BLM to highlight wild horse Freedom and wild burro Liberty during road show for America’s 250th anniversary
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In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Bureau of Land Management is hitting the road with two iconic symbols of the American West. Freedom, a wild horse, and Liberty, a wild burro, are traveling the nation to celebrate the landscapes, history, and ideals that continue to shape our country.
Freedom and Liberty highlight the enduring role wild horses and burros have played in shaping America’s story, while underscoring the BLM’s legal responsibility to manage these wild herds and the lands upon which they depend. The public will have the opportunity to meet these ambassadors, learn about their history, how science-based management helps sustain healthy herds and healthy rangelands, and discover how they can get involved.
“Our responsibility is twofold: to safeguard wild horses and burros as living symbols of the American West and to steward healthy public lands for generations to come. Overpopulation and recurring drought place tremendous strain on fragile habitat, undermining rangeland management efforts," said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “Thoughtful population management and adoption into private care help restore balance on the landscape while reducing long-term costs to taxpayers.”
The BLM manages 175 herd management areas, with more than 73,000 wild horses and burros, which is three times higher than the population the range can sustain. Learn more about the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program and consider adopting or purchasing a wild horse like Freedom or a wild burro like Liberty of your own.
As part of their cross-country journey, the public can meet Freedom and Liberty March 5-8, 2026, at the Horse World Expo in Harrisburg, Pa. Follow their journey and learn how you can be part of the celebration.
The BLM proudly joins the nation in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, along with our own 80 years of stewardship and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, celebrating the history and future of our public lands.
The BLM manages about 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.