Giddy-Up Hoss; Your Wild Horse is Waiting For You in Storrs, Conn.

News Advisory:

On August 20 and 21, the Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) will offer more than 100 young horses for adoption at the Horsebarn Hill Arena, University of Connecticut. “We are bringing some exceptional young horses from the western states, and you can adopt one for a minimum fee of $125,” said BLM-ES Director Mike Nedd.

The animals will arrive on Friday, August 19, with viewing hours Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The scheduled hours for the adoption are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 and 8 a.m. to noon, Sunday, August 21.

Once gentled, wild horses are used for trail riding, dressage, hunter/jumper, and western events by people who have adopted them. Mustangs are noted for their endurance, sure-footedness and intelligence.

All animals available for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de-wormed, and blood-tested. Since the Adopt-A-Wild Horse & Burro Program began in 1973, more than 204,000 animals have been adopted.

Prospective adopters must have sturdy corrals, at least six feet high, shelter, transportation, and the means of caring for the animals. The adoption will be by auction, with the starting adoption fee of $125 per animal. Adopters must provide their own stock-type, step up trailer (ramps or split two-horse type trailers are not allowed). BLM-ES staff will sort, halter and load animals onto the adopters’ trailers.

Applications to adopt will be reviewed Friday afternoon and Saturday. Adopters are encouraged to be pre-qualified by calling the toll free number 1-888-274-2133 before the adoption for information. Animals not adopted during the Saturday morning auction will be offered for the $125 adoption fee on a first-come basis.

Directions: From I-84 take Exit 68 in Tolland. Travel South on Connecticut Route 195 about six miles to the University. You will cross Route 44 (known as Mansfield Four Corners). Stay on Route 195 for one mile to the Storrs Campus. Turn left at the 2nd light where a sign “campus area ahead” will be seen, onto Horsebarn Hill Road. The road will split immediately, take the left split which keeps you on Horsebarn Hill Road. The large red arena will be on your left.

For applications or other information contact the Bureau of Land Management at 1-888-274-2133 or 1-866-4MUSTANGS, or visit the BLM Web site at http://www.es.blm.gov/programs/whb.

Contact Information

Bill Davenport

Media Contact

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States

Contact via E-mail