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An Act Of Congress
Congress finds and declares that wild free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; (and) that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people ...
(Public Law 92-195, December 15, 1971)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing the nation's public lands. The wild horses and burros on the public rangelands are managed consistent with BLM's multiple use mission which takes into consideration natural resources such as wildlife and vegetation and other users such as livestock & recreationists.
How are the Wild Horses and Burros Managed on the Public Rangelands?
The BLM manages wild horses and burros on the public rangelands consistent with its multiple use mission which takes into consideration natural resources such as wildlife and vegetation and users such as livestock grazing and recreation. The primary responsibilities of the BLM, as dictated by law, are to preserve and protect wild horses and burros and to manage for healthy rangelands. Through intensive land use management planning efforts the BLM determines the appropriate number of wild horses and burros that each herd management area can support. During this process the BLM actively solicits public input.
Where are the the Wild Horses and Burros found?
Wild horses and burros are found in herd management areas in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Through coordination with the public, the BLM develops herd management area plans that identify management objectives and tasks required to meet those objectives. Objectives may include maintaining certain herd characteristics, numbers, genetic stock, etc. Management tasks primarily focus on monitoring both the land and the herds, removing excess animals, preparing animals for adoption, adopting animals to the general public, compliance and titling. By law, the BLM must limit its activities to those necessary to get the job done.
The BLM analyzes inventory and monitoring information to determine if the herds are healthy and if the animals are damaging rangelands within the herd management area. When monitoring data and environmental analysis indicate an over population exists, the BLM then develops gather plans detailing the methods, timing, etc. for gather and removal. After removing the animals, the BLM's main goal is to place the animals with adopters through its adoption program.
How are Wild Horses and Burros Removed from the Public Rangelands when an Overabundance Exists?
The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 prohibits anyone other than an authorized agent of the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from removing wild horses or burros from the public lands. Private citizens cannot harass or remove wild horses and burros from public rangelands.
Normally, the BLM gathers wild horses and burros from the range using helicopters. In several studies, researchers have found this method to be the most humane and least stressful for the animals. The BLM does not rope animals unless it is absolutely necessary. Depending on the number of animals the BLM must remove, the gather operations can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Once gathered, BLM wild horse and burro specialists load the wild horses and burros onto trucks for transportation to a holding area at the gather site. At the holding area, a BLM wild horse and burro specialist determines the age of the animal by looking at their teeth and also notes their sex. BLM wild horse and burro specialists separate the animals into different holding pens depending on their age and sex. All mares with foals at their side are placed in a separate pen. If a mare is lactating and has no foal at her side, BLM wild horse and burro specialists make every effort to reunite the mare with her foal. After separating the animals, a BLM wild horse and burro specialist determines which animals will be sent to a BLM preparation facility and which animals will be returned to the range. Because older animals are not always readily adopted by the general public, the BLM often returns these animals to the range.
Adopting a Wild Horse or Burro
Providing a home for a wild horse or burro is a challenging and rewarding experience. For qualified individuals, this is a unique opportunity to care for, then own, a Living Legend -- a symbol of American history -- a wild horse or burro. This document answers the most frequently asked questions about adopting a wild horse or burro. Additional information will be provided to adopters of a wild horse or burro at the adoption site.
What is a wild horse or burro?
A wild free-roaming horse or burro, as defined by Federal law, is an unbranded, unclaimed, free-roaming horse or burro found on Western public rangelands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Wild horses and burros are descendants of animals released by or escaped from Spanish explorers, ranchers, miners, U.S. Cavalry, or Native Americans.
Why does the BLM offer wild horses and burros for adoption?
The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 gave the Department of the Interior’s BLM and the Department of Agriculture’s USFS the authority to manage, protect, and control wild horses and burros on the nation’s public rangelands to ensure healthy herds and healthy rangelands.
