[RC] Easter Mustang Adoption in Ridgecrest, CA

On Behalf Of Typef

I thought I would pass this on for those of you in the market for an
inexpensive project and future endurance prospect. My most wonderful, loving
Mustang MC came from one of these auctions. The price is definitely right
... they've dropped it to $25 on some of them. They even mention endurance
in their press release ... YAY! :) Jackie

For Immediate Release: March 21, 2003
Contact: Doran Sanchez, (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: dasanche@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-03-33

BLM Schedules Special Wild Horse and Burro Adoption for Easter

Most people may think of chicks and bunnies for Easter, but the U.S. Bureau
of Land Management (BLM) has a better idea - - how about adopting a wild
horse or burro to celebrate the arrival of spring? It may not fit in an
Easter basket, but the animals can offer many years of pleasure to their
adopters.

The Bureau will offer about 150 wild Mustangs and 80 wild burros for
adoption on Saturday, April 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at its Regional Wild
Horse and Burro Corral Facility located 4 ½ miles east of Ridgecrest,
California on the Randsburg Wash Road. The adoption will be conducted by
first come, first served.

To make this Easter adoption even more special, the BLM is reducing adoption
fees on many of the animals. Jacks, and Mustangs (geldings and mares) three
to five years old will be available for adoption for $25 per animal.
Jennies, and Mustangs two years and younger (weanlings, geldings, mares)
will be available for adoption for $125 per animal. Adoption fees may be
paid by cash, check or credit card.

BLM is reducing the adoption fees on the animals that have been in BLM
corral facilities and sanctuaries for more that six months in an effort to
place them in good homes. BLM has been conducting emergency gathers
throughout the western United States because severe drought conditions and
wildfires have destroyed thousands of acres of wild horse and burro habitat,
and now has more than 8,000 animals that need a good home. All the animals
have been wormed and vaccinated and are in excellent health.

Phil West will conduct a free horse gentling and training demonstration at
11:00 a.m. on Saturday. After the demonstration, the Mustang will be
offered for adoption. West, an officer with the Inyo County Sheriffs
Department, has adopted and trained many Mustangs and uses his Mustang for
Mounted Patrol.

Mustangs make excellent riding stock, and properly trained some adopted
Mustangs have become national champions in dressage, snaffle bit
competitions, trail, endurance, and jumping. BLM wranglers and personnel
will be available to answer questions and help adopters select their
animal(s).

Individuals must be at least 18 years old and have no convictions for
inhumane treatment of animals. Adopters also must have adequate facilities,
the financial means to care for the animal(s), and should have some
experience training or raising a horse or burro. Qualified individuals may
adopt up to four animals.

Adopters should bring a nylon web halter and 20-foot cotton lead rope for
each animal. A stock trailer will be required to transport the animal(s).
Drop ramp trailers will not be allowed. The wranglers will load the animals
into the trailers. Private carriers also will be available to help adopters
transport their animal(s).

The process is called an ?adoption? because BLM retains title to the animal
for one year after the adoption. During this time, adopters cannot sell
their adopted animal. More than 195,000 animals have been placed in private
homes since the Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program began in 1973.

For more information contact Doran Sanchez, BLM Public Affairs Specialist,
at (909) 697-5220.