NEVADA STATE OFFICE NO. 2004-10
FOR RELEASE:  Nov. 10, 2003

              Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Saturday, November 15 
             Palomino Valley, north of Sparks

          Saturday, November15, you have an opportunity to adopt a wild horse or a burro from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National Wild Horse and Burro Center at Palomino Valley. About 65 wild horses and 52 burros will be available for adoption through a silent competitive bid process that begins at 10 a.m.

          The Center opens at 8 a.m. for those who would like to view the animals and to register. The BLM facility is located 20 miles north of Sparks, Nevada, on the Pyramid Lake Highway (State Route 445).  Local adopters with trained wild horses and burros will provide demonstrations.  The National Wild Horse and Burro Show Association will have a booth, and a local 4-H club will sell refreshments.

            Twenty-nine weanlings and 15 dry mares from the Carter Reservoir Herd Management Area (HMA) will be offered for adoption.  These mostly dun-colored horses’ home range is east of Cedarville, California, near the California-Nevada border.  Seventeen geldings from Nevada will be available.  They come from the Pine Nut, Desatoya and Augusta Mountains HMAs.  There is also two pair (mare and foal) available for adoption.

            Do you want a combination alarm clock-pet-guard animal?  A burro may be right for you.  Burros gathered from the Blue Wing Complex in northwestern Nevada will be offered for adoption.  Twenty-three jennies and 29 jacks are available. 

           If you adopt a jack at this adoption and wish to have him gelded, you may arrange with the BLM to have the contract veterinarian perform this operation at the Center at no cost.  If you adopt a male weanling and wish to have him gelded when he is older, you will receive a $50 gelding voucher.

Silent competitive bidding runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.  Bids start at $125 per animal; $250 for a pair.  Animals not adopted during competitive bidding will be available throughout the remainder of the day, on a first-come, first-served basis.  All adopter’s applications will be screened and approved at registration.

Glade Anderson, Center manager, said all animals are vaccinated to prevent a variety of equine diseases, including West Nile virus and rabies.  Adopters receive complete health care records, so they can begin health care regimens with their own veterinarians.

A brand inspector and a veterinarian will be on hand to prepare paperwork so the animals can be transported across state lines.  Once competitive bidding concludes, personnel at Palomino Valley Center will begin to load out animals.  Stock trailers with side-swinging gates are preferred.  Fully enclosed two-horse trailers, with center dividers removed, are acceptable for wild burros and weanlings.

Anderson says BLM employees will halter and load the horses or burros for the adopter, but individuals should bring a halter and lead rope that is appropriate for the size and kind of animals they intend to adopt.

To qualify to adopt, an individual must be at least 18 years old; however, parents or guardians may adopt and allow younger family members to care for the animal.  Adopters must provide adequate feed, water and facilities to provide humane care for the number of animals requested.  You may not adopt if you have been convicted of inhumane treatment to animals.

“Wild horses have a reputation for being strong and sure-footed.  They have outstanding endurance and excel at competitive events, back country packing, pleasure riding or working on a ranch,” says Anderson.  “Burros make excellent companions, too.  They can be used for packing, pulling carts, and even protecting livestock from predators.”

For additional information, call the National Center at (775) 475-2222.  Information about the wild horse program is available by calling toll free to 1-866-4MUSTANGS.  Photos of groups of animals offered for adoption are posted at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.

HOME