Contact: Bill Davenport (703) 440-1720

….....GET A GOOD HORSE OR BURRO FOR AS LITTLE AS $ 125……..

On April 8 and 9, 2006, the Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) will offer more than 80 young horses and a few burros for adoption at the Shale Knoll Arena in Annville, Pennsylvania.   “There will be some exceptional horses from the Western ranges there, and you can adopt one for a minimal adoption fee starting at $125,” said BLM-ES State Director Mike Nedd.

The animals will arrive on Friday, April 7, 2006, with viewing hours Friday between

10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  The scheduled hours for the adoption are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2006, and 8:00 a.m. to noon, Sunday, April 9, 2006.

Once gentled, wild horses are often used for trail riding, dressage, hunter/jumper, and western events by people who have adopted them.  Mustangs are noted for their endurance, sure-footedness and intelligence.

All animals available for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated,

de-wormed, and blood-tested.  Since the Adopt-A-Wild Horse & Burro Program began in 1973, more than 207,000 animals have been adopted.

Prospective adopters must have sturdy corrals, 20’ x 20’, at least 6 feet high for an adult horse and at least 5 feet high for burros and horses younger than 18 months, shelter, transportation, and the means of caring for the animals.  Adopters must provide their own stock-type, step up trailer (ramps or split two-horse type trailers are not allowed).  BLM-ES staff will sort, halter and load animals onto the adopters’ trailers.

 Adoptions will be by competitive bid, with an adoption fee of $125 per animal used as the starting adoption fee bid.

Applications to adopt will be reviewed Friday afternoon and Saturday.  Adopters are encouraged to pre-qualify by calling 1-800-293-1781 before the adoption for information.  Animals not adopted Saturday morning will be offered for the $125 adoption fee on a first-come basis that afternoon and Sunday.

Directions: Traveling North on I-81, take exit 28 (Grantville exit).  Go right one mile to traffic light.  At light go left (22 East) approx. 3 1/2 miles.  Go 50 yards and turn right on Mill Road.  At stop sign turn right, then an immediate left onto Shirk's Church Road.  Go 1/3 mile, turn left at Macadam Lane.  You will see arena and large hill for parking.

For applications or other information contact the Bureau of Land Management at

1-800-293-1781 or 1-866-4MUSTANGS, or visit the BLM web site at www.es.blm.gov/programs/whb.    

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