BLM Nevada and Northern Nevada Correctional Center saddle-trained wild horse adoption a success
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Department of Corrections – Silver State Industries conducted a saddle-trained wild horse adoption event on March 30 at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center (NNCC) south of Carson City, Nevada. All 16 animals showcased at the event were adopted.
Sixteen wild horses from herd management areas located on BLM-administered public lands in Nevada were trained for approximately four months by inmate trainers in the NNCC program and offered for adoption during a competitive-bid adoption event. The event drew over 350 spectators along with 50 qualified bidders from across the United States.
Successful bidders paid a total of $55,700 for the animals. With all bids starting at $150, the event’s saddle-trained wild horse top bid of $5,600 went for “Artax”, a 6-year-old palomino gelding, gathered in February 2018, from the Triple B Herd Management Area located outside of Ely, Nevada.
The successful bidders officially adopted their new horses and after properly caring for their horses for one year, the adopters are eligible to receive title, or ownership, from the Federal government. The BLM uses its adoption program as a primary tool to place these iconic animals into private care. The horses or burros available for adoption typically come from overpopulated herds on public lands where available vegetation and water can become scarce as populations grow. There are no natural predators that can effectively control wild horse population growth on public lands.
Many people have found it personally challenging and rewarding to adopt a wild horse or burro. Additionally, it is a chance to care for, and then own, a part of America’s heritage. The BLM has placed more than 245,000 wild horses and burros into private care since 1971. Many of those animals have become excellent pleasure, show, or work horses.
The next saddle-trained wild horse adoption and competitive-bid auction at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center is scheduled for June 8, 2019. Additional information on this partnership including past and current event catalogs is posted on-line at https://on.doi.gov/2jE05uy.
For more information about these special adoption or sale events and how to adopt or purchase your own wild horse or burro visit BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program webpage at https://www.blm.gov/whb.
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.