How to Adopt a Mustang From the BLM

Mustangs are strong, intelligent horses that devote themselves to the people who love them. If you are willing to invest time and patience in your horse, adopting a mustang from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) may be for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine that a mustang is the right horse for you. When you adopt a mustang from the BLM, you are adopting a fairly wild animal. She will need gentle training before she lets you ride her. Mustangs are generally independent horses that will create lifelong bonds with people when given the proper care and attention.
2. Meet the requirements for adopting a mustang. You must be at least 18 and be able to prove that you can provide adequate and humane care for the horse within the United States. You must also have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals.
3. Prepare housing for your mustang. Each horse you adopt needs a minimum of 400 square feet of space. Fencing must be sturdy and at least 6 feet high. You cannot use barbed wire as a fence. You must also provide shelter for your mustang, such as a loafing shed.
4. Download an adoption application from the BLM, complete it and mail it to the nearest BLM office. Wait for approval of your application before you continue with the adoption process.
5. Plan to attend an adoption event after your application is approved. View the schedule of events at the BLM website. You can attend any adoption event, but it's best to adopt closest to where your horse will live to avoid having to transport your new mustang a far distance.
6. Adopt online if you can't attend an event in-person. The BLM holds Internet adoptions periodically throughout the year. After your application is approved, you can register and bid on the available horses, which you can view on the site. If you are the highest bidder, you will be notified and given information about picking up your new horse.
7. Bring payment, proof of identity, a double-stitched nylon halter and a sturdy lead rope for each horse you adopt. You must also bring an appropriate horse trailer with doors that open to the side, rather than a drop-down door, and has enough space for the horse to move around. Divided two-horse trailers are not allowed, even with the partition removed.
8. Receive the Certificate of Title for your adopted horse after you have provided humane care for 1 year. The BLM will send you a Title Eligibility Letter, which you must sign and return, accompanied by a letter from a veterinarian or other appropriate individual who can attest to your care of your horse.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have personal experience working with wild horses, hire a trainer that specializes in mustangs for the best results.
• You must locate a veterinarian and farrier who are willing and able to work with wild horses, especially if you have adopted an animal that hasn't been gentled.
• You cannot adopt a mustang if you wish to use her for commercial purposes or if you wish to sell her.