University of Idaho 4-H Clubs and BLM Partner to Showcase Wild Horses
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BOISE, ID – University of Idaho 4-H members from around the Treasure Valley have had nearly six weeks to prepare their wild horse weanlings for this weekend’s showcase to take place during the Western Idaho Fair. On Friday, August 26, at 7 p.m. in the D&B Arena at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds in Boise, 4-H members ages 12 -18 will demonstrate what they have taught their horses as they navigate a trail course that will include stepping over logs, backing through a narrow log path and other obstacles.
These horses will then be available for adoption by competitive bid at the fair on August 28, from 1-3 p.m. in the draft horse barn. There will be four mustangs available for adoption that were trained by four different clubs: Lively Livestock 4-H from Idaho County led by Stacy Van Steenwyk, Showtime 4-H from Ada County led by Isabella Apicello, Desperados 4-H from Ada County led by Jan Maxie, and Idaho Youth Ranch 4-H Club from Canyon County led by 4-H leader Brandon Breaux.
The partnership between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the University of Idaho 4-H Extension program has grown in popularity since its inception in 2009. “It has been great to see the growth and development of this wild horse weanling training program between BLM and the University of Idaho 4-H Extension Office," said Boise District Wild Horse Specialist Raul Trevino. "We have many young horses that were gathered following last year’s Soda Fire in the Owyhee Front, so it’s been nice to see the 4-H club members be able to expand their horsemanship skills and work with these horses at the same time”
Since 2009, over 250 horses have been adopted and $15,000 has been raised for 4-H clubs in southwestern and eastern Idaho.
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.