By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Bureau Offers Up Wild Burros, Horses For Adoption
Placeholder Image
Wild burros and horses from public rangelands in northern California and Nevada will be available for public adoption when the Bureau of Land Management brings the animals to Brentwood on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25 and 26.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Brentwood Oaks Equestrian Center, 1850 Arabian Lane.

"We will have an excellent selection of horses ranging in age from under 2 to about 5 years old, and burros of all ages," said Mindy Odom, a BLM wild horse and burro specialist. "The group of 80 horses will include some roans and buckskins. We also will offer 20 burros."

Interested adopters can preview the animals when they arrive at the equestrian center at about 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 23, and all day Friday, Sept. 24.

"The animals have been wormed, received vaccinations and boosters, and come with a complete set of health care records," Odom said. "The animals were gathered last fall from herd areas along the California-Nevada border northeast of Susanville and in northwest Nevada. They are about average-sized for wild horses, and many can be expected to grow to 15 hands or larger."

Adoption event gates open at 8 a.m. Saturday, and silent bidding runs from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Animals not selected during bidding will be offered for $125 each on a first-come, first-served basis.

To qualify, adopters must be at least 18 and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. BLM staff members will interview all prospective adopters to be sure they meet the BLM adoption regulations.

Newly adopted horses and burros must be kept in a corral with at least 400 square feet of space per animal (20 feet by 20 feet, surrounded by a fence built of pipe or boards.

Title to adopted wild horses and burros remains with the federal government for one year. After providing a year of good care, adopters can receive title.

In addition to the adoption, wild horse and burro enthusiasts can learn more about gentling and training animals during Wild Horse Workshop 2004, a week-long event being held at the equestrian center. For more workshop information, call Janet Tipton, 435-843-7465, or visit www.wildhorseworkshop.org.

BLM adoption information is available on the Internet at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov, or by calling 866-4MUSTANGS.