Deerwood Ranch adoption events and tours

It’s not every day that you can drive down a dirt road and be met by a cowboy on his horse. After parking, visitors take a short wagon ride and learn that "Major Pain" is the dog’s name sitting up front. All visitors were headed to the Wild Horse EcoSanctuary on Deerwood Ranch in Albany, Wyoming.

Before departing the wagon, the cowboy gave everyone a quick rundown of the event and encouraged all to have a good time. Inside the beautiful barn, there are various vendors and just outside was the BLM adoption tent. The friendly staff greeted everyone with a smile and answered questions on the horses and burros there for adoption.

Then it was time to tour the ranch, which is home to the first wild horse EcoSanctuary on private land in the United States. There are around 350 Wyoming wild mustangs living out serene lives in a very close-to-natural environment. These mustangs, on average, are 17 years of age and are considered un-adoptable. The 350 horses at the ranch were part of the tour and separate from the animals available for adoption.

The Little Laramie River runs through the property providing year-round access to water for the horses. The abundant willows on the property provide protection and refuge for the horses during the winter, acting as a natural geothermal blanket. And the native rocks act as trimmers for the horses’ hooves.

“The Deerwood Ranch adoption events are fun for the entire family," said BLM Wyoming Wild Horse and Burro Specialist Monica Mohr. "These events are also very educational and bring people from all over.”

For the June event, there were more than 400 visitors and nine adoptions out of 30 horses and burros offered for adoption. The next adoption event on the ranch will be held this fall, September 28, 2024 and is free to the public.