Rural Rites: Adopting a wild horse or burrow is easy, but includes some rules

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

March 31, 2005 - Have you ever considered adopting a wild horse or burro from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)? Before heading down to an adoption event, or to one of the agency's holding facilities, it's important to know the requirements established to ensure the animal's safety and continued well being.

Each year, 6,000 to 7,000 wild horses and burros are adopted through BLM. The minimum pay for adoption begins at $125, explained Tom Gorey, with BLM's office of public affairs in Washington D.C.

People adopt and buy the horses and burros for many different purposes. Some try to tame the animals, while others adopt them just to let them graze and roam freely. The younger ones are easier to train, and eventually, they can be used in parades, in endurance competitions, jumping, barrel racing, driving, etc.

"We emphasize that these are wild animals. Those interested in gentling them need to take that into account," Gorey said.

In the adoption process, after the animals have been cared for for one year, the title of ownership can be transferred to the caregiver if they are interested in buying the wild horse or burro. A sale is direct and the title automatically transfers to the group or individual.

"We're doing this in a way that is consistent with Congress' finding. These animals are living symbols and pioneers of the west," Gorey said. "We want to place them in a good home and encourage people to call and we encourage the public's interest."

A good home means a stall or corral that's a minimum of 400 square feet per animal, and it must be made of protrusion-free materials. Barbed wire is not allowed. If the adopted animal is older than 2, the corral must be six feet tall on all sides.

Of course, the horse or burro must have access to feed, water, and adequate shelter.

BLM also requires the adoption applicant be at least 18 years old, and in the application process, the "home" must be described.

When a horse or burro is selected, it must be taken home in a covered stock trailer. And it's important to bring a halter and lead rope for each animal adopted.

"Since 1976, 200,000 wild horses and burros have been sent into private care through our adoption process," Gorey said. "The bottom line when adopting is to be 18 years of age and you have to show that you have the ability to care for the animal. They are wild, so they require a pasture land." (Remember, no barbed wire.)

For those interested in buying a wild horse or burro for long-term care, call 800-710-7597, or e-mail wildhorse@blm.gov. The BLM's website can be found at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.