Barb Bastian and her sister, Betsy Orr, have adopted two mustangs through the National Wild Horse and Burro Program. We were leading him around and he was eating out of our hands. He wasn't always cooperating. All wild horses and burros are protected by the Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971. Even when the animals are removed from public land, they remain federally protected until they are adopted and the titles are transferred to the adopters.
Wild horses are of no particular breed.
Between 6,000 and 8,000 horses and 500 to 1,000 burros are offered for adoption each year. Adopters can buy and receive title to a maximum four wild horses or burros within a year. Adopters must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. resident, have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals and provide adequate facilities for the animals.