Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the public is encouraged to visit the BLM corrals at the event center on Friday to view the animals available and submit an adoption application. Beginning on Saturday at 10 a.m., a silent bid auction will be held for the untrained horses and burros. Anyone adopting during the auction may also participate in the “Adopt-A-Buddy” lottery held after the auction, to adopt any available untrained horse for only $25. Only pre-approved adopters may bid during the auction. Following the auction and lottery, animals that remain available may be adopted for their minimum bid fee posted on the corrals. All adoptions must be completed, and animals transported from the site, by 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Each animal available for adoption has been vaccinated for common equine conditions and diseases.  Adopters will receive complete health care records, as well as herd management and other equine information for their newly adopted animals.
 
To qualify to adopt, citizens must be at least 18 years of age, and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals.  Adopters are required to keep each newly adopted horse and burro in its own corral measuring at least 400 square feet, and constructed of sturdy pipe or rail (no field fencing or barbed wire). Required corral heights vary from four-and-a-half feet high for burros, to five-feet high for horses younger than 18 months of age, and six-feet high for horses older than 18 months of age. Corrals must also include a shaded area and water trough. Adopted animals must be kept in their own corral until they can be approached, handled, haltered and led.  Open pastures or any areas that include barbed wire or field fencing cannot be used.

Adopters must provide trailer transportation home for their animals (only fully enclosed stock trailers are allowed).  A properly fitting halter and a lead rope for each animal must also be provided by the adopter.  BLM will halter and load each animal into the adopter’s trailer.  Title to adopted wild horses and burros remains with the federal government for one year.  After providing a year of good care, adopters are notified to apply for title.  Random compliance inspections are conducted during the year.

About 31,000 wild horses and burros are currently roaming on public lands in the western states.  More than 215,500 animals have been placed in private care since the BLM Adopt-a-Horse or Burro Program began over 30 years ago. For additional information on the BLM Payson adoption event or adopting a wild horse or burro, contact the BLM toll free at 1-866-4MUSTANGS, or visit our website: www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.