Wild Horse & 

Burro Program

A HOW-TO GUIDE

BRING HOME YOUR

Photo credit: Marsha Hartford Sapp and Cobra (Chason Photos)
A wild horse or burro, as defined by federal law, is 

an unbranded, unclaimed, free-roaming horse or 

burro found on public lands in the United States. 

Wild horses and burros are descendants of animals 

released by or escaped from Spanish explorers, ranchers, 

miners, the U.S. Cavalry and American Indians. Spanish 

explorers first introduced horses to the Americas in the 

1500s. Horses and burros were crucial to survival for 

settlers and pioneers for activities such as transportation 

and agriculture.

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BLM.gov • (866) 468-7826

– Jessie Willyerd, "Mustangs I Have Known"

 are a special breed;

 they take some time to know.

But once you've earned their ,

you'll be amazed at what they show.

Cover photo credit: Marsha Hartford Sapp and Cobra (Chason Photos). Marsha purchased 

Cobra from the BLM after he was passed over at three adoption events. Marsha saw what 

others couldn't... a champion! Cobra received many titles between 2013 and 2015, but in 

2015 he was named 2015 World Champion USEF for Western Dressage and 2015 USEF 

Horse of the Year for Western Dressage. 
Wild horses and burros live on segments of public lands, 

known as Herd Management Areas (HMA), that cover 31.6 

million acres. The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau 

of Land Management (BLM) oversees 26.9 million acres of 

this land. BLM managers and field specialists, with input and 

advice from a citizen-based advisory board, work to manage 

wild horses and burros on HMA's in 10 western states.

Off-range corrals (ORC) provide additional 

resources and care for wild horses and burros 

awaiting placement into private care.

HERD MANAGEMENT AREAS

OFF-RANGE CORRAL LOCATIONS

Nevada • Northern Nevada Correctional Center Training Program

1721 Snyder Avenue, Carson City, NV 89701 • (775) 861-6500

Nevada • Reno ORC • 15780 State Route 445, Reno, NV 89510 

(775) 475-2222

Oklahoma • Pauls Valley ORC • 16204 NCR 3205, 

Pauls Valley, OK 73075 • (800) 237-3642 • (405) 238-7138

Oregon • Burns ORC • 26775 Highway 20 West, Hines, OR 97738 

(541) 573-2930

Utah • Delta ORC • 350 West 500 North, Delta, UT 84624 

(435) 864-4068

Wyoming • Wyoming Honor Farm Training Program

40 Honor Farm Road, Riverton, WY 82501 • (307) 352-0302

Wyoming • Rock Springs ORC • 280 Highway 191 North, Rock 

Springs, WY 82901 • (307) 352-0292

Wyoming • Mantle Adoption and Training Facility • 615 South 

Antelope Road, Wheatland, WY 82201 • (307) 322-5799

Call (866) 468-7826 or visit BLM.gov to learn more 

about these locations and their hours of operation, 

make an appointment or find additional trained and 

untrained animals that may be in your area.

Arizona • Wild Horse and Burro Training and ORC

1305 East Bute Avenue, Florence, AZ 85132 • (602) 417-9200

California • Litchfield ORC • 474-000 Highway 395 East, Litchfield, CA 

96117 • (800) 545-4256

California • Ridgecrest ORC • 3647-A Randsburg Wash Road, 

Ridgecrest, CA 93562 • (800) 951-8720

California • Sundance Ranch • 27273 Pilgrim Road, Redlands, CA 92373 

(800) 951-8720

Colorado • Cañon City Inmate Training Program and ORC

Two miles east of Cañon City on Highway 50 • (719) 269-8500

Idaho • Boise ORC • 12449 South Pleasant Valley Road, Boise, ID 83705 

(208) 384-3300 

Illinois • Ewing ORC • 22295 Sheep Farm Road, Ewing, IL 62864 

(800) 293-1781 

Kansas • Hutchinson Correctional Center Training Program and ORC 

500 Reformatory Street, Hutchinson, KS 67501 • (620) 728-3296

Nebraska • Elm Creek ORC • 5050 100th Road, Elm Creek, 

NE 68836 • (308) 856-4498

Herd management area

KEY:

Off-range corral location

BLM.gov • (866) 468-7826

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BLM.gov • (866) 468-7826

THE NEED FOR PRIVATE CARE

The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 

1971 entrusts the BLM and the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture’s Forest Service with the responsibility 

to manage and protect wild horses and burros on 

the nation’s public lands. Because wild horses and 

burros are federally protected and lack natural 

predators, the BLM must manage population growth 

to ensure healthy wild horses and burros thrive 

on healthy public rangelands. To accomplish this 

mission, the BLM regularly monitors herd size and 

health, land health, vegetation quality and water 

availability and, when necessary, works to place 

excess wild horses and burros into qualified, 

private care. 

