Last week, the Bureau of Land Management announced the launch of five new public-private partnership agreements designed to place wild horses and burros into private care. These partnerships could receive up to nearly $25 million in funding over five years and help place approximately 11,000 additional wild horses and burros over and above the BLM’s existing adoption program.
Together, these agreements could help save taxpayers roughly $160 million by reducing the costs to care for unadopted wild horses and burros. Based on 2023 prices, the average cost is approximately $15,000 to care for a wild horse in BLM facilities over its lifetime if it is not placed into private care, leaving taxpayers on the hook for more than $1 billion for the 67,000 wild horses and burros currently in short- and long-term holding.
“The BLM is committed to ensuring the health and long-term sustainability of America’s wild horse and burro herds and the public lands they roam,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “By working with partners, we can reduce the number of animals in off-range facilities and ensure a healthy balance on public lands. These efforts are crucial for the well-being of the animals while also a savings for taxpayers.”
One partner, Forever Branded, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Paradise, Texas, will receive up to nearly $16.37 million over five years to support nationwide training and adoption programs for wild horses and burros. Its Branded Partnerships program will establish a network of equine trainers to train and gentle wild horses and burros for adoