BLM Nevada and Northern Nevada Correctional Center saddle-trained wild horse adoption a success
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RENO, Nev. — On June 26, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Department of Corrections – Silver State Industries conducted a saddle-trained wild horse and burro adoption event at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center (NNCC) south of Carson City, Nevada. All 14 animals showcased at the event were adopted.
Fourteen wild horses from herd management areas located on BLM Nevada-administered public lands were trained for approximately four months by inmate trainers in the NNCC program and offered for adoption during a competitive-bid adoption event.
Successful bidders paid a total of $62,600 for the horses with the average price of $4,471 per horse. With bids starting at $150, the event’s saddle-trained wild horse top bid of $7,100 went for “Clip-Clop”, a 15.1 hand, 5-year-old Dun gelding, gathered from the Eagle herd management area located outside of Ely. He will remain with his adopters here in Nevada. One adopter from Fairfield, California adopted three horses for a total cost of $15,900.
The successful bidders officially adopted their horses and after properly caring for their adopted horses for one year, the adopters are eligible to receive title, or ownership, from the Federal government. The BLM uses its adoption program as a primary tool to place these iconic animals into private care. The horses and burros available for adoption typically come from overpopulated herds on public lands where available vegetation and water can become scarce as populations grow. There are no natural predators that can effectively control wild horse and burro population growth on public lands.
Many people have found it personally challenging and rewarding to adopt a wild horse or burro. Additionally, it is a chance to care for, and then own, a part of America’s heritage. The BLM has placed more than 270,000 wild horses and burros into private care since 1971. Many of those animals have become excellent pleasure, show, work or companion animals.
The next saddle-trained wild horse adoption and competitive-bid auction at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center is scheduled for October 9, 2021. Additional information on this partnership, including past and current event catalogs, is posted on-line at NNCC.
For more information about these special adoption or sale events and how to adopt or purchase your own wild horse or burro visit BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program webpage at https://www.blm.gov/whb. To follow successful adopters and their stories on Facebook, go to NNCC Adopted Wild Horses & Burros page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1566414293621016.
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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.