T H E B L M N E E D S YO U TO C A R E F O R A L I V I N G 

SYMBOL OF OUR AMERICAN HISTORY.

WITH UNCHECKED HERDS DOUBLING IN SIZE

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– Fred Woehl, Wild Horse & Burro Advisory Board Member

If more people understood the true

and could grasp the real meaning, no

would ever want for a home.

Mary Miller Jordan and 

Silver Lining. Photo 

credit: Sarah Woody

Alex and Boots, 2017 Reno 

Rodeo Queen. Photo credit: 

Fred Cornelius

Mark Lyon and Christian, 

winners of the 2008 

Texas Extreme Mustang 

Makeover. Photo credit: 

Darrell Dodds

Echamanee and Rianna, 

4-H Project. Photo credit: 

Jessica Paxton
BLM.gov • (866) 468-7826

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Wild horses and burros:

Come in a variety of colors and sizes, each with 

a unique personality

Exhibit characteristics associated with certain breeds

May or may not be trained

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3 After gathered from public lands, each horse and burro receives 

a unique freeze mark on the left side of the neck to identify the 

animal as property of the U.S. government. The procedure is 

painless, using a cold iron, chilled in liquid nitrogen. 

Alpha Angle 

Numbering

System 

Indicates U.S. 

Government 

Registration

Registration Number

Birth Year

FREEZE MARKS

EVERY 

IS UNIQUE

Horses

700-1,000 POUNDS

13-15 HANDS HIGH

52-60 Inches

Burros

500 POUNDS

11 HANDS HIGH

44 Inches

2015 Extreme Mustang Makeover. Photo credit: Rhonda Hole
BLM.gov • (866) 468-7826

HOW TO PURCHASE

It's easy! If you are interested in purchasing a wild horse 

or burro, including full ownership, please complete the 

Application to Purchase Wild Horses and Burros and 

email to wildhorse@BLM.gov or fax to (202) 912-7182. 

Please review the clauses in the bill of sale. Find the 

application and sample bill of sale online at BLM.gov. 

If you have questions regarding the purchasing program, please contact 

the Wild Horse and Burro Program.

Adopter Elisa Wallace and her wild horse, Fledge. 

Photo credit: Rhonda Hole

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Minimal cost and great reward

 Standard for Trained/Untrained Wild Horse or Burro

Fees vary based on location and competitive bidding.

If you decide to return your animal(s), you are

responsible for returning your animal(s) to the 

BLM and the fee is non-refundable.

Depending on your goals, the BLM offers two ways 

to bring home your new horse or burro.

PURCHASE: Available for trained or untrained 

animals; purchase provides immediate ownership 

of the animal.

ADOPTION: Available for trained or untrained 

animals; adoption maintains federal ownership of 

the animal until BLM grants title, one year after the 

adoption date.

Limitations

PURCHASE: Up to four (4) animals in a 6-month period

ADOPTION: Up to four (4) animals in a 12-month period

If you are interested in more than four animals, please contact your local 

BLM office for additional information and requirements.

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WHAT TO BRING TO AN 

ADOPTION/PURCHASING EVENT

PAYMENT: The BLM accepts VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover®, 

American Express®, travelers’ checks, money orders, personal 

checks and cash as payment for adoption fees. Some offices 

may not accept credit cards. Please confirm ahead of time.

EQUIPMENT: The BLM recommends you bring a halter and lead 

rope for your animal. BLM personnel will place the halter on 

your animal and load the animal into your trailer. The lead 

rope should be about 12 feet long and made 

of cotton or nylon. A trailer and truck to 

transport your horse or burro is 

also required. 
• Applicant must provide a stock or horse trailer 

with a rear swing gate and covered top. Provided 

the dividers are removed or folded back, slant 

trailers are acceptable. Drop-ramps are acceptable 

if there is an additional back gate to the trailer. 

