By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

LIMA, Ohio — Many stray dogs and cats across the country are looking for nice homes. Add wild horses and burros to that list, as well.

The Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) will offer approximately 45 wild horses, from yearling to five years of age, and a few burros to adopters during its annual Wild Horse and Burro Adoption. The event will be take place Aug. 8-10 at Sarge’s Sale Arena in Lima, Ohio.

According to BLM-ES Director Juan Palma, attendance at these annual adoption events is huge and sales are on a first-come basis to adopters who can provide the animals with good homes.

“There will be some exceptional horses from the western rangelands, and you can adopt one for a minimal fee,” Palma said. “These wonderful animals need new homes and you’ll receive a terrific and extraordinary animal in the process.

“Wild horses and burros are unique because they represent America’s heritage and are often referred to as Living Legends of the Wild West.”

The BLM estimates that approximately 33,000 wild horses and burros (29,500 horses and 3,500 burros) are roaming on BLM-managed rangelands in 10 Western states. Wild horses and burros found on rangelands have virtually no natural predators and their herd sizes can double about every four years.

As a result, the agency must remove thousands of these animals from Western lands each year to control herd sizes; otherwise, these animals would suffer from a lack of food and water caused by overpopulation.

“Wild horses that have been gentled do incredibly well at western riding events, dressage and trail riding,” Palma said. “They are noted for their endurance, sure-footedness and intelligence. Burros are great companion animals and are sometimes used by farmers for predator control.”

A minimal adoption fee of $125 for animals younger than three years of age and $25 for animals three and older is required for adoption. In addition, one can take home a buddy animal for only $25 when adopting any animal at the full fee of $125.

Prospective adopters must have sturdy corrals that are 20-by-20-feet (or larger), at least 6 feet high for an adult horse and at least 5 feet high for burros and horses younger than 18 months and have a shelter directly attached to the corral.  Adopters must provide a stock-type, step-up trailer (ramps and side-by-side two-horse-type trailers are not allowed).

“While the adoption process is simple and straightforward, anyone considering adoption of a wild horse or burro should remember that the animals are wild and require gentling and training,” Palma said.
All animals available for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, dewormed and blood tested. Adoptions will be on a first-come first-served basis. Adoption hours are Friday from 1-5 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m.-noon.

The sale facility is located north of Ohio Route 309, between Delphos and Lima. For more information, call 866-4MUSTANGS (468-7826) or visit the BLM website at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov