Utah’s Wild Spanish Descendants Ready for Adoption
BLM featuring over 200 Sulphur horses from Utah’s own Sulphur Herd

Contact: Chad Hunter (435)865-3088, Lisa Reid (435)743-3128

Delta, Utah—January 16, 2009—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be hosting a Sulphur Wild Horse Adoption at the Delta Wild Horse & Burro Facility, 600 N 350 W, Delta, Utah on Jan. 24, featuring more than 200 wild horses from Utah’s own Sulphur Herd.  The Sulphur horses have been genetically tested and show strong evidence of Spanish Ancestry.  The public is invited to attend and admission is free.

BLM’s Wild Horse Specialist, Chad Hunter said, “I’ve talked with people from all around the nation who are inquiring about horses of Spanish descent. This is an opportunity for the people from Utah to see and adopt these remnants of Spanish ancestry – horses from the Sulphur herd.”

According to Hunter the Sulphur horses are believed to have originated from stock brought across the Old Spanish Trail that went through southwestern Utah in the 1600-1700s.

Hunter said the Sulphur Herd exhibits the Spanish characteristics including a high proportion of dun and grulla colors with “tiger-striped” legs, line back cross-over withers, and black rimmed ears. Body sizes tend to be smaller and trim when compared to other wild horses. Sulphur wild horses are approximately 14 hands in size with mares estimated to weigh 750 to 800 pounds, and stallions, 800-900 pounds.

“Our main concern is to find good homes for all the horses,” said Hunter. “Some animals may adopt for more than the base price of $125.00, but many are expected to be adopted at or near the base fee.”

Silent bidding will begin on Thurs., Jan. 22 at 8 a.m. and closing on Sat., Jan. 24 at 10 a.m.  All bids will begin at $125.00.  Once bidding has closed, then all horses will be available for $125.00 on a first come, first served basis.  All qualified adopters may Adopt-a-Buddy for $25.00 with the adoption of a full fee horse. 

Animals may be previewed at anytime Mon. through Fri. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. before the announced adoption dates.  Walk-ups are welcome the day of the adoption.  Additional information on adoption and the adoption application can be found on the web at www.ut.blm.gov.  To receive a faxed or mailed copy of the application, a brochure or other information, call the Delta Wild Horse & Burro Facility (435)864-4068.

Hunter said, “When you consider the stress of adoption day, people, and separation from the herd, the risk of injury can be very high.  Therefore, covered stock trailers with side-swinging gates are preferred.  A completely enclosed three-horse trailer or larger is recommended.  Two-horse trailers and drop ramps are not acceptable.”  BLM has taken precautions to ensure the safety of the animals. Newly adopted wild horses are not accustomed to traveling in a horse trailer.

For more information, please contact Chad Hunter at the Bureau of Land Management, 176 East DL Sargent Drive, Cedar City, Utah 84720, (435) 865-3088 or the Delta Wild Horse & Burro Facility, 600 North 350 West, Delta, Utah 84624, (435)864-4068.