Two-horse trailers approved on case-by-case 

basis. No one-horse trailers approved.

• Applicant must be at least 18 years old.

• Shelter requirements detailed on page 14.

It’s easy!

Complete the Application for the Adoption 

of Wild Horse(s) or Burro(s), Form 4710-10, 

located at the back of this brochure. It is 

also available at the BLM off-range corrals, 

events and offices or you may download 

it at BLM.gov.

Take the completed application to a BLM 

off-range corral, event or mail/fax/email it 

to your local BLM office.

Once the BLM approves your application, 

you are eligible to adopt your very own wild 

horse or burro. Go to BLM.gov to locate an 

off-range corral or view the current schedule 

of adoption events.

For internet adoptions, you must apply online 

at BLM.gov/adoptahorse. For more information 

about the Internet process, please visit the website 

or call (800) 370-3936.

Sample application. Please fill out the form using your actual 

information and corral measurements.

ADOPTION APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Adopted animal must remain in the United States until 

titled. (Eligibility occurs on its one year anniversary.)

• Applicant has no convictions of inhumane treatment of 

animals or violation of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses 

and Burros Act. 

• Applicant must provide a facility with access to feed, water 

and shelter. NOTE: Facility refers to enclosed area such 

as corral, barn, stall, etc. Approval is not based on pasture 

fence height, but the height of the enclosed area. 

BLM.gov • (866) 468-7826

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Shelter shall be available to mitigate the effects of inclement 

weather and temperature extremes. The requirement is at the 

discretion of the authorized officer and will vary dependent on 

the severity of weather in the region.

Example: Natural cover (tree) or man-made structure (plywood or 

other material on side of corral, stall, etc.)

Natural cover or man-made structure that provides a windbreak.

Example: Tree or structure with a side (plywood on side of corral, 

stall, etc.)

Natural cover or man-made structure that provides shade.

Example: Tree or structure with a roof (wood, metal, etc.)

A two-sided shelter with a roof.

Example: Structure with sides and a roof (wood, metal, etc.)

A three-sided shelter with a roof.

Example: Structure with sides, a back and a roof (wood, metal, etc.)

Additional minimum requirement for Alaska only: 

Heated water source

These requirements are in addition to state, county and 

local animal health and welfare laws and regulations for 

the area in which the animal resides.

STATE SHELTER REQUIREMENTS KEY

ADOPTION SHELTER 

REQUIREMENTS

ADOPTER FACILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 400 ft.2 of corral space per animal 

(i.e., 20’ x 20’);

• Suitable materials: pipe panels, wood post, 

planks (min.1.5” thick), horse fence (V Mesh 

or 2” x 4” square);

• 5’ high facility for yearling or gentled horse 

of any age;

• 6’ high facility for an ungentled horse two 

years or older;

• 4.5’ high facility for a burro of any age;

• Applicant is required to adhere to the shelter 

requirements for wild horses and burros based

on the state or region in which the animal 

resides, unless otherwise stipulated by the 

authorized officer.

BLM.gov • (866) 468-7826

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PRIVATE CARE COSTS

The financial commitment for caring for a wild horse or burro 

can exceed $1,000 per year, depending on your location. 

You are responsible for all costs associated with the care 

of your animal, and, if the animal is pregnant, its offspring. 

Though the adoption fee may seem minimal, it’s important 

to consider the following costs when calculating a wild horse 

or burro budget:

• Medical-Veterinarian care

— Medicine, deworming 

 and vaccinations

• Stall/Corral rental 

or materials

• Tack

• Salt or other supplements

• Transportation /Hauling

• Grooming supplies 

• Feed

• Farrier/Shoeing

If your animal(s) escapes from your property, you are responsible for all 

costs associated with recovering the animal.

BLM.gov • (866) 468-7826

VETERINARY TREATMENT

The BLM vaccinates, deworms and freeze marks the wild horses 

and burros, while a veterinarian provides all the necessary 

medical care. The BLM provides a record of the animal’s age, 

gather history and medical history, including the negative 

results of a Coggins test, to each new adopter or purchaser. 

A negative Coggins test indicates the animal does not have 

Equine Infectious Anemia.

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CERTIFICATE OF TITLE/BILL OF SALE

A wild horse or burro belongs to the federal government 

until the BLM issues a Certificate of Title or Bill of Sale. If 

adopting, you will be notified one year from the adoption date 

directing you to obtain a signature from a qualified person, 

such as a veterinarian or county extension agent, verifying 

that you have given humane care and treatment to your 

adopted animal(s). Once you return the signed letter, the BLM 

will mail you a Certificate of Title. (There are no additional 

federal fees involved in the titling process.) If purchasing the 

animal, you will receive immediate ownership upon receipt 

of the Bill of Sale.

Upon the issuance date of the Certificate of Title or Bill of Sale, 

the animal is deemed private property. The animal is no longer 

considered a wild horse or burro protected by the Act or federal 

regulations.The animal is considered private property.

– Jessie Willyerd, "Mustangs I Have Known"
– Madison "Mustang Maddy" Shambaugh

Believe in the American

inside of each one of them. 

"Imagine if we could all in these 

mustangs. Imagine if we could see the 
There is a wild horse or burro waiting for you!

For more information, visit BLM.gov or call (866) 468-7826.

Sharron Evans, Utah State Office Volunteer, won a BLM 2016 Making a 

Difference National Volunteer Award. Sharron contributes her time to many 

facets of the BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program. One of her primary areas of 

responsibility is recordkeeping for the 1,600+ wild horses and burros that 

currently reside at the contracted Off-Range Corral in Axtell, Utah. 

Sharron spends long hours promoting the BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program 

in person and via social media. Her outreach efforts have helped the BLM, 

partners, contractors and members of the public work together effectively 

in their efforts to safeguard America’s wild horses and burros.

BLM/WO/GI-03/001+4700(Rev. 2017)
Alaska – Alaska State Office • (907) 271-5555

222 West 7th Avenue #13, Anchorage, AK 99513

Arizona – Arizona State Office • (602) 417-9200

One North Central, Suite 800, Phoenix, AZ 85004

California – California State Office 

(916) 978-4400 • 2800 Cottage Way, 

Suite 1623 • Sacramento, CA 95825

Litchfield • (800) 545-4256 • 474-000 Highway 

395 East • Litchfield, CA 96117

Ridgecrest • (800) 951-8720 • 3647-A Randsburg 

Wash Road • Ridgecrest, CA 93562

Colorado – Royal Gorge Field Office 

(719) 269-8500 • 3028 East Main Street 

Cañon City, CO 81212

Eastern States – Eastern States Office 

(202) 912-7700 • 20 M Street SE, Suite 950, 

Washington, D.C. 20003

AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA –

Southeastern States Field Office

(888) 274-2133 • 278 Market Street, 

Flowood, MS 39232

CT, DE, DC, IL, IN, lA, ME, MD, MA, Ml, MN, 

MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, Rl, VT, WV, WI –

Northeastern States Field Office 

(800) 293-1781• 626 E. Wisconsin Avenue, 

Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI 53202

For More Information

If you have questions, need program 

information, or need to mail paperwork 

to BLM for approval, please contact the 

appropriate office below: 

BLM – Bureau of Land Management

Wild Horse and Burro (WH&B) Program

(866) 468-7826 • wildhorse@BLM.gov

BLM.gov
Idaho – Idaho State Office • (208) 373-4000

1387 S. Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709

Boise District Office • (208) 384-3300

3948 Development Avenue, Boise, ID 83705

Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota – 

Billings Field Office • (406) 896-5013 

5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, MO 59101

Nevada – Nevada State Office • (775) 861-6500

1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, NV 89502

New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas – 

Oklahoma Field Office • (800) 237-3642

201 Stephenson Parkway, Suite 1200, 

Norman, OK 73072

Oregon, Washington – Burns Wild Horse Corrals 

(541) 573-2930 • 26755 Highway 20 West,

Hines, OR 97738

Utah – Utah State Office • (801) 539-4057

440 West 200 South, Suite 500, SLC, UT 84101

Salt Lake Field Office • (801) 977-4300

2370 South Becker Lake Boulevard, 

West Valley, UT 84119

Fillmore Field Office • (435) 743-3135 

95 East 500 North, Fillmore, UT 84631

Wyoming, Nebraska – Rock Springs Field Office 

(307) 352-0256 • (307) 352-0292 • 280 Highway

191 North, Rock Springs, WY 82901

Revised Feb. 2017