How to Adopt or Purchase a Wild Horse or Burro

Ready to give a wild horse or burro a new home? The BLM offers adoption and purchase opportunities through off-range corrals, in-person events, and the Online Corral. Follow these steps to get started:

Make sure you meet the requirements to adopt or purchase, then decide which works best for you. Most wild horses and burros at events and corrals are typically available for adoption; animals that are 11+ years old or that have been offered for adoption already at least three times may be purchased. 

  • Visit a facility: Contact your local BLM off-range corral to schedule an appointment, or visit a partner-run Branded Adoption Center. 
  • Attend an event: Find an upcoming in-person event near you.
  • Go online: Participate in virtual auction and fixed-price events through the Online Corral.
  • Contact a trainer: The BLM’s partner, Forever Branded, supports a network of private trainers located across the country. 
     

Apply online prior to the event – even for in-person events – or bring a completed application with you. You can also fill one out onsite. 

Visit the facility for your appointment or attend the event during opening hours to view and select your wild horse or burro. For online events, available animals are typically posted 1-2 weeks before the start of the event.  

Arrange payment and pick up your animal from the facility, event or designated pick-up location (for online adoptions/sales). BLM generally accepts checks and credit cards (most events do not take cash).