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April 12-13: Wild horse and burro event in Poteau, Oklahoma

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Phil Gardenhire Memorial Rodeo Arena
County Rd 133
Poteau, OK 74966
United States

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Event Description

NORMAN, Okla. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a two-day wild horse and burro event April 12-13, at the Phil Gardenhire Memorial Rodeo Arena in Poteau, Okla.  

The event begins Friday, April 12, at 10 a.m., and features 140 animals for adoption. Adoptions take place April 12, noon-6 p.m. and Saturday, April 13, 8 a.m.-noon.

As part of the program’s efforts to find every horse and burro a good home, BLM now offers up to $1,000 to adopt an untrained animal. This incentive is offered for every animal in Poteau. On July 26, 2021, BLM announced additional steps to secure the health and safety of animals through the Adoption Incentive Program, including conducting inspections of wild horses and burros within six months of the adoption date.

Animals offered at the event are adult and yearling horses along with burros that once roamed free on public lands in the west. BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to maintain healthy herds and to protect other rangeland resources. The Adoption and Sale Program is essential for achieving these important management goals. Since 1973, BLM has placed more than 280,000 of these animals in approved homes across the country.

BLM staff will approve applications onsite. To qualify:  

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old with no record of animal abuse.
  • Homes must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with access to food, water, and shelter.
  • Corral fence must meet height requirements: 
  • Adult horses - 6 feet  
  • Yearlings - 5 feet 
  • Burros - 4.5 feet; and  
  • Trailers must be stock type, covered, with swing gates and sturdy walls/floors.  
     

BLM staff will be on hand to provide more information and assist with the short application process. 

The Phil Gardenhire Memorial Rodeo Arena is located south of Poteau on Highway 271, approximately 1.5 miles south of intersection of Highway 59 and Highway 271. For more information, call 866-468-7826 or visit www.blm.gov.