IDAHO, USA — Wild horses have roamed in the Gem State for generations, however, when mustang populations run too wild threatening their safety and land preservation, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) steps in to help maintain healthy herd numbers.
As part of that program, the BLM in Boise is hosting a wild horse adoption event this weekend.
The BLM gathered wild horses in the Black Mountain, Hardtrigger, and Sands Basin herd management areas in Owyhee County in September. More than 100 of those wild horses are now at the Boise Off-Range Wild Horse Corral waiting for their new homes.
"I think being able to adopt a piece of the American West is something that is really special to people," BLM Public Affairs Specialist Heather Tiel-Nelson said.
The process is part of the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program, for maintaining healthy herd numbers in their management areas.
"A wild horse herd can actually double in size every four years, and quickly outgrow the range's ability to sustain a herd," Tiel-Nelson said.
Since 1973, the BLM adopted more than 280,000 wild horses through the program, part of an effort to take the reign's to manage populations for future generations - while also finding good homes for the horses.
"What they represent - the freedom and what they are to us as a culture," a woman named Kaycee who adopted a mustang on Saturday said. "Just being able to give them a home and food and shelter, and love - because I know that that's all they want. They just want love."
Before you heard out to adopt - hold your horses. Because there are several requirements you must meet before you can take a one home.
Qualifications:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old with no record of animal abuse.
- Homes must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with access to food, water and shelter.
- Corral fence must meet height requirements:
- Adult horses - 6 feet
- Yearlings - 5 feet
- Burros - 4.5 feet
"We really want to ensure that these animals go to a good home," Tiel-Nelson said.
A good home - and a great symbol of the American West.
"Horses are individuals, a lot like people are. Some are a lot more reticent, some are more curious," Tiel-Nelson said. "But that's so rewarding to us, is when these these horses go to good homes."
Wild horses that don't get adopted are cared for by the BLM at off-range pastures and corrals.
The wild horse adoption event continues until Sunday at the Boise Wild Horse Off-Range Corral off S. Pleasant Valley Road. The corral is open from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., on a first come, first served basis.
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