National Adoption Day Scheduled for Wild Horses

More than 25 locations across the United States will host wild horse adoptions September 26, the date of the first National Wild Horse Adoption Day in the United States. A goal of 1,000 adoptions has been set for the first National Wild Horse Adoption Day with events taking place in 19 states across the country.

Nearly 33,000 mustangs roam federal lands across the West. In order to manage the herds and maintain both land and herd health, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees the adoption of wild horses and burros through public adoptions held throughout the United States. Since 1973, more than 220,000 wild horses and burros have been adopted.

Horses between the ages of 1 and 6 years old are typically selected from the herds for adoption, but a horse of any age can fit into the right farm or ranch. For many mustang adopters, having the opportunity to work with a horse or burro with a storied past and an unconventional upbringing brings a unique and special element to their relationship.

The groups supporting National Wild Horse Adoption Day, in addition to the BLM, include Wild Horses 4 Ever, the American Horse Protection Association, the Mustang Heritage Foundation and The Humane Society of the United States.

The groups are working together to educate Americans about wild horse issues while promoting adoption of BLM wild horses through adoption events, training programs and motivational experiences.

“In actuality, every day is adoption day in the United States, but National Wild Horse Adoption Day is designed to bring attention to the need for adoption to the American public, and especially those who have an interest in horse ownership,” said Julie Bryant, event coordinator. “BLM facilities across the nation offer wild horses for adoption on a regular basis with adoption fees starting at $125. With National Wild Horse Adoption Day, the BLM along with trainers and other mustang advocates, will be able to offer both saddle trained and halter trained animals.”

The goal of 1,000 horses adopted through a National Adoption Day program could create a savings of more than $1,500,000 for the BLM and the American taxpayer.

State BLM offices, as well as rescue centers, wild horse groups, and volunteers will be engaged in activities leading up to and on September 26 to promote an understanding of and interest in opening new homing opportunities to these magnificent animals.

Activities will not only include adoptions, but will also include educational events and wild horse expos. More than 25 events will take place across the country in support of national wild horse adoption day, and other events may apply to be included on the calendar through the event web site at nationalwildhorseadoptionday.org.

For more information on location of the events or how to volunteer, go to the National Wild Horse Adoption Day website, or call 817-559-5650.