Wild Horses and Burros

Southeastern Wisconsin hosts Wild Horse and Burro Adoption event.

In 1971, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM-US Department of the Interior) enacted the “The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act”. At that time the growing population of wild horses and burros was putting a strain on the natural resources available. The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act provided the BLM with a tool to control populations of wild animals by finding them placement at a farm or other facility. Thousands of animals each year are adopted through the BLM in its 31 state jurisdiction. Removing some of the horses encourages healthy herd sizes in the wild.

Wisconsin is part of the bureau’s Eastern State area with its main office in Springfield, VA (Milwaukee has a field office). The Eastern State BLM participates in a good number of equine shows/events each year, and collaborates with educational organizations and equine groups to promote horse adoptions and associated community involvement. The group’s wide range of activities includes wild horse training by prison inmates, an interactive exhibit on horses and burros, as well as horse adoption programs with government agencies.

Thinking of adopting a wild horse? They are much like any other horse or burro, except they have had no interaction with humans. Patience is the key with training these horses, as they have no trust of people. They can, however, be trained for show, endurance riding, or most other equine activities as any other horse could. They are both very smart animals and physically fit, thereby having great potential.

If you are not in the position to care for an animal, the BLM relies on volunteers for assisting in various projects.

For adoption information and the Bureau of Land Management:
http://www.es.blm.gov/whb/index.php

Schedule of adoption events:
http://www.blm.gov/es/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro.1.html

June 20-21, 2008
Adoption event Mequon, Wisconsin

BLM Holding Facility
Friday Preview 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Lottery draw 9:00AM
The remaining animals are adoptable until 5:00PM
Starting June 23rd, only by appointment

Posted by MJ Smith, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Photo by MJ Smith