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WILD HORSE ADOPTIONS:
(How to Get the Horse You Want)
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BLM adoptions are becoming increasingly popular. As more BLM
horses are adopted, more people are seeing how well they adapt to being
saddle horses as well as meeting adopters who have really enjoyed the
experience of gentling and training a wild horse. As a result, there is
often competition among adopters for horses having the more popular colors, or those
originating from certain herds.
On the brighter side, some of the most astounding and colorful success
stories we've become aware of involved adopters who watched their primary
choices go to someone else and settled for some unassuming little horse
which didn't quite have the looks they wanted, but for which they had some
kind of affinity. Since wild horses are gathered typically because
their range won't support them, they are often skinny and very rough
looking. Several months good feed and good care will often reveal a much
more handsome creature than one realizes he has adopted.
Assuming, however, that you really want that paint, appy,
grulla, curly or other unique looking animal, here are some tips to help
ensure you receive your "proper pick".
Get prequalified as an adopter well ahead of the adoption sale
date. This way you can be sure that your paperwork is all in order
and that there will be no delays in getting processed in as an adopter
at the sale.
Make sure your trailer meets BLM specifications so that you
won't have to struggle with any unexpected transportation problems
once you are at the adoption site.
Try to get to the adoption site when it first opens for previewing.
Depending on the site and how near you can get to all of the horses,
you may wish to take binoculars in order to get closer looks at your
prospects. Make note of your preferences by identification number so
you can match them to the list in the office. (Horses already claimed
for adoption will usually have their numbers highlighted or otherwise
identified.)
Check on other factors involving your prospects such as how long the animal has been in captivity, if it has receivied any handling, etc. For someone not experienced in handling unbroken horses, an animal which has been halter broken and has had more human contact may be a better value than a flashier horse who has had relatively little contact and which may be more difficult to handle.
Don't be one of those prospective adopters that picks out only
one or two horses, and then chokes when it turns out that they've
already been claimed. List all the horses which interest you so that
you can get right to your "next most favorite" selection.
Don't miss your adopter number being called and be prepared to
present your choices to the BLM personnel.
- Make sure you have proper payment ready so you don't have any foulups closing the deal.
Please note: This is not a BLM operated or BLM
sponsored site. It is run by private wild horse and burro enthusiasts. We
are thankful to the BLM for providing the information which is presented on
many of our pages. Thanks also to Maryanne Morgan for the sale photos.
(See her story, "The Gentling of a Mustang" which can be found in the "Success Stories" section of the KBR World
of Wild Horses and Burros.)
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