News Release

For Release:  March 5, 2009                                                   
Contact:  David Briery, 951.697.5220 Email: dbriery@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-09-25

Wild Horses and Burros Available for Adoption in Hesperia

Strength, endurance, and spirit are qualities embodied in wild horses and burros that roam America’s rangelands.  These living legends are available for adoption at the Val Shearer Equestrian Center Arena in Hesperia, Calif., on March 13-14, 2009, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program.  Spectators are welcome. 

There are 40 young animals available for adoption, 30 wild horses, and 10 burros.  The mustangs and burros were gathered from public lands in California and Nevada, have been wormed and vaccinated, and are in excellent health.

Animals arrive at noon on Friday, March 13, and potential adopters may view the mustangs and burros from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  An excellent media opportunity exists at noon when the animals arrive and unload. 

Approved adopters will receive a lottery number, which is required to participate in the lottery adoption Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m.  The lottery adoption provides all adopters an equal opportunity to adopt the animal of their choice. BLM staff will approve adoption applications from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. 

The adoption fee is $125.00 per animal.  Animals not selected during the lottery adoption will be available for adoption on a first come, first served basis for the remainder of Saturday. Adoption fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.
 
Qualified adopters must be 18 years old, have adequate facilities, the financial means to care for the animal(s), and would have some experience training or raising a horse or burro.  Adopters also must be a resident of the United States and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals.  Qualified individuals with the proper facilities may adopt up to four animals.

Newly adopted wild horses or burros must be kept in an enclosed corral with a minimum area of 400 square feet (20’x20’ or larger) per animal.  Corral fences must be at least 4 ½ feet high for burros, 6 feet high for ungentled horses, and 5 feet high for horses under 18 months of age.  Fences should be of pole, pipe, or plank constructions.  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. BLM wranglers will load the animals into the trailer.

The process is called an “adoption” because BLM retains title to the animal for one year after the adoption.  During the year, a BLM compliance officer or designated representative will visit each adopter to ensure the animal is being cared for and has a good home. During this time adopters cannot sell their adopted animal. Adopters must notify BLM if the animal is moved.
 
After the first year, adopters may apply for title.  BLM will pass title of the animal if all the stipulations of the adoption agreement have been met. The animal becomes the private property of the adopter only after BLM transfers title, which completes the adoption process.
 
Directions to Val Shearer Equestrian Center Arena, 16292 Lime St: from I-15, take Main Street east to Hesperia Road south. Turn right on Lime Street.  For more information about the Hesperia adoption or the Bureau's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program, contact BLM toll free at 866-4Mustangs, or visit our website at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.  

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, Ca