4-H Trained Wild Horse Weanlings Available for Adoption
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BOISE, ID – The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to a wild horse adoption event this weekend at the Idaho Horse Expo. Since February, eight 4-H Clubs from around the Treasure Valley --Lonestar Riders, Desperados, Idaho Youth Ranch, Showtime, Ribbons and Wranglers, Saddle Tramps, Snake River Livestock and Purple Sage Riders--have been gentling wild horse weanlings. These eight weanling horses will be available for viewing during the Idaho Horse Expo (Ford Idaho Horse Park,16200 Idaho Center Blvd, Nampa) starting late Friday afternoon.
Horses available for adoption can be viewed in the Expo barns on the north end of the facility or at the BLM booth. Saturday in the Main Arena, from 9 - 10 a.m., the 4-H trainers will present their horses in a trail challenge. On Sunday, April 23, the mustangs can be viewed from 9 a.m. until the final adoption preview being held in the main arena from 1:15-2 p.m. The horses will then be offered for adoption during a silent bidding process 2-3 p.m. on Sunday.
Since the beginning of the partnership between the BLM and the University of Idaho’s 4-H Extension program, every weanling that has been trained has been adopted. More than 268 weanlings have found good homes in Idaho or surrounding states. The 4-H groups have raised over $22,000 to support their clubs, a true win-win for all involved.
To adopt a wild horse or burro, you must be 18 years of age, never have been convicted of animal abuse or cruelty and have the proper facilities and transportation. No animal will be loaded in an unsafe trailer. All individuals must be pre-approved before they can bid on a horse. Applications may be filled out at the Idaho Horse Expo BLM booth and approved onsite.
For more information about BLM’s wild horse program, please visit: www.blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.