Livingston, Texas is the place to be this summer for animal lovers and those interested in adopting a wild horse or burro. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting a two-day event on July 18-19 at the Barney Wiggins Memorial Arena, located at 100 Fair Street, just 1.6 miles south of Livingston on Highway 146. This exciting event is the perfect opportunity to adopt a wild animal and help support BLM’s efforts in managing healthy herds.
What’s Happening at the Event?
The event will showcase 120 wild horses and burros that once roamed freely on public lands in the West. The event will kick off at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 18, and the adoption will run from noon to 6 p.m. that day, continuing on Saturday, July 19, from 8 a.m. to noon. BLM staff will be available to assist with questions and adoption applications throughout the event.
What Animals Are Available for Adoption?
The animals available for adoption include adult and yearling horses, as well as burros, all of which were once part of the wild herds that roam public lands. The BLM periodically removes excess animals to maintain healthy herds and ensure that the rangeland resources are protected.
Since the adoption program began in 1973, BLM has successfully placed more than 280,000 wild horses and burros in approved homes across the country. By adopting one of these animals, you can make a real difference in supporting the ongoing efforts to manage wild herds.
How to Adopt
To adopt a wild horse or burro, there are a few qualifications you need to meet:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Animal Care: You cannot have a record of animal abuse.
Space Requirements: You must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal.
Fencing:
For adult horses, a six-foot fence is required.
For yearlings, a five-foot fence is needed.
For burros, a four-and-a-half-foot fence will suffice.
Transportation: All animals must be transported in covered, stock-type trailers with swing gates and sturdy walls and floors.
BLM staff will be available on-site to assist with the adoption process and will approve applications as they are received.
Important Information
Event Location: Barney Wiggins Memorial Arena, 100 Fair Street, Livingston, Texas
Adoption Times:
Friday, July 18: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 19: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For More Information: Call BLM at 866-468-7826.