The Bureau of Land Management will offer the public an opportunity to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro through an Online Corral auction, which will run July 14-21. Winning bidders will be able to pick up their adopted or purchased animal at the adoption event at Ozaukee County Fairgrounds in Cedarburg, Wisconsin on Sep. 12.
The Online Corral is the bureau’s internet-based platform. Prospective adopters and purchasers can browse photos, videos, and details about available wild horses and burros, submit applications, and place bids – all from the comfort of their home. Wild horses and burros came from overpopulated herds on public lands in the western United States. Removing them maintains healthy animals and rangelands. Most animals offered are untrained and unhandled.
“This unique event gives the people of Cedarburg and the surrounding region a convenient opportunity to provide a good home to a wild horse or burro,” says Annie Ebbers, off-range branch chief for the Wild Horse and Burro Program. “Adopters can gain a rewarding experience with a wild horse or burro while also helping to support the BLM’s mission to manage and protect these iconic animals and the public lands they inhabit.”
Interested? Apply now to become pre-approved for bidding. During the auction, approved users can browse animals, place bids, and coordinate pick-up. Bidding starts at $125.
To qualify, adopters must be at least 18 years old and meet facility requirements. This includes at least 400 square feet of corral space per animal, suitable shelter, and fencing heights based on the animal type. Transport trailers must be covered, stock-type, and equipped with sturdy floors and swing gates.
See detailed requirements: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-01/BLM_WHB_AdoptionRequirementsFlyer-508.pdf
Auction link: https://wildhorsesonline.blm.gov/Auction
Adoption event: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/wild-horse-adoption-event-cedarburg-wisconsin
