My Experiences with the BLM Wild Horse Adoption Program

Bureau of Land Management Mustangs are actually feral horses (escaped domestic stock)and as such are treated as "wild horses". A somewhat inaccurate term since they are merely lost ranch stock and not native or natural to North American grasslands. The BLM was given the responsibility of managing these horses after the adoption of the Congressional "Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971" instigated by "Wild Horse Annie" (Velma Johnston). Since that time various "well intended" but misinformed special interest groups have interfered with the proper management of the horses. Current management and breeding programs are now producing higher quality, healthy stock, improving annually.

I have adopted a total of nine horses over the last four to five years. I have placed seven of these horses with responsible owners who know the difference between a "pet" and "serviceable livestock". I still own two of the animals as my own riding stock. I have found the BLM horses to be tough, sound, dependable and very human oriented.

A record of my adopted horse placement.

1993 13-2 hand Blue Roan Gelding - Roy Martin
1993 15-2 hand Light Sorrel Gelding - Bosler Ranch
1994 14-2 hand Blood Sorrel Gelding - Pat Stoddard
1994 15-3 hand Gray Gelding - Dubois Veterinarian
1995 14-3 hand Chestnut Gelding - Eddie Hayes
1995 13-0 hand Licorice Roan Gelding - Becky Wilson
1997 14-0 hand Black Gelding - Pat Stoddard
1997 13-3 hand Chocolate Roan Gelding - Ken Kenney
1997 14-2 hand Blue Roan Gelding - Dave Wilson

Contrary to recent sensationalistic news media publicity it would be stupid to buy BLM horses for resale at slaughter yards. The initial purchase costs, annual upkeep and miscellaneous animal care costs would make such a venture highly unprofitable.

Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Act
Midi Song "Horse with No Name" (seems appropriate since most of the horses comes from the Red Dessert in central Wyoming)

Words to the song "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones