Wild horses and burros find new homes at successful Wyoming adoption event

Photos by Pat Doak, Rock Springs, WY

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.— Despite a snowy start and frigid temperatures, the Bureau of Land Management Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility hosted a highly successful wild horse and burro adoption event on April 19. Enthusiastic adopters braved the cold, helping place 30 animals into new homes.

Originally facing a weather-related challenge with Interstate 80 closures on Friday, April 18, the roads cleared just in time for the event. On Saturday, approximately 100-120 attendees gathered at the facility for the opportunity to adopt one of 44 available animals, including 36 horses gathered from Wyoming’s White Mountain Herd Management Area and eight burros from Arizona’s Black Mountain Herd Management Area.

By the end of the day, the results spoke for themselves:

• 23 horses were adopted
• 6 burros were purchased
• 1 burro was adopted

“This was a great turnout considering the weather," said Monica Mohr, Wild Horse and Burro Specialist with the BLM. “We are incredibly thankful for the patience and dedication of our adopters, some of whom traveled from Idaho, Colorado, Utah, and across Wyoming to find their new companions.”

The event was made possible thanks to the hard work of the Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility staff Jake, DJ, Remo, and Jay, as well as three dedicated volunteers whose contributions helped ensure a smooth day. BLM also welcomed Amanda Mills of Forever Branded, who connected with adopters about participating in the upcoming Branded Bonanza event at the Nebraska State Fair this August 22-23.

Several attendees expressed interest in scheduling future appointments to adopt horses and burros at the facility.

“We’re excited to kick off the 2025 adoption season with such positive energy,” added Mohr. “It’s rewarding to see these animals find new beginnings and to meet so many members of the public who are passionate about America’s living legends.”

Since 1971, the BLM has placed nearly 290,000 wild horses and burros into private care through its Adoption and Sales Programs. Every adoption not only provides a home for a deserving animal but helps manage healthy populations on public lands.

For more information on adopting a wild horse or burro, visit www.blm.gov/whb and see all our upcoming adoption events, please visit Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sale Events.

– BLM –