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Wild Horses and Burros Adoption

BLM Colorado's Wild Horse and Burro Program

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages wild horses and burros on the public rangelands consistent with its multiple use mission that considers all natural resources and users of the public lands.

If an overpopulation of wild horses and burros exist on the public lands, the BLM gathers these excess animals and offers them to the general public for adoption. The BLM presents these animals at adoption events and at BLM facilities throughout the year in Colorado.

Wild Horses & Burros Home

You Can Adopt a BLM Wild Horse in Colorado Year Round

BLM holds adoptions at the East Cañon Correctional Complex outside Cañon City two Fridays per month. You can usually choose from more than 400 wild horses and burros, including the animals highlighted on our Spotlight page. Minimum adoption fee is $125 per animal.

You must be a pre-approved adopter in order to make an appointment. Please schedule your appointment no later than the Tuesday before the Friday adoption you would like to attend.

To request an application call the Royal Gorge Field Office at 719-269-8500 or download an application here.

Individuals interested in adopting a wild horse or burro may obtain information from the Bureau of Land Management by:

You are now able to adopt a fully trained saddle horse from the Colorado Department of Corrections. 

Field Offices are responsible for Herd Management in their areas. Occasionally volunteers are needed for foal-count or gathers. Please contact the respective field office if you wish to offer your services. There are four herd management areas in Colorado:

  1. Little Bookcliffs Grand Junction Field Office at 970-244-3000
  2. Spring Creek  Mancos|Dolores Field Office at 970-882-7296
  3. Sandwash  Little Snake Field Office at 970-826-5000
  4. Piceance/E. Douglas  White River Field Office at 970-878-3800

Inportant Links:

   
Last updated: 10-21-2008