News Release

 

 

For Release: Sept. 5, 2003

Contact:  Janet Neal (775) 861-6614, or Mindy Odom (661) 391-6049

CA-N-03-89

 

Wild horses and burros up for adoption in Woodside

 

Wild horses and burros, America's "Living Legends," will be looking for good adoptive homes when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hosts a public adoption event Saturday and Sunday,

Oct. 4 and 5, at the San Mateo Mounted Patrol Grounds, 521 Kings Mountain Rd., in Woodside, Calif.

 

The (BLM) will offer approximately 80 wild horses and 20 wild burros for public for adoption.  The majority of the wild horses are from the Carter Reservoir herd management area along the California-Nevada border east of Cedarville, Calif. These wild horses are known for their size, conformation, and color.

 

In addition to the adoption opportunity, horse enthusiasts can get free training information when Lesley Neuman, a wild horse and burro trainer, offers demonstrations during both days of the adoption event.  She will work with wild horses directly from the adoption pens.

 

Wild horses and burros embody the best characteristics of endurance and agility.  Throughout the 32-year history of the BLM's Adopt a Wild Horse or Burro Program, these animals have found their way into the hearts of thousands of recreational riders. They have excelled in show arenas in Western and English specialties, dressage competitions, endurance rides and as working stock.

 

"Wild horses are strong and sure-footed.  They have outstanding endurance and excel at competitive events, back country packing, pleasure riding or working on the ranch," says Mindy Odom, a BLM wild horse and burro specialist.  "Burros make excellent companions, too.  They can be used for packing, pulling carts, and even protecting livestock from predators."

 

Odom said all animals have been vaccinated against a variety of diseases, including West Nile virus and rabies, and are certified as healthy. Adopters receive complete health care records, so they can begin health care regimens with their own veterinarians.

 

Interested adopters can preview the animals when they arrive at the Mounted Patrol Grounds at about 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3.

 

On Oct. 4, gates open at 7 a.m. for viewing and adopter registration. Silent competitive bidding runs from 9 to 10 a.m., with bids starting at $125 per animal. Animals not adopted during bidding will be available through Sunday, Oct. 5, on a first-come, first-served basis for BLM's minimum adoption fee of $125 per animal.

 

To qualify, adopters must be at least 18 years old and have no convictions of inhumane treatment of animals.  They must have the ability and financial means to care for a wild horse or burro, and have corrals that meet BLM specifications.  Adult horses must be kept in a corral with a minimum of 400 square feet (20 by 20 feet) per animal, surrounded by a six-foot pipe or board fence.  Five-foot fences are allowed for horses under 18-months of age, and four and one-half foot fences are allowed for burros.  Wire fencing is not allowed because it is dangerous for the animals.

Animals must not be released into large pastures until they can be approached, handled, haltered and led. Title to adopted animals initially remains with the federal government, but, after providing one year of humane care, adopters receive title. 

 

Adopters must provide a halter and lead rope.  BLM wranglers will halter and load adopted animals.  Horses and burros must be taken from the patrol grounds in stock trailers with side-swinging gates.  Fully enclosed, two-horse trailers, with center dividers removed, are allowed for burros and horses under 2 years old.

 

For more adoption information, call Odom at (661) 391-6049 or toll free at 1-866-4MUSTANGS. Information is also available on the World Wide Web at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.

 

-BLM-