Successful Wild Horse & Burro Placement Event Draws National Interest in Liberty, Kentucky

The Bureau of Land Management’s wild horse and burro adoption event in Liberty, Kentucky, held this April, ranked among the most successful placement events in a very long time for Eastern States. More than 1,200 visitors, university partners, and dedicated volunteers came together to support the effort, resulting in a historic number of animals placed in just five days. Adopters traveled from across the country—including Iowa, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Georgia—to learn about the Wild Horse and Burro Program and meet the animals. From start to finish, the atmosphere was energetic, welcoming, and strongly aligned with BLM’s mission of sustainably managing wild horse and burro populations. 

A group of Oregon State University students gathers inside the training arena, reviewing handling techniques and discussing the next steps in the chute‑side process with, Wild Horse and Burro Coordinator, Lindsay Rasmussen, leading the demonstration.
Image 1: A group of Oregon State University students gathers inside the training arena, reviewing handling techniques and discussing the next steps in the chute‑side process with, Wild Horse and Burro Coordinator, Lindsay Rasmussen, leading the demonstration. Image 2: Team members work together to safely guide a horse through the chute system, demonstrating proper handling and equipment use during training.

A Landmark in Placement Success 

The Liberty event achieved remarkable results, placing all 227 animals brought to the facility. This accomplishment was widely celebrated throughout the region. 

Placement by the Numbers: 

  • 49 burros placed 

  • 146 horses placed 

  • 32 Online Corral pickups completed 

  • 0 animals returned to facilities 

These results highlight strong public interest and the dedication of the BLM Eastern States team, partners, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to promote the event and ensure each animal found a qualified home. 

Image 3: Inside the arena, Oregon State University students listen to a presentation from, BLM Eastern States Director, Mitchell Leverette. Image 4: Mustang Heritage Foundation trainer, Greg Reynolds, demonstrates calm, confident communication with a horse during a horsemanship session focused on trust and responsiveness.
Image 3: Inside the arena, Oregon State University students listen to a presentation from, BLM Eastern States Director, Mitchell Leverette. Image 4: Mustang Heritage Foundation trainer, Greg Reynolds, demonstrates calm, confident communication with a horse during a horsemanship session focused on trust and responsiveness.

Expanding Education Through University Partnerships 

This year’s event featured expanded educational opportunities with participation from two university groups. A 49‑member delegation from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Equine Management program joined BLM staff for hands-on sessions in rangeland management, animal care, and the adoption process. Many students returned with family members, and some chose to adopt after learning more about the program. 

Dr. Dawn Sherwood of Oregon State University also brought six students studying range management, wildlife management, and equine science. Their involvement added a valuable academic dimension, offering opportunities to observe evaluations, support public engagement, and gain firsthand insight into federal rangeland stewardship. 

Demonstrating the Potential of America’s Mustangs 

Daily demonstrations by Mustang Heritage Foundation trainer Greg Reynolds showcased three trained mustangs: Levi, Bentley, and Hattie, the 2024 ARHA Amateur World Champion. These presentations highlighted the adaptability and intelligence of formerly wild horses, inspiring many first-time visitors to consider adoption. 

BLM Eastern States Director, Mitchell Leverette and Shayne Banks, Deputy District Manager for the Southeastern States District Office pause for a photo with the BLM SSDO Wild Horse and Burro team (from left to right: Dominique Wood, WHB Coordinator; Lindsay Rasmussen, WHB Coordinator; Greg Reynolds, Mustang Heritage Foundation trainer; Megan Velasquez, WHB Compliance Specialist; Matt Anderson, WHB Coordinator; Michelle Maraman, volunteer; Demetris Sanders, WHB Program Supervisor; Shawn Farnsworth, WHB Coord
BLM Eastern States Director, Mitchell Leverette and Shayne Banks, Deputy District Manager for the Southeastern States District Office pause for a photo with the BLM SSDO Wild Horse and Burro team (from left to right: Dominique Wood, WHB Coordinator; Lindsay Rasmussen, WHB Coordinator; Greg Reynolds, Mustang Heritage Foundation trainer; Megan Velasquez, WHB Compliance Specialist; Matt Anderson, WHB Coordinator; Michelle Maraman, volunteer; Demetris Sanders, WHB Program Supervisor; Shawn Farnsworth, WHB Coordinator; and Alexelisha Luckett, Legal Instrument Examiner) and Dr. Dawn Sherwood’s class from Oregon State University.

A Model for Future Events 

With strong turnout, dedicated teamwork, and expanded educational partnerships, the Liberty event set a new benchmark for placement success and public outreach. BLM Eastern States extends sincere appreciation to every adopter, volunteer, partner, and student who made this achievement possible. 

Story by:

Amanda Keener, Public Affairs Specialist

Blog Topic:
Wild Horse and Burro
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