BLM highlights individual and group sales of wild horses and burros
The Bureau of Land Management reminds the public that its long-standing Wild Horse and Burro Sale Program offers opportunities for qualified buyers to purchase wild horses and burros, including options for purchasing larger groups.
Purchased wild horses and burros can become trusted partners for a variety of activities, from trail riding to ranch work and national competitions. With proper training, attention, and patience, these animals can excel in just about any role.
Sale fees start at $25 per animal. To qualify for purchase, buyers must meet requirements outlined in the Application for Adoption & Sale of Wild Horses or Burros, including certifying intent to provide humane care. Upon approval, buyers receive immediate ownership of their purchased animals with a bill of sale.
Individuals or organizations may purchase up to four animals every six months. The BLM also offers an application process to purchase groups larger than four. For more information on individual and group sales, please contact the BLM at [email protected] or 866-4MUSTANG (866-468-7826).
The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act directs the BLM to make available for sale excess wild horses and burros that are over the age of 10 or have been previously offered for adoption at least three times. The BLM also offers wild horses and burros of all ages for adoption.
The BLM manages wild horses and burros on public lands to maintain healthy herds on healthy public rangelands, as required by the Act. Wild horses and burros gathered from public rangelands for population management purposes are made available for adoption and/or sale to qualified homes. Unadopted and unsold animals are cared for by the BLM for the remainder of their lives.
As of December 2025, the BLM cares for nearly 63,000 unadopted and unsold animals in off-range corrals and pastures, costing taxpayers more than $100 million annually. At the same time, an estimated 73,000 wild horses and burros continue to roam public lands (as of March 2025) and reproduce at 15-20% annually.
Placing an animal into private care via adoption or sale saves taxpayers approximately $15,000 over the lifetime of each animal and helps support the BLM’s mission to manage and protect wild horses and burros on public lands.
Photo credit: Marsha Hartford Sapp with purchased wild horse Cobra, Chason Photos
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.