Wild horses will gallop into Kentucky this weekend, looking for a new corral to call home.

        About 100 horses and 30 burros will be up for adoption to the public, said Shayne Banks, public affairs officer for the federal Bureau of Land Management.

        The bureau will offer animals for adoption in Versailles on Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Preview and registration will be 1 to 5 p.m. Friday. Registration also will be held Saturday before the bidding starts at 8.

Cecil Lane adopted a horse in 1996 for $125.

        Cecil Lane of Aurora, Ind., adopted a horse in 1996 for $125 and hopes to add another this weekend to his 86-acre farm.

        “She's a good horse,” Mr. Lane said. “I want a spotted horse. It's brown, black and white. I have one, and I want another one. I'm just going to go look and see if I can find something I like the looks of.”

        Gerald Hill, 73, Rising Sun, Ind., adopted a horse, Cali, for his grandson in 1998. He also adopted a burro, Jack, to be a guard animal.

        “Cali likes sugar cubes,” said Mr. Hill. “You can put one in your hand and you'll make a friend. You just need to baby them a bit and spend a lot of time with them to gain their trust.

        “My wife wanted to breed Cali to a stallion for the chance to have another young colt. Unfortunately, Jack had the same idea, so we're expecting a baby mule in the fall.”

        Mr. Hill is hoping to adopt another yearling filly at Lakeside Arena in Versailles this weekend. “We're looking forward to adopting through the program again. It's an extremely rewarding experience for any animal lovers out there,” he said.

        The Bureau of Land Management captures between 8,000 and 10,000 animals a year and offers them for adoption across the country, Ms. Banks said. “There are 50,000 wild horses in the United States. The land can only sustain 30,000. It's overpopulation. We try to alleviate the problem,” she said.

        She said the program has placed nearly 200,000 animals that might have otherwise starved.

IF YOU GO

What: Wild Horse and Burro Adoption    Where: Lakeside Arena, 1385 Duncan Millville Road, Versailles, Ky.    When: Registration 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, adoption 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday.    Information: (888) 274-2133

        Ms. Banks hopes to find homes for at least 90 percent of the 130 animals this weekend. Most up for adoption are from Nevada and all are under the age of 5, she said.

        Adopting a wild horse or burro isn't like taking in a stray kitten, however.

        “They have to have some type of corral to put the animal in when they get home,” Ms. Banks said.

        Also, depending on the size of animal, an owner must have a 5-foot to 6-foot-tall sturdy fence.

        “During the first year that they have the horse, someone will come out and inspect the place periodically,” said Ms. Banks. “Everyone will be inspected at least once.”

        The horses and burros are wild, “so it takes a little time to train them. But if people have the patience, they make wonderful pets,” Ms. Banks added.

        “The animals are noted for their surefootedness, resilience and strong sense of loyalty to their caretaker,” said Cozette Archie, wild horse and burro specialist with the bureau. “They are very sturdy and healthy animals.”

        People wanting to adopt must be at least 18 years of age and have no record of animal abuse.

        Prospective owners are allowed to adopt no more than four animals. The title to each animal will remain with the government for one year, at which time those adopting can apply for their own title.

        The animals already have a negative Coggins test and all their vaccinations, Ms. Banks said. A Coggins test screens for equine infectious anemia.

        “We start with a competitive-bid adoption. It's like an auction. Any of the animals that aren't bid on are available on a first-come basis after the auction for $125,” Ms. Banks said. The money raised is put back in the program.

        Call (888) 274-2133 or go to www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov for more information.
       

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