New year, new beginnings for dozens of wild horses and burros in Arizona

Every animal available at these events was examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de‑wormed, and tested negative for equine infectious anemia (Coggins), creating a baseline of health before animals stepped into private care. Another partnership as part of the Florence Wild Horse and Burro Training and Off‑Range Corral and ACI’s WHIP includes the University of Arizona (UA) College of Veterinary Medicine for medical care, now a permanent part of students’ hands-on education. Aside from providing top-notch health services for the animals at the facility, the UA program also encourages more students to pursue careers in rural and large-animal medicine, which is great for communities adjacent to BLM-managed public lands.

This advanced preparation of the animals was paired with on-site support during the events in January. The events were designed to make the adoption and sale process easy to understand. The online and in-person application was straightforward but thorough, with questions answered by the experienced Wild Horse and Burro program team. Staff also loaded animals into trailers at departure and provided guidance, health records, and follow‑up contacts. Overall, the events equipped qualified people to care for their animals with practical knowledge, clear standards, and a pathway to success.

Once in private care, wild horses and burros can be trained into excellent show, work, or companion animals. This is a long-term commitment because caring for a wild horse or burro takes a lot of dedication, time, space, and resources. But with preparation and patience, many people find it immensely rewarding to train these animals for trail riding, ranch work, national competitions, and more.

“These events do more than just placement,” Hall said. “They also honor the spirit of the West and start lifelong bonds between people and these animals.”

These events were part of the BLM’s mission under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, which entrusts the agency with managing and protecting wild horses and burros on public lands. Because these animals are federally protected and lack natural predators, the BLM monitors herd size, land health, vegetation, and water availability to maintain balance. When populations grow beyond what the land can support, the BLM gathers excess animals and works to place them in qualified private care through adoptions and sales.

Every dollar from these events goes directly back into the program, helping place even more wild horses and burros into good homes. 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 these January events in Florence, American taxpayers saved approximately $765,000 in average lifetime care costs if the animals had remained with the BLM.

By reducing long-term holding costs and promoting humane private care, the Wild Horse and Burro program delivers benefits for animals, the public, and partners alike, not just the BLM.

Find an event near you

Don’t miss the next opportunity to give a good home to your very own wild horse or burro! As spring approaches, keep an eye out for more events at the Florence Wild Horse and Burro Training and Off‑Range Corral and across Arizona.

The BLM also keeps a national schedule of adoption and sale events, which is updated throughout the year, so you track upcoming dates by region. In addition to in‑person events, the BLM’s Online Corral hosts periodic adoption and sale events via competitive bid, allowing people to participate from home and then pick up their animals at designated locations across the United States.

Find an event near you! This is your chance to care for a part of America’s heritage. Your future wild horse or burro, paired with a lifetime of adventure, could be right around the corner.