Federal protection and a lack of natural predators have resulted in thriving wild horse and burro populations that grow in number each year. The BLM monitors rangelands and wild horse and burro herds to determine the number of animals, including livestock and wildlife, that the land can support. Each year, the BLM gathers excess wild horses and burros from areas where vegetation and water could become scarce if too many animals use the area.
These excess animals are offered for adoption to qualified people through the BLM’s Adopt-a-Horse-or-Burro program. After caring for an animal for one year, the adopter is eligible to receive title, or ownership, from the Federal Government. While the challenges to adopting enough animals is greater than ever, the program is a popular one. In fact, the BLM placed more than 207,000 wild horses and burros into private care from 1973 through Fiscal Year 2005.
Why adopt a wild horse or burro?
With kindness and patience, you may train a wild horse or burro for many uses. Wild horses have become champions in dressage, jumping, barrel racing, endurance riding, and pleasure riding, while burros excel in driving, packing, riding, guarding, and serving as companion animals. Both wild horses and wild burros are known for their sure-footedness, strength, intelligence, and endurance.
Providing a home for a wild horse or burro is both challenging and rewarding. Adopting a wild horse or burro is a unique opportunity for you to care for and train a living symbol of American history.
What are wild horses and burros like?
Every wild horse or burro is different. They come in all shapes and sizes, and each animal has its own personality. They are of no particular breed, although some exhibit characteristics associated with certain breeds. A typical wild horse stands about 13 to 15 hands high (52- 60 inches) and weighs about 700 to 1,000 pounds. Wild burros average 11 hands high (44 inches) and weigh about 500 pounds. Because the BLM only recently removed them from public lands, wild horses and burros put up for adoption are not accustomed to people. As an adopter, your challenge will be to develop a trusting relationship with your wild horse or burro.
How can I qualify to adopt a wild horse or burro?
To adopt a wild horse or burro, you must:
• be at least 18 years of age (Parents or guardians may adopt a wild horse or burro and allow younger family members to care for the animal.)
• have no prior conviction for inhumane treatment of animals or for violations of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act
• demonstrate that you have adequate feed, water, and facilities to provide humane care for the number of animals requested
• show that you can provide a home for the adopted animal in the United States.
What facilities must I have to adopt a wild horse or burro?
You must provide a minimum of 400 square feet (20 feet x 20 feet) for each animal adopted. Horses less than 18 months of age should be kept in corrals with fences 5 feet high. Fences must be at least 4.5 feet high for ungentled burros and 6 feet high for ungentled horses more than 18 months of age. You should not release an ungentled animal into a large open area, such as a pasture, since you may not be able to recapture the animal for training or to provide veterinary care. However, once the animal is gentled, you may release it into a pasture or similar area.
The acceptable corral must be sturdy and constructed out of poles, pipes, or planks (minimum 1.5 inch thickness) without dangerous protrusions. Barbed wire, large-mesh woven, stranded and electric materials are unacceptable for fencing.
Posts should be a minimum of 6 inches in diameter and spaced no farther than 8 feet apart. Horizontal rails should be 3-inch minimum diameter poles or planks at least 2 feet x 8 feet. If you use poles, there should be a minimum of five horizontal rails, and when you use 2" x 8" planks, there should be at least four rails. No space between rails should exceed 12". You should fasten all rails to the inside of the post with either heavy nails or lag screws.
You must provide shelter from inclement weather and temperature extremes for your adopted wild horse or burro. Shelters must be a two-sided structure with a roof, well-drained, adequately ventilated, and accessible to the animal(s). The two sides need to block the prevailing winds and need to protect the major part of the bodies of the horse or burro. Tarps are not acceptable. Contact your administering BLM office for shelter requirements in your area.
What should I feed my adopted animal?
Good quality grass hay is adequate for a wild horse or burro. Horses and burros are very sensitive to abrupt changes in what and when they are fed. At the adoption, the BLM provides additional information about feeding. In addition, your veterinarian can advise you about proper care and feeding.
