For Immediate Release: Sept. 9, 2004 CA-N-04-99
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332

WILD HORSES AND BURROS UP FOR ADOPTION IN WOODSIDE

Directly from wide-open ranges in northern Nevada and California, wild horses and burros will be looking for good adoptive homes when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hosts a public adoption event Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2 and 3, at the San Mateo Mounted Patrol Grounds, 521 Kings Mountain Rd., in Woodside.

"We will offer 80 wild horses and 20 wild burros," says Mindy Odom, a BLM wild horse and burro specialist. "These animals have been vaccinated against a variety of diseases, including West Nile Virus and rabies, and are healthy and ready to train."

In addition to the adoption opportunity, horse enthusiasts can get free training information when Lesley Neuman, a Northern California 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. Some of the horses coming to Woodside are from the Twin Peaks Herd Management Area of Northeast California. This area has produced national champions in endurance competition. Wild horses also have excelled in show arenas in Western and English specialties and dressage competitions.

"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 Odom. Burros make excellent companions, too. They can be used for packing, pulling carts, and even protecting livestock from predators."

Interested adopters can preview the animals when they arrive at the Mounted Patrol Grounds at about 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1.

On Oct. 2, 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. 3, 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 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 can 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.

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-

The BLM is responsible for managing the nation's public lands. The wild horses and burros on the public rangelands are managed consistent with BLM's multiple land-use mission that takes into consideration natural resources such as wildlife and vegetation and other users such as livestock and recreation. With the passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971, a responsibility of BLM is to preserve and protect wild horses and burros and to manage for healthy rangelands. When an over-population of wild horses and burros exists on the range some animals are removed and offered to the public for adoption.

Northern California Support Team 2950 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130