The adoption event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, will include free horse gentling and training demonstrations both days. It will be the only wild horse and burro adoption opportunity in the San Joaquin Valley this year. The Bureau of Land Management, a federal agency responsible for protecting these animals, will bring 80 horses and 20 burros to Stockton as part of the Adopt a Horse or Burro program that places animals from the range in private care. The horses range in age from about 18 months to five years.
Wild horses are strong and sure-footed.
They have outstanding endurance and excel at competitive events, back country packing, pleasure riding or ranch work. Burros make excellent companions. They can be used for packing, pulling carts, and even protecting livestock from predators. Anyone interested can get a preview look at the animals when they arrive at the fairgrounds at 2 p.m. Friday, March 30. The adoption event begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, when adopters can bid on the animals of their choice during an oral auction expected to run through the morning.