How do I adopt a wild horse or burro?
If you meet the adoption qualifications requirements, complete the Application for Adoption of Wild Horses or Burros and mail it to the BLM office serving your area. The BLM will contact you during the application review process to verify that your facilities meet the minimum requirements for the number of animals you want to adopt. When you adopt, the BLM requires you to sign a Private Maintenance and Care Agreement.
This agreement includes the following statement:
Under penalty of prosecution for violating 18 U.S.C. 1001, which makes it a Federal crime to make false statements to any agency of the United States, I hereby state that I have no intent to sell this wild horse or burro for slaughter or bucking stock, or for processing into commercial products, within the meaning of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act, 16 U.S.C. 1331 et seq., and regulations 43 CFR 4700.0-5(c).
You must agree to sign this statement at the time of adoption.
How many wild horses or burros may I adopt?
You may adopt up to four wild horses or burros within a 12-month period. However, you may seek permission from the BLM to adopt more than four, in which case the agency requires additional verification of facilities and compliance checks. Though you may adopt more than four in a 12-month period, you can receive title to only four adopted animals within that period.
How much does it cost to adopt a wild horse or burro?
The minimum adoption fee for each wild horse or burro is $125. Most adoption events use competitive bidding to establish the adoption fee. Today, the average adoption fee is about $185 for horses, $135 for burros, and $160 for mules.
The minimum adoption fee also applies to adoption events using the less common lottery draw, or first-come, first-served method. If, within the first six months of adoption the animal dies or needs to be destroyed because of a preexisting serious medical condition, the BLM will provide you with another animal. You can choose a replacement animal within 12 months of the animal’s death. You may select a replacement animal from those available for adoption at a preparation center or an adoption event. If the replacement animal fee is less than the original adoption fee, you are entitled to a refund or credit for the difference. If you choose a credit, the BLM will give you a voucher for that amount that you can apply to another animal. If you choose not to replace the animal, you will not receive a refund. If you select an animal that is more than the original adoption fee, you must pay the difference. You are responsible for transporting the replacement animal to your home or facility.
How much does it cost to care for a wild horse or burro?
The cost of caring for a wild horse or burro is comparable to caring for a domestic horse or burro. Depending on local costs and conditions, this can exceed $1,000 per year. You are responsible for all costs associated with the care of your animal. If you adopt a mare, there is a very good chance that she is pregnant, so you may have the additional expense of caring for a foal.
Though the adoption fee may seem minimal, you should also consider the following costs when calculating your wild horse/burro budget:
• Stall/Corral Rental Shoeing
• Veterinarian Worming
• Vaccinations Medicine
• Insecticides Salt/Supplements
• Feed Grooming Supplies
• Tack
Note: If your adopted wild horse or burro escapes from your property, you are responsible for any and all costs associated with recovery of the animal.
Have the wild horses and burros received any medical treatment?
The BLM vaccinates, worms, and freezemarks all of the wild horses and burros it offers for adoption, while a veterinarian provides necessary medical care. The BLM will provide you with a record of the adopted animal’s medical history, including a negative Coggins test. A negative Coggins test indicates the animal does not have Equine Infectious Anemia.
What is a freezemark?
The BLM uses freezemarking to identify captured wild horses and burros, which is a permanent, unalterable, painless way to identify each horse or burro. The freezemark is applied on the left side of the animal’s neck and uses the International Alpha Angle System, which is a series of angles and alpha symbols. The mark contains the registering organization (U.S. Government), year of birth, and registration number.
Does the animal belong to me or the Federal Government?
A wild horse or burro belongs to the Federal Government until the BLM issues you a Certificate of Title. After you have had the animal for one year, the BLM will send you a Title Eligibility Letter. You must obtain a signed statement from a qualified person (such as a veterinarian, county extension agent, or humane official) verifying that you have provided humane care and treatment for your adopted animal. Once you sign and return the Title Eligibility Letter, the BLM will mail the Certificate of Title to you. After you receive the Certificate of Title, the animal becomes your private property.
Note: There are no additional Federal fees involved in the titling process.
What should I bring to the adoption?
You should bring either cash, a personal check, a money order, traveler’s check, or a credit card such as VISA, Mastercard, American Express or Discover, to pay the adoption fees. If your personal check is not made good in 30 days, the BLM will repossess the animal(s) and will charge you for the hauling expenses.
You should bring a double-stitched nylon webbed halter and a lead rope for each animal you adopt. Bureau employees will place the halter on your animal and load the animal into your trailer. The lead rope should be about 12-20 feet long, made of cotton or nylon and able to hold a 1,000 pound animal.
You must provide transportation for your adopted animal from the adoption site to its new home. While someone else may transport the animal, all trailers must meet these minimum standards:
• covered top, sturdy walls/floors, and a smooth interior free from any sharp protrusions;
• ample head room;
• removable partitions or compartments to separate animals by size and sex, if necessary;
• floor covered with a non-skid material; and,
• adequate ventilation.
The BLM requires stock-type trailers with rear swing gates to transport adopted animals. Drop ramp, divided two-horse trailers, and trucks with stock racks are not acceptable. However, in some situations, two-horse trailers are acceptable for transporting burros and horses 12 months or younger. Only burros may be loaded into in-line or one-horse trailers. The BLM will inspect trailers and reserves the right to refuse loading if the trailer does not ensure the safety and humane transport of the animal.
Where can I adopt a wild horse or burro and where can I get more information?
The BLM holds adoptions at different locations throughout the United States, depending on public interest. Most BLM facilities and BLM contract facilities have animals available for adoption year-round by appointment. If you plan to adopt from a prison facility such as Canyon City, Colo., where access is controlled, please call the BLM to find out if you have to meet any additional requirements for entry.
The BLM posts temporary adoption sites and dates on this site at Adoption Schedule, or you may call, toll free, 1-866-4MUSTANGS. If you are interested in adopting, complete the Adoption Application and mail it to the BLM office serving your area.
What else should I know before adopting a wild horse or burro?
Allow plenty of time to view the animals prior to the beginning of the adoption selection process. Do not select a wild horse or burro based on color or looks alone. Base your selection on your goals for the animal.
You may not transport adopted animals for longer than 24 hours without unloading for food, water, and rest. Corrals used for this resting period must meet the minimum facility requirements stated above. You must allow at least five hours for the animals to rest.
If your journey home crosses state lines, you should check with each state prior to adoption about any additional requirements or certifications they may require.
For further information:
Bureau of Land Management
Attn: Wild Horse and Burro Program 7450 Boston Blvd., Springfield, VA 22153
Phone: 800-370-3936
FAX: 703-440-1656 Inet_Adoption@blm.gov
How Can I Help?
There are several ways the public can assist the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) National Wild Horse and Burro Program.
1. Adopting a wild horse or burro and opening your homes and heart to care for and train these animals would likely be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. Go to the Adoption Schedule for adoption locations near your area. Go to Adoption Requirements for information on how to adopt a wild horse or burro.
2. The BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program can always use volunteer assistance in a variety of helpful ways. You could assist your local BLM office by posting flyers or posters with local merchants. These flyers might be announcing an upcoming special adoption event in your area, the program in general, or one of the many Preparation and Adoption Facilities throughout the country. Please call toll free (866) 4MUSTANGS or (775) 861-6583 to assist in projects.
3. While BLM does not solicit public donations, some people have opted to assist the National Wild Horse and Burro Program by doing so. Private donations are welcome. Donations will be used to assist BLM preparation facilities with the purchase of vaccines, antibiotics, milk for orphaned foals and other items that will directly improve the health of wild horses and burros.
For donations please make checks payable to:
4 Mustangs and Burros
and mail to:
Bureau of Land Management
P.O. Box 12000
Reno, Nevada 89520-0006
Attn: Business Manager
Please include a brief general statement that the funds are to be used for BLM’s Mustangs and Burros.
4. If you are a person with specific skills, such as a farrier or a veterinarian, and would like to help, please call our toll free number at (866) 4MUSTANGS or (775) 861-6583. As a service to new adopters we would be happy to post your name, address and phone number if you are willing to treat wild horses and burros or post flyers/posters about upcoming adoption events in your office.
5. If you are a past adopter we know you are very proud of your trained wild horses and burros and we welcome any assistance you can offer. Specifically, if you are interested in presenting your animal(s) to specific media markets, please call our toll free number, (866) 4MUSTANGS or call (775) 861-6583. The National Program Office will help coordinate your efforts.
They appreciate anything you can do to help find good homes for gathered wild horses and burros and help ensure healthy rangelands for America’s Living Legends that roam wild and free on our public lands.
What is the History of Wild Horses in North America?
Although horses evolved in North America there are many different opinions as to why no horses or burros existed on this continent at the time of European exploration. Spanish explorers reintroduced horses to North America beginning in the late fifteenth century and Native Americans helped spread horses throughout the Great Plains and the West. Until as recently as the mid-twentieth century, horses continued to be released onto public lands by the U.S. cavalry, farmers, ranchers, and miners.
Why are Wild Horses on Public Lands Federally Protected?
During the 1950s in Nevada, Velma B. Johnston, later known as Wild Horse Annie, became aware of the ruthless and indiscriminate manner in which wild horses were being gathered on the rangelands. Ranchers, hunters and mustangers played a major role in harvesting wild horses for commercial purposes.
Wild Horse Annie lead a grass roots campaign, involving mostly school children, that outraged the public and ultimately got them fully engaged in the issue. Newspapers published articles about the exploitation of wild horses and burros and as noted in a July 15, 1959, Associated Press article, Seldom has an issue touched such a responsive chord.
In January 1959, Nevada Congressman Walter Baring introduced a bill prohibiting the use of motorized vehicles to hunt wild horses and burros on all public lands. The House of Representatives unanimously passed the bill which became known as the Wild Horse Annie Act. The bill became Public Law 86-234 on Sept. 8, 1959, however, it did not include Annie's recommendation that Congress initiate a program to protect, manage and control wild horses and burros. Public interest and concern continued to mount, and with it came the realization that federal management, protection, and control of wild horses and burros was essential.
In response to public outcry, members of both the Senate and the House introduced a billed in the ninety-second Congress to provide for the necessary management, protection and control of the wild horses and burros.
The Senate unanimously passed the bill on June 19, 1971. After making some revisions and adding a few amendments, the House also passed the bill by unanimous vote. Former President Richard M. Nixon signed the bill into law on December 15, 1971. The new law became Public Law 92-195, The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. This Act was later amended by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the Public Rangelands Improvement Act.
Public Law 94-579, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, dated Oct. 21, 1976, allowed the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to use or contract for the use of helicopters and motorized vehicles to manage wild horses and burros on public lands.
Public Law 95-514, the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978, established and reaffirmed:
1. the need for inventory and identification of current public rangeland conditions (monitoring)
2. the management, maintenance and improvement of the condition of public rangelands to productively support all rangeland values
3. continuance of the law protecting wild free-roaming horses and burros from capture, branding, harassment or death, while at the same time facilitating the removal and disposal of excess wild free-roaming horses and burros which pose a threat to themselves and their habitat and
4. the transfer of title after one year to individuals who had adopted wild horses and burros removed from public rangelands, provided the animals had received proper and humane care and treatment during that year.
Mailing Address:
U.S. Bureau of Land Management,
Office of Public Affairs
1849 C Street, Room 406-LS
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (202) 452-5125
Fax: (202) 452-5124
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