NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 25, 2004
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-04-65

WILD HORSES COMING TO CHICO FROM CHAMPION-PR0DUCING HERDS

Wild horses will be up for public adoption at Chico's Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, and they're coming from herds that are known for producing endurance champions.

The Bureau of Land Management will offer 60 horses from the Twin Peaks, Buckhorn and Devil's Garden herds of northeastern California. The herds produce good-sized wild horses, two of which recently won top national honors in American Endurance Ride Conference competition.

"Robin Hood," ridden by Lincoln veterinarian Dr. Vicki Giles, was the 2003 champion featherweight horse in the AERC west region. "Sir Kai," ridden by Lincoln's Ray Bailey, placed fourth in the heavyweight division and was the heavyweight division winner of the national 50-mile ride.

"Adopters will find a great selection of young, healthy horses in Chico," said Pardee Bardwell, a BLM wild horse and burro specialist. "These horses are respected for their strength, stamina and intelligence. They are ready to train for pleasure riding, competition or ranch work.

"We will also have 20 burros. They make ideal pasture pets, can be used for back country packing, and can protect grazing livestock from predators."
The adoption event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Adoptions begin with an hour of silent bidding from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday. After bidding, all remaining animals are available for BLM's standard adoption fee of $125.

Adopters can preview the animals when they arrive at the fairgrounds at about 2 p.m. on Friday, June 11.
In addition to the opportunity to adopt an animal, area horse enthusiasts can learn about gentling and training during free demonstrations to be held both days. Horse trainer Lesley Neuman of Rescue will work with horses directly from the adoption pens to show how gentle training methods build bonds of trust between horse and human.

Additional information on the event, adoption requirements and wild horse and burro management is available online at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov, or by calling toll-free, 866-4MUSTANGS.

-BLM-

Northern California Support Team 2950 Riverside Drive Susanville, California 96130