U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
California

News. bytes Extra, Issue 224

Surprise arrival at Turlock wild horse and burro adoption

The lure of America's wild horses and burros dragged San Joaquin Valley residents into the rain over the weekend of March 25, and after a two-day adoption event at Turlock's San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 57 animals -- 48 horses and nine burros -- went to new homes. The adoption event was held in conjunction with the annual Rendezvous of the Back Country Horsemen of California. The BLM and horsemen's group worked together to promote the two events.

Below, potential adopters enjoyed a sunny afternoon as they got a preview look at animals up for adoption, and even met some adopted animals who are the pride of their adoptive families.
potential adopters enjoyed a sunny afternoon as they got a preview look at animals up for adoption, and even met some adopted animals who are the pride of their adoptive families

Dave Freeman, below, showed his family's burros -- Ashley, Rocky and Blare -- rigged up for back country exploring.
Dave Freeman showed his family's burros -- Ashley, Rocky and Blare -- rigged up for back country exploring.

small lakes dotted the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds after a morning of steady rain Saturday, but it didn't stop adopters from making the rounds.

Above, small lakes dotted the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds after a morning of steady rain Saturday, but it didn't stop adopters from making the rounds.

Below, volunteer Edona Miller of Wheatland chats with a potential adopter about a horse she has been gentling for the adoption event. Volunteers presented three halter-gentled horses at Turlock, and all found new homes.

volunteer Edona Miller of Wheatland chats with a potential adopter about a horse she has been gentling for the adoption event. Volunteers presented three halter-gentled horses at Turlock, and all found new homes.

Layla was halter trained by volunteer Virginia Freeman, an Artois resident who has been assisting the BLM Wild Horse and Burro program for many years.

Above, Layla, was halter trained by volunteer Virginia Freeman, an Artois resident who has been assisting the BLM Wild Horse and Burro program for many years.

Below, the biggest surprise of the weekend was the birth of a colt. The leggy little newcomer went home with his mother and their adoptive family.
the biggest surprise of the weekend was the birth of a colt. The leggy little newcomer went home with his mother and their adoptive family.

News.bytes, isse 224