National Wild Horse Adoption Day Sept. 26 in Prescott Valley

September 9, 2009

PHOENIX – Living symbols of the Western spirit will be available during National Wild Horse Adoption Day on Sept. 26, from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Wild Horse Ranch Rescue. The event, part of a national effort to adopt 1,000 wild horses on one day, will be held at the Yavapai County Fairgrounds in Prescott Valley, Ariz. off Highway 89A, east of Fain Road.

On Saturday, silent competitive bidding and a lottery drawing will be held at the green BLM Corrals at 10 a.m. The minimum adoption fee is $125 per animal, which vary in age, color, and breed.

After the auction, successful bidders will have a chance to adopt one additional “buddy” (companion) horse from those remaining for only $25 by lottery drawing.

Public viewing and registration for bidding will be Friday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 – 10 a.m. The site will remain open Saturday until 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., for adoption of remaining animals available, and for adopters to pick up and transport their animal(s) home.

Bidders must be at least 18 years of age, with no record of animal abuse. Animals will need to be kept in a corral made of sturdy material and at least 400 sq. ft. An adoption application must be completed and approved by BLM.

For more information about the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program and to qualify to adopt, contact the BLM toll free at 1-866-468-7826, or visit wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.