For Immediate Release: November 2, 2004 CA-CDD-05-09
Contact: Doran Sanchez, (951) 697-5220; E-MAIL: dasanche@ca.blm.gov

BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program Headed to Beaumont

On November 6-7, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will offer 80 Mustangs and 20 burros to qualified adopters at Noble Creek Park in Beaumont through its Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program.

The animals were gathered from public lands in California and Nevada as a result of overpopulation, drought, and loss of habitat caused by wildfires. They're healthy . . . but homeless . . . and looking for someone - possibly you - to give them a good home.

The animals will arrive at the Park on Friday, November 5 and potential adopters may view them from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday morning beginning at 7 a.m. BLM staff will approve applications on Friday and throughout the weekend and answer questions about the animals.

On Saturday morning only from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. the adoption will be conducted by silent competitive bid. The minimum bid is $125 per animal. Adopters must have their applications approved prior to the beginning of the competitive bid.

After the competitive bid, adoptions will be conducted on by first come, first served the remainder of Saturday to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adoption fees may be paid by cash, check or credit card.

Individuals must be at least 18 years old and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. Adopters also must have adequate facilities, the financial means to care for the animal(s), and should have some experience training or raising a horse or burro. Qualified individuals may adopt up to four animals.

Phil West will conduct free horse gentling demonstrations from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. West is a deputy sheriff with the Mono County Sheriff's Department and has adopted several Mustangs. He has used Abby his 12 year old Mustang for Mounted Patrol for nine years. After each gentling demonstration the Mustang will be offered for adoption.

"Mustangs are very intelligent and renowned for their strength, speed, and endurance and make excellent riding stock," said West. "Properly trained some adopted Mustangs have become national champions in dressage, snaffle bit competitions, trail, endurance, and jumping."

"Burros make great pets, companion animals, and guard animals and they also can be trained for riding, packing, and carting," added West.

Newly adopted wild horses or burros must be kept in an enclosed corral with a minimum area of 400 square feet (20' x 20' or larger) per animal. Corral fences must be at least 4 ½ feet high for burros and 6 feet high for ungentled horses. Horses under 18 months of age may be kept in corrals with fences 5 feet high. Fences should be of pole, pipe, or plank construction. Barbed wire is not allowed in stalls or corrals. The corral also must contain a structure to provide shelter for the animal.

Adopters should bring a nylon web halter and 20-foot cotton lead rope for each animal. A stock trailer will be required to transport the animal(s). Drop ramp trailers will not be allowed. The wranglers will load the animals into the trailers. Private carriers also will be available to help adopters transport their newly adopted animal(s).

The process is called an "adoption" because BLM retains title to the animal for one year after the adoption. During this time, adopters cannot sell their adopted animal. More than 215,000 animals have been placed in private homes since the Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program began in 1973. Local adopters also will have their Mustangs/burros at the event and be available to talk with potential adopters.

Noble Creek Park is located at 38900 Oak Valley Parkway in Beaumont. To reach the Park, you may either (a) take the Oak Valley Parkway exit off Interstate 10 East and go north for approximately one mile. The entrance to the Park will be on the left, or (b) take the Beaumont Avenue exit from I-10 and go west 1.4 miles, turn left (south) on Oak Valley Parkway and go .7 of a mile. The entrance to the Park will be on the right. Follow the BLM signs to the adoption site.

For more information about the Noble Creek Park adoption or the Bureau's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program contact BLM at (800) 951-8720.

-BLM-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photographers and reporters are welcome to attend the adoption anytime. We will deliver the animals about noon on Friday, which generally provides excellent photo opportunities. Or, if you would prefer, come Saturday and Sunday morning and interview and photograph adopters with their newfound friend(s). For more information contact Doran Sanchez at (909) 697-5220.

"visit our website at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov"

California Desert District Office - 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, California - (909) 697-5220