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NEVADA STATE OFFICE NO. 2003-59

FOR RELEASE: July 9, 2003

CONTACT: Maxine Shane at 775-861-6586, or Phillip Guerrero at
702-498-6088

# BLM Offers Wild Horses and Burros for Adoption July 20 in Reno

RENO \--Charlie, Diego, Dagmar, Heza and Chief are looking for good
homes. These five wild horses join others as the federal Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) offers wild horses and burros for adoption Sunday July
20, at the Reno Livestock Events Center.

The adoption begins at 1 p.m. and oral competitive bidding starts at
\$125 per animal. Of the horses available for adoption, five are already
trained. The Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City provided
the training. Adopters must be approved to adopt a wild horse or burro.
This year's adoption is being held along with the first Western States
Wild Horse and Burro Expo.

The Expo includes such notables as Matt Fournier riding Steen's Vaquero,
2002 American Buckskin Registry Association (ABRA) World Champion in
Western Riding; Reno horsewoman Rhonda Serr, riding Caesar, American
Flag Bearers at the Reno Rodeo; and Kathleen Clarke, BLM's National
Director.

"This is a great way to protect Nevada's rangeland, by adopting a wild
horse or burro and giving them a great new home," said Bob Abbey, BLM's
Nevada State Director. "We believe the Expo is a fantastic way to show
people what trained wild horses are capable of along with giving these
horses and burros new families."

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BLM OFFERS WILD HORSES AND BURROS FOR ADOPTION JULY 20 IN RENO - 2222

All animals have equine inoculations, including the vaccination for West
Nile Virus. Each has received a Coggins test to assure it does not have
Equine Infectious Anemia. A health paper provided by the BLM allows
transportation into any state. Successful adopters will receive the
health card for their animal.

Successful adopters can pay by check, cash, or credit card at the
adoption. To qualify to adopt, one must be at least 18 years old, a
resident of the United States and have no convictions for inhumane
treatment of animals.

Adopters must also arrange for or have adequate facilities to provide
for the number of animals adopted. Newly adopted wild horses must be
kept in an enclosed corral with a minimum of 400 square feet. Box stalls
may be suitable if daily exercise can be provided. Fences for untrained
adult wild horses must be six feet high, and should be of pole, pipe or
plank construction.

Yearlings, burros and gentled horses have less stringent corral height
requirements. At a minimum, a shelter with two sides and a roof is
required. The shelter cannot be made of non-structural material such as
a tarp.

When adopting, an individual signs an adoption contract with the BLM.
After one year, the adopter gains title to the animal after verification
of humane care by a qualified person, such as a veterinarian, a humane
society representative or an extension agent. No more than four animals
may be titled in a 12-month period.

The Wild Horse and Burro Expo is free so grab the kids and come on out.
Those interested can sneak a peek at the wild horses and enjoy free
entertainment Friday, July 18.

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BLM OFFERS WILD HORSES AND BURROS FOR ADOPTION JULY 20 IN RENO - 3333

Then, take home a Living Legend from the BLM's wild horse and burro
adoption Sunday, July 20. Call 1-866-4-MUSTANGS for more information, or
go to
[www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov](http://www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov/)
for adoption applications. For more information on the Wild Horse and
Burro Expo go to
[www.wildhorseandburroexpo.com](http://www.wildhorseandburroexpo.com/)

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BLM has digital photos available to support this story. Call the
"contact numbers" listed above for photos.

EDITOR'S NOTE: BLM Nevada offers wild horses and burros for adoption
July 20, at the Reno Livestock Events Center. For adoption information
go to
[www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov](http://www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov/)
or call 1-866-4-MUSTANGS. The BLM has prepared a series of news releases
geared to the adoption and the first Western States Wild Horse and Burro
Expo which is being run in conjunction with the wild horse adoption. The
celebration of the wild horse begins at 6 p.m. Friday, July 18. It is
free and open to the public. Go to
[www.wildhorseandburroexpo.com](http://www.wildhorseandburroexpo.com/)
for more information on the show and expo.