News Release

For Release:  May 30, 2008                                                           
Contact:  Stephen Razo 951-697-5217  Email: srazo@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-08-54

  Wild Horses and Burros Available for Adoption in Ridgecrest

Strength ... endurance ... spirit ...qualities that define our country ... are embodied in America’s wild horses and burros that roam our nation’s rangelands, and these living legends are available for adoption at the Ridgecrest regional wild horse and burro corrals in Ridgecrest, California, on June 7, 2008, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program. 

More than 100 animals are being offered to good homes at reduced adoption fees.  Adoption fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.  Free delivery is available for adopted animals within two hundred miles of the Ridgecrest Corral facility. The mustangs and burros have been wormed and vaccinated, and are in excellent health.

Qualified adopters must be 18 years old, have adequate facilities, the financial means to care for the animal(s), and sould have some experience training or raising a horse or burro.  Adopters also must be a resident of the United States and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals.  Qualified individuals with the proper facilities may adopt up to four animals.

Newly adopted wild horses or burros must be kept in an enclosed corral with a minimum area of 400 square feet (20’x20’ or larger) per animal.  Corral fences must be at  least 4 ½ feet high for burros, 6 feet high for ungentled horses, and 5 feet high for horses under 18 months of age.  Fences should be of pole, pipe, or plank constructions.  Barbed wire is not allowed in stalls or corrals.  The corral also must contain a structure to provide shelter for the animal.

Adopters should bring a nylon web halter and 20-foot, cotton lead rope for each animal.  A stock trailer will be required to transport the animal(s). Drop-ramp trailers will not be allowed. BLM wranglers will load the animals into the trailer. 
 
The process is called an "adoption" because BLM retains title to the animal for one year after the adoption.  During the year, a BLM compliance officer or designated representative will visit each adopter to ensure the animal is being cared for and has a good home. During this time adopters cannot sell their adopted animal. Adopters must notify BLM if the animal is moved.
 
After the first year, adopters may apply for title.  BLM will pass title of the animal if all the stipulations of the adoption agreement have been met. The animal becomes the private property of the adopter only after BLM transfers title, which completes the adoption process.
 
For more information about the Ridgecrest Corrals adoption or the Bureau's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program contact BLM toll free at 866-4Mustangs, or visit our website at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.  

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, Ca - (951) 697-5200