Wild Horses For Adoption

For the 3rd year, the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with the Canon City, Colorado Correctional Institute is offering 10 halter & 5 saddle-trained wild horses for adoption during Lost Dutchman Days in Apache Junction Feb. 23rd-25th. There'll be about 20 other wild horses from Wyoming & 10 burros from Arizona also available for adoption to good homes.

Wild horses are known for their strength & endurance. Inmates participating in work-incentive programs in Canon City, Colorado & in other states provide ground-work training for some of these animals to help them find homes. This collaborative partnership with correctional facilities provides a public service by assisting incarcerated men in gaining both interpersonal & practical skills, while increasing the potential of finding good homes for wild horses.

The public is welcome to attend this family-friendly event to view animals & learn more. Gates are open all 3 days from 9 am to 5 pm. There's an admission gate fee payable to the hosts of Lost Dutchman Days of $1.

The adoption event features demos on Friday & Saturday mornings. The competitive bid takes place on Sat. at 11 am. Adoption fees only apply if you meet qualifications to take an animal home. The minimum adoption fee for untrained wild horses & burros is $125, per animal. Adoption fees for saddle & halter-trained horses are higher. All proceeds benefit the adoption program. Some funds are returned to the work-incentive program.

Protected by the wild free-roaming horses & burros act of 1971, wild horses & burros found on public lands are known as living legends, symbolic of the historic West. Due to overpopulation, some of these animals are now in need of good homes.

To qualify to adopt, you must be 18 years of age with approved facilities & transportation. No more than 4 untitled animals, per approved adopter, per year. After 1 year, adopters demonstrating humane treatment of animals in their care are eligible to apply for title.

Directions: The event will be held at the Apache Junction Rodeo Grounds at 1590 East Lost Dutchman Blvd. The rodeo grounds are north of Highway 60, exit Idaho Road. For more info call the Bureau of Land Management at 623-580-5500 or toll-free at 1-866-468-7826 or visit: wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.