The wild horse auction, to stave off starvation of herds and protect grasslands the bureau of land management created the wild horse and burro adoption program.
As the wild west became less and less wild, herds of wild horses and burros multiplied with impunity as natural predators were eliminated from the land. These thriving herds ravaged vegetation that controlled soil erosion and provided sustenance for domestic livestock. The herds became so plentiful that the horses and burros faced starvation as the vegetation disappeared.
The federal government acted to ease the pressure of these ravenous herds in 1971 by establishing the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program. Unbranded, unclaimed and free-roaming horses and burros are rounded up and placed for adoption at locations across the country. The program is administered by the Bureau of Land Management and the United Forest Service.
It is estimated that there are more than 40,000 wild horses and 5,000 wild burros in America, most descended from animals that got away from Spanish explorers and pioneering ranchers and soldiers from hundreds of years ago. Nearly 25,000 of these wild horses and burros are roaming across the state of Nevada. Each year this herd is thinned by about 15% to provide animals for adoption. In the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption ProgramÕs first 25 years almost 150,000 animals were placed in private homes.
Wild horses and burros are truly wild. Most are less than 90 days removed from running with the herd. Although not accustomed to people these animals are highly trainable. Wild horses have become equine champions in dressage, barrel racing, jumping and endurance racing.
Wild horses offered for adoption are no particular breed and range from several months to nine years of age. Most are typically younger than five years old. The average wild horse stands about 14 to 15 hands (56-60 inches) tall and weighs about 900 to 1100 pounds. Burros stand about 11 hands (44 inches) and weigh 500 pounds.
Every wild horse or burro available for adoption has bee examined by a veterinarian and been tested for disease. The animals are immunized and wormed. Each adopter receives a complete record of the animalÕs medical history.
Adopters must be 18 years of age and demonstrate that adequate facilities for the care and housing of horses and burros have been arranged. Adopted animals can be consigned to the care of younger family members but the adoption must be conducted through the parent or guardian. Qualified persons can adopt up to four wild horse and burros a year.
The adoption fee is a minimal $125 per animal. This low fee has made it attractive for people adopting horses and burros only to sell them for slaughter. To prevent abuse, each adopter is screened and follow-up inspections are conducted within six months. Ownership of the animal is not transferred for one year. No one convicted of inhumane treatment of animals may adopt a horse or burro.
The adoption process begins with an application to the Bureau of Land Management. Once approved, notification of upcoming adoptions is the delivered. Bring a sufficiently strong halter and lead rope and an operable stock trailer to the adoption site. Adopters receive a living symbol of the "historic and pioneer spirit of the West."
The Wild Horse and Burro Program can be contacted at the Bureau of Land Management; Post Office Box 12000, Reno, Nevada, 89520-0006.
