BLM Hosts Wild Horse and Burro Event in Lorton, VA
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MILWAUKEE—The Bureau of Land Management- Eastern States (BLM-ES) Northeastern States District will hold a wild horse and burro event providing wild horses and possibly a few yearling and burros, November 1 - 2, 2019, at Meadowood Special Recreation Area, 10406 Gunston Road, Lorton, Virginia. Yearling and burros may not always be available at the event. The animals will be available for selection on Friday, from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The adoption/sales program is one way the BLM manages the size of horse and burro populations in the wild. Prospective adopters/buyers must be at least 18 years old and able to provide access to feed, water, and adequate shelter. The basic adoption fee is $25, however, the fee rises to $125 for animals that have been gentled. Title to the animal will be awarded to the adopter at the end of one year if all conditions of the adoption agreement have been met.
As part of the BLM’s effort to find good homes for wild horses and burros removed from public lands, the agency offers financial incentives to encourage qualified people to adopt eligible animals. Through this program, qualified adopters are eligible to receive $500 within 60 days of the adoption date and an additional $500 within 60 days of titling for each animal, which normally occurs one year from the adoption date. The incentive is available for all untrained animals that are eligible for adoption, including animals at BLM facilities, off-site events, or through the Online Corral: https://wildhorsesonline.blm.gov/.
Wild horses are known for their keen intelligence and sure-footedness, and have been trained for many uses. They have become champions in dressage, jumping, and endurance riding; and they excel in difficult scenarios, such as performing search and rescue missions in hazardous terrain. Burros are particularly adept at packing, guarding, riding, and serving as companion animals.
Rich Garner, a horse trainer experienced in gentling wild mustangs, will be on site demonstrating gentling and training techniques on Friday and Saturday. He has trained wild horses for Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions sponsored by the Mustang Heritage Foundation, BLM’s partner in managing America’s Living Legends. To learn more about the Mustang Heritage Foundation and their work with wild horses and burros please visit http://mustangheritagefoundation.org/.
The BLM is committed to the safety and health of these animals, and manages them in a manner consistent with the Bureau’s overall multiple use mission, which includes cattle grazing, energy production, and recreation. Through land use planning that involves public participation; the BLM determines the appropriate number of wild horses and burros, which can be supported by herd management areas designated on public rangelands in western states. Nationally, over 4,600 animals were placed into private care in FY 2018.
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.