For Release: November 9, 2005
Contact: Doran Sanchez, (951) 697-5220; E-MAIL: dasanche@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-06-13

Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Offers Many Special Rewards

On Saturday, November 19 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is extending operation of its regional wild horse and burro corral facility near Ridgecrest for a very special 1-day event to provide the public an opportunity to learn about and adopt a wild mustang and burro.

More than 200 wild horses and burros, including 50 weanlings just in from Colorado and 50 yearling geldings from Nevada, will be looking for a good home. The adoption will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. BLM will open the gates at 7 a.m. to allow adopters time to complete their applications and view the animals. The adoption will be conducted on a first come, first served basis. The adoption fee is $125 per animal.

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

One halter-gentled, molly-mule yearling and six halter-gentled mustangs, which include a 4-year old, gray gelding and a 1-year old, pinto gelding already under saddle, will also be available for adoption. These animals will be adopted by silent competitive bid. The minimum bid is $125 per animal. Adoption fees may be paid by cash, check or credit card.

And . . . to make this 1-day adoption truly special, the BLM will provide free home delivery within 150 miles of the facility for all animals adopted only during this special event.

Free gentling demonstrations will begin at 10:30 a.m., which help potential adopters learn about and understand the gentling process. Cheri Newsom an equine massage therapist will also give demonstrations throughout the day to help potential adopters learn how touch aids in the gentling and training process.

Many adopters will be on hand with their adopted animals to answer questions and share their experiences with potential adopters. The newly formed Friends of the Ridgecrest Corrals, adopters who support the corrals and BLM's adoption program, will be selling halters and lead ropes.

"Our adoption this Saturday is not only to provide everyone an opportunity to adopt a wild horse or burro and get free delivery within 150 miles of the facility, its an opportunity for the pubic to see and learn more about America's wild horses and burros," said Dan Anderson, BLM wrangler and corral manager,

And . . . for a flare of the wild West, the Old West Lawmen's Association, which consists of retired law enforcement officers, will be wearing authentic attire portraying lawmen of the old West.

The corrals are located on the Randsburg Wash Road, off Highway 178 four and a half miles east of Ridgecrest. For more information about this special 1-day adoption or the Bureau's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program contact BLM at (800) 951-8720.

-BLM-

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information contact Doran Sanchez at (951) 697-5220.