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BLM to Offer More Than 70 Horses at Ohio Sale

by: Edited Press ReleaseFebruary 06 2008, Article # 11288




The Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) on Feb. 16 will offer approximately 70 wild horses ranging from yearlings to 5-year-olds, and possibly a few burros, for adoption at the Cooper Arena at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. "There will be some exceptional horses from the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming and you can adopt one for a minimal adoption fee," said Karen Malloy, Wild Horse and Burro Program Manager for BLM-ES.

Approved adopters who pay the full fee for a horse will have the option select a second horse for a $25 fee.

The animals will arrive on Feb. 15, with viewing hours on Friday between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The adoption will run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, beginning with a competitive bid. Animals not adopted on Saturday morning will be offered for a flat fee on a first-come basis Saturday afternoon and Sunday, Feb. 17.

Wild horses that have been gentled are used for dressage, trail riding, western events, and other disciplines. They are noted for their endurance, sure-footedness, and intelligence. Burros are companion animals and are sometimes used by farmers for predator control.

All animals available for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, dewormed, and blood-tested. Since the Adopt-A-Wild Horse & Burro Program began in 1973, more than 200,000 animals have been adopted.

Prospective adopters must have sturdy corrals that are 20' x 20' (or larger), at least 6 feet high for an adult horse and at least 5 feet high for burros and horses younger than 18 months, and have a shelter directly attached to the corral. Adopters must provide a stock-type, step up trailer (ramps or split two-horse type trailers are not allowed). The BLM staff will sort, halter, and load animals onto the adopters' trailers. "While the adoption process is simple and straightforward, anyone considering adoption of a wild horse or burro should remember that the animals are wild and require gentling and training," Malloy said. Applications to adopt will be reviewed starting on Friday, and can be submitted until Sunday morning. For more information, call 866/4MUSTANGS, or visit the BLM Web site at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.