Bureau of Land Management & Northern Nevada Correctional Center wild horse adoption a success
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RENO, Nev. — All 15 animals showcased at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Department of Corrections – Silver State Industries saddle-trained horse adoption event this past weekend were adopted. The event was held on February 25 at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center (NNCC) south of Carson City, Nevada.
Fourteen former wild horses and one burro from herd management areas located on BLM-administered public lands in Nevada were trained for approximately four months by inmate trainers in the NNCC program and offered during a competitive-bid adoption. Successful bidders paid a total of $9,600 for the animals.
With all bids starting at $150, the event’s top bid of $2,100 went for “Benny the Bay,” a 7 year-old bay gelding gathered outside of the Jackson Mountain Herd Management Area in Nevada. Selma, the lone burro in this adoption event, sold for $600.
The successful bidders officially adopted their new horses and burro. After properly caring for their horses or burro for one year, the adopters are eligible to receive title, or ownership, from the Federal government.
The BLM uses its adoption program as the primary tool to place these iconic animals into private care. The horses or burros available for adoption typically come from overpopulated herd management areas where vegetation and water could become scarce if too many animals, including wildlife and livestock, use the area or due to emergencies whereas the health and or safety of the animal or the public are in jeopardy.
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 235,000 wild horses and burros into private care since 1971. Many of those animals have become excellent pleasure, show, or work horses.
The next saddle-trained horse adoption and competitive-bid auction at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center is scheduled for June 10, 2017.
For more information about these special adoption events and how to adopt your own wild horse or burro visit BLM Nevada’s Wild Horse and Burro Program webpage at https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro.
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.