BLM to host wild horse adoption at Meeker Mustang Makeover event

Organization

BLM

BLM Office:

White River Field Office

Media Contact:

Brittany Sprout

bsprout@blm.gov

(303) 239-3672

Apr 17, 2023

MEEKER, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a wild horse adoption event on April 28 – 29 for trainers to choose their mustang for the Meeker Mustang Makeover event and approximately 12 wild horses will be available for adoption by the public.

The adoption will be held at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, 700 Sulphur Creek Rd in Meeker, CO. Bidders may view the horses on April 28 from noon to 7 p.m. and must be present during the silent auction on April 29 from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to place a bid. BLM staff will approve applications onsite. Visitors will be able to view horses until the auction begins. Due to safety concerns for personnel and horses, dogs or pets will not be allowed within the adoption arena.

The event will also include training demonstrations and clinics hosted by Trainer Incentive Program Trainer Steve Mantle. Trainers participating in the event will return in August for training competitions and auctions. For more information visit: https://www.meekermustangmakeover.org/

“We look forward to the opportunity to find good homes for wild horses that were gathered locally from the Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area,” said Tyrell Turner, Northwest District Wild Horse & Burro Specialist. “We are excited to hold this event in collaboration with our partners and give the opportunity for the public to engage with their wild horses.”

The BLM continues to find new solutions to mange healthy herds on healthy rangelands and ensure animals are placed into good, private homes. In Fiscal Year 2022, the Adoption Incentive Program and other events similar to the Meeker Mustang Makeover have helped the BLM place 7,793 animals into private care.

To learn more about BLM Colorado’s wild horse and burro adoption program, visit www.blm.gov/WHB or call (866) 468-7826.

-BLM-

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.