gathers several thousand wild horses each year and offers them for adoption or sale.

I'll explain how to see the horses on-line, how to find the application and regulations, and how you can support National Wild Horse Adoption Day (September 26, 2009).

Things You'll Need

  • To adopt a horse, you must be 18 or older and financially responsible for providing proper care and feeding.
  • You'll need to meet specific corral and fencing requirements.
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Instructions

    • 1

      ~ LEARN ABOUT THESE LIVING LEGENDS ~

      Wild horses (also called 'mustangs') are living symbols of American history and the pioneer spirit of the West. The federal government estimates that more than 36,000 wild horses and burros roam public lands in the West. Because they have almost no natural predators, they can double the herd size in four years. Without government intervention, this population would exceed the land's capacity to support the herds, and create other consequences.

      The horses, also known as 'mustangs' and the burros come in every shape and color. Horses weigh between 700-1,000 pounds and burros average 500 pounds. They receive medical care and testing before adoption.

    • 2

      ~ LEARN ABOUT THE AGENCY THAT MANAGES AND PROTECTS THEM ~

      The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the federal government agency that administers this program and conducts the auctions. Since 1971, BLM
      has placed 220,000 free roaming horses and burros in public hands by the adoption programs. In addition, BLM feeds and cares for another 31,000 wild horses and burros each year on government short- and long-term holding facilities.

      Adoptions occur on a rolling schedule, several days each month, at multiple locations throughout the US. The starting adoption fee (and average price) is $125 per animal. BLM estimates that it costs $1,000 per year or more for you to maintain one of its animals.

      You can see the photo gallery of horses available for adoption on BLM's web site. You can also read the requirements for adoption and download the application. The link is in the "Additional Resources" section below.

    • 3

      OBSERVE SEPTEMBER 26, 2009: NATIONAL WILD HORSE ADOPTION DAY

      This event is sponsored by the BLM, the Humane Society of the US, Wild Horses 4 Ever, the American Horse Protection Association, and the Mustang Heritage Foundation. The goal is to adopt out 1,000 wild horses! More than 65 events are scheduled to take place throughout the country in support of this program. If you are not in the market for a wild horse, you can still volunteer or support the event. The web site link is in the "Additional Resources" section below.