Contact: Bill Davenport (703) 440-1720

....WILD HORSES ARE COMING TO WATERLOO, IOWA IN APRIL....

On April 29 and 30, 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 National Cattle Congress Arena in Waterloo, Iowa.   “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 28, 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 29, 2006, and 8:00 a.m. to noon, Sunday, April 30, 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: From Highway 20, take Highway 218 North.  There is a highway sign for "National Cattle Congress" and Ansborough Ave.  Take the Ansborough Ave. exit and follow signs to the National Cattle Congress.  Website is www.nationalcattlecongress.com

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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