PERRY, Ga. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting a wild horse and burro adoption event at the Georgia National Fairgrounds from July 11 to July 13. This event offers more than 100 horses and burros for sale, gathered from western U.S. rangelands.
Since 1971, the BLM has placed over 240,000 wild horses and burros into private care. Many of these animals have transitioned into roles as companions, show animals and competitors at the national level according to Hunter Paffrath at the BLM.
"These horses and burros make great companions and show animals," Paffrath said. "If you're willing to put in the time and effort to train them, you can forge unforgettable bonds."
The BLM is mandated by Congress to protect vital rangelands across the United States. When the population of wild horses and burros exceeds the carrying capacity of public lands, leading to degraded watersheds and forests, the BLM removes these animals and offers them for adoption.
To adopt, buyers must be at least 18 years old and provide a corral, barn, or stall with access to feed, water, and shelter. Additionally, they will need to provide a facility that mitigates the effects of inclement weather and extreme temperatures.
Amanda Keeler, a Perry farm owner, heard about the adoption event Thursday morning and called her husband to let him know she was bringing one back.
"It was a dream when I was younger to adopt a wild horse," Keeler said. "When I heard it on the radio, I couldn't believe they were actually in Perry."
Volunteers helped load over half of the available horses and burros into trailers, leaving around 40 animals available for adoption over the next two days.
"This is important for everyone in Central Georgia interested in owning wild horses or burros," Paffrath said. "We hope to come out every year, but this is your chance to bring home a wild horse or burro."
The event continues through noon on Saturday, July 13 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds.