Community shows enthusiastic support for Flagstaff wild horse and burro event

 

Two burros stand next to each other
Two wild burros named Penelope and Electra wait to show off their skills during a demonstration on Friday, August 1 in Flagstaff, Arizona. (Photo by Michelle Ailport/Bureau of Land Management Arizona)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently hosted a highly successful wild horse and burro adoption event at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff from August 1 to August 3. The event saw a fantastic turnout, with many attendees eager to give a good home to these magnificent animals.

Throughout the three-day event, both untrained and trained wild horses and burros were available. These animals, known for their sure-footedness, strength, intelligence, and endurance, can be trained for various uses with kindness and patience.

A highlight of the event was the BLM’s partnership with Arizona Correctional Industries, where inmates had gentled and trained some of the animals. On Friday, August 1, a demonstration showcased the skills of these trained animals, followed by an auction.

Dozens of people filled the grandstands and lined the demonstration arena to see the inmate trainers show off these talented animals. Some people in attendance drove over three hours to see these animals in action.

A group of people watch a person dressed in orange ride a horse
A group of people watch as an inmate trainer rides wild horse Xylo during a demonstration on Friday, August 1 in Flagstaff, Arizona. (Photo by Michelle Ailport/Bureau of Land Management Arizona)

Twenty-four animals were placed. The placements support healthy herd management on public lands and help preserve the legacy of America’s wild horses and burros, while also saving taxpayer dollars in the process.

For every animal placed into private care, taxpayers save on average approximately $15,000 that would otherwise be spent on lifetime care for the animal in BLM facilities. Because of this event, American taxpayers also saved approximately $360,000 in average lifetime care costs if the animals had remained with the BLM.

Plus, proceeds from the sale go directly back into the program, allowing those dollars to place even more animals with new homes. 

The process to bring home a wild horse or burro is a straightforward one, with guidance for any question handled directly by the experienced Wild Horse and Burro team located on site. During the event, friendly staff answered questions and provided education to attendees of all ages.

The event was a resounding success, with many wild horses and burros finding loving homes, thanks to the dedication and efforts of the BLM and its partners.

To learn more about future events and how to bring home your own wild horse or burro, visit the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sale Events page.

A person pets a wild horse wearing a saddle
Taz, a six-year-old gelding, enjoys some ear scratches from an inmate trainer. Taz was in training at the Florence Wild Horse and Burro Training and Off-Range Corral for more than a year, honing his skills. (Photo by Michelle Ailport/Bureau of Land Management Arizona)
Story by:

Michelle Ailport, Public Affairs Specialist

Blog Topic: