Nov. 2-3: BLM seeking good homes for wild horses and burros at Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival in Sonoita
Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
Empire Ranch Headquarters
East Empire Ranch Road
Sonoita, AZ 85637
United States
Event Description
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking good homes for wild horses and burros during its private placement event planned for the Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival, November 2 – 3, in Sonoita, Ariz.
Wild Horse and Burro personnel will be on site from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Florence Inmate Training Program, a collaboration between the BLM and the Arizona Department of Corrections, will conduct demonstrations on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
There will be an auction for the trained animals on Saturday after the first demonstration. Prices for horses start at $1,000 and $500 for burros, increasing depending on interest. More information about trained animals, including photos and level of training, can be found on BLM Arizona’s Facebook.
Those interested in a horse or burro being offered at this event can apply online prior to the event through the Online Corral. To qualify, you must be 18 years of age, have approved facilities to keep the animal(s), and proper transportation home for the animal(s) from the event site. BLM staff will load each animal, with the new owner’s own halter and lead rope, into a BLM-approved trailer provided by the adopter.
For more information and adoption/purchase qualifications, call the BLM at 1-866-4MUSTANGS (1-866-468-7826) or visit the Florence Off-Range Facility webpage.
The BLM offers wild horses and burros gathered from public lands in the west to qualified individuals who must demonstrate humane care for the animal. Wild horses are known for their sure-footedness, strength, intelligence, and endurance. With kindness and patience, these animals can be trained for many uses. All animals available have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de-wormed, and have a current negative Coggins test.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.