Wild horse and humane animal advocacy groups from across the nation are joining forces for a single cause: to encourage the American public to consider and act on the adoption of a wild horse or burro. A goal of 1,000 adoptions has been set for the first National Wild Horse Adoption Day to be held September 26, 2009. Nearly 33,000 mustangs roam federal lands across the West. In order to manage the herds and maintain both land and herd health, the Bureau of Land Management oversees the adoption of wild horses and burros through public adoptions held throughout the United States. Since 1973, more than 220,000 wild horses and burros have been adopted.

Horses between the ages of 1 and 6 years old are typically selected from the herds for adoption, but a horse of any age can fit into the right farm or ranch.  For many mustang adopters, having the opportunity to work with a horse or burro with an intriguing past and an unconventional upbringing brings a unique and special element to their relationship.

The groups supporting National Wild Horse Adoption Day, in addition to the BLM, include Wild Horses 4 Ever, the American Horse Protection Association, the Mustang Heritage Foundation and The Humane Society of the United States.

The groups are working together to educate Americans about wild horse issues while promoting adoption of BLM wild horses through adoption events, training programs and motivational experiences, says spokesperson Jerry Reynoldson.

"The federal government, wild horse advocates, cattle ranchers and the taxpayers all agree that the current system of relying on a flat adoption market to sustain BLM mustang removal programs is an increasing drain on federal resources," he said. "While there is a difference of opinion on the appropriate numbers of animals removed, it is clear that there is an immediate need for a comprehensive, sophisticated, well managed and successful marketing and adoption program that will quickly place the surplus numbers of horses in holding facilities into qualified, adoptive homes. 

 "The day a horseman or woman brings a mustang into their lives, is one they will remember forever. These iconic symbols of our past and future bring a dimension to any horse lover's experience that will help them grow and deepen their understanding, skill and commitment to the special relationship we all have experienced with these magnificent animals."

The goal of 1,000 horses adopted through a National Adoption Day program could create a savings of more than $1,500,000 for the BLM and the American taxpayer.

State BLM offices, as well as wild horse groups, rescue centers, and volunteers will be engaged in activities leading up to and on September 26 to promote an understanding of and interest in opening new homing opportunities to these magnificent animals.

Activities will not only include adoptions, but will also include educational events and wild horse expos. More than 65 events will take place across the country in support of national wild horse adoption day, and other events may apply to be included on the calendar through the event web site at nationalwildhorseadoptionday.org.

For more information on events or how to volunteer, go to nationalwildhorseadoptionday.org or contact coordinating director Angie Grizzell at 817-559-5650.