Adopt a wild horse or burro

Strength, endurance, and spirit are qualities embodied in wild horses and burros that roam America’s rangelands. These living legends are available for adoption at the Ridgecrest Corrals near Ridgecrest, Calif., April 29-30, 2011 through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Adopt-A-Wild Horse and Burro Program. Spectators are welcome.

There are 30 young animals available for adoption, 20 wild horses, and 10 burros. The mustangs and burros were gathered from public lands in California and Nevada, have been wormed and vaccinated, and are in excellent health. Potential adopters may view the mustangs and burros from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BLM staff will approve adoption applications from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The adoption fee is $125.00 per animal. Animals will be available for adoption on a first come, first served basis. Adoption fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.

Qualified adopters must be 18 years old, have adequate facilities, the financial means to care for the animal(s), and would have some experience training or raising a horse or burro. Adopters also must be a resident of the United States and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. Qualified individuals with the proper facilities may adopt up to four animals. Adopters should bring a nylon web halter and 20-foot, cotton lead rope for each animal. A stock trailer will be required to transport the animal(s). Drop-ramp trailers will not be allowed. BLM wranglers will load the animals into the trailer.

The process is called an “adoption” because BLM retains title to the animal for one year after the adoption. During the year, a BLM compliance officer or designated representative will visit each adopter to ensure the animal is being cared for and has a good home. During this time adopters cannot sell their adopted animal. Adopters must notify BLM if the animal is moved. After the first year, adopters may apply for title. BLM will pass title of the animal if all the stipulations of the adoption agreement have been met. The animal becomes the private property of the adopter only after BLM transfers title, which completes the adoption process.

Directions to the Ridgecrest Corrals: from China Lake Boulevard in Ridgecrest, east on California Highway 178 four miles to Randsburg-Wash Road. Corrals immediately on right. For more information about the adoption or the Bureau's Adopt-A-Wild Horse and Burro Program, contact BLM toll free at 866-4Mustangs, or visit www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.