The BLM Horse Adoption Program
By Jeffrey Rolo
The Bureau Of Land Management wild horse adoption program could be perfect for you if you are willing to spend the time bonding with and training one of America's wild horses. With a price under $200.00 and full ownership transferred after only a year of adoption, this program can seem like a dream come true for an experienced horseman.
The BLM was charged in 1971 to oversee the care and protection of America's wild pastures due to public outcry against the harsh manner in which some ranchers were collecting the horses. Congress recognized that…
"Congress finds and declares that wild free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; (and) that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people ..."
(Public Law 92-195, December 15, 1971)
Due to this recognition Congress authorized the BLM to keep a close watch over the wild horse numbers across the West and ensure their well being, with President Nixon signing the act into law.
In order to ensure there aren't too many horses for the land to maintain, the BLM controls the population of herds across the West by taking some into captivity. The horses they capture are taken to BLM facilities where they are cared for until eligible individuals volunteer to care for them through their horse adoption program.
To qualify for the BLM wild horse adoption program you must:
The minimum cost to adopt a horse is $125.00, but since most horses are offered under a competitive bidding system the average rate for an adopted horse is $185.00… still a steal! Better yet, if you can prove your ability to care for the horse (one years time) the BLM will sign the title of ownership over to you!
You can adopt up to four wild horses in one year, though permission to adopt even more can be granted provided you send the BLM additional details about your facilities and intentions. In addition adopting a wild horse is actually quite convenient; you can reserve a horse in person or do so over the Internet!
Does the challenge of adopting and training a wild horse that has had no previous exposure to humans intrigue you? If so, you owe it to yourself to visit the Bureau of Land Management's website and find out the specific details about their horse adoption program.
