For Release: Oct. 18, 2005
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332 or (530) 260-2675 (cell)
CA-N-06-04

WILD HORSES AND BURROS UP FOR ADOPTION IN GILROY

Fresh from the range and ready to train, wild horses and burros are headed for Woodmyst Farms in Gilroy, where Central Coast residents will have the opportunity to adopt them.

The Bureau of Land Management adoption event, at 7560 Crews Rd., runs Friday through Sunday, Nov. 11-13. A preview of the 80 mustangs and several burros begins at about 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Adoption gates will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

An hour of silent, competitive bidding will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, to give people the chance to compete for the animals of their choice. After bidding, remaining animals will be available for BLM's $125-per-animal adoption fee.

"Mustangs coming to Gilroy were gathered from wild herds in Northeastern California. The burros come from Southern California deserts," said Mindy Odom of the BLM's Bakersfield Field Office. "They have received vaccinations and boosters, including shots for West Nile virus and rabies, and de-worming treatments. The animals are healthy and ready to train."

Odom said the mares, geldings and yearlings range in age from under 2 to about 5.

They were gathered from wild herds in Northern California, all known for producing good-sized horses. Odom said horses from these herds range from 14 hands tall to more than 15 hands.

To qualify, adopters must be at least 18 and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. BLM staff members will interview all prospective adopters to be sure they meet the BLM adoption requirements.

Newly-adopted horses and burros must be kept in corrals with at least 400 square feet of space per animal (20 feet by 20 feet), surrounded by a fence built of pipe or boards. Six-foot fences are required for adult horses. Horses under 18 months old can be kept in corrals with five-foot fences, and four-and-a-half-foot fences are allowed for burros. Adopters must provide a two-sided, roofed shelter to provide protection from extreme weather.

"Adopted animals should be kept in this corral until they can be approached, handled, haltered and led," Odom explained. "Non-gentled animals should not be placed in large, open pastures."

Adopted animals must be taken from the adoption event by Sunday. Adopters must provide a halter and lead rope. BLM wranglers will halter and load adopted animals. Adult horses must be transported in stock trailers with side-swinging gates.

Title to adopted wild horses and burros remains with the federal government for one year. After providing a year of good care, adopters can receive title. The BLM, or a representative, will check on the condition of the animal during the one-year adoption period.

"Wild horses are strong, loyal, intelligent and very trainable," Odom said. "Adopters find they are excellent for pleasure riding and trail riding, back country packing, ranch work and competition, such as endurance riding. People train burros for back country packing, pulling carts, and riding."

Wild horses and burros are protected by a federal law, the Wild and Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act. The law recognizes the animals as "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the west," and requires the BLM to manage the wild herds. The BLM periodically gathers horses and burros to control herd populations on ranges shared with wildlife and domestic livestock. Herd sizes are controlled to ensure there is sufficient feed and water for all range users.

There are about 32,000 wild horses and burros roaming on public rangelands in the western states. More than 205,000 animals have been placed in private care since the BLM's Adopt a Horse or Burro Program began in the early 1970s.

For additional information on the adoption event or wild horse management, contact the BLM toll free at 1-866-4MUSTANGS. Information is also available online at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov (follow links to wild horse and burro information).

-BLM-

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Northern California Support Team 2950 Riverside Dr., Susanville, CA 96130