The Bureau of Land Management wild horse and burro program serves American families by providing opportunities in local communities to adopt or purchase one of America’s Living Legends gathered from the Western rangelands. A wild horse and burro adoption and sale event is scheduled for Waynesville, North Carolina on July 13-14, 2018. The two-day event at the WAYNESVILLE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS will feature approximately 50 wild horses and burros. The event will take place from 9AM – 7PM on Friday, July 13, and 8AM – 4PM on Saturday, July 14. Some animals may be eligible for direct purchase to a good home, while others will be eligible for adoption. Inquire with BLM staff onsite for more information. FREE wild horse training demonstrations will be held throughout the day on Friday and Saturday and the public is encouraged to attend.
The horses offered for adoption are adult and yearling horses and burros that once roamed free on public lands in the West. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range in order to maintain healthy herds, and to protect other rangeland resources. The adoption program is essential for achieving these important management goals. Since 1973, the BLM has placed more than 245,000 of these “living legends” in approved homes across the country.
BLM staff will approve applications on-site. To qualify to adopt or buy, one must be at least 18, with no record of animal abuse. Qualified homes must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with free access to food, water, and shelter. A six-foot corral fence is required for adult horses; five feet for yearlings; and four-and-a-half feet for burros. All animals must be loaded in covered, stock-type trailers with swing gates and sturdy walls and floors. BLM staff will be on hand to assist with the short application process.
For more information, call toll-free 866-468-7826 or visit www.blm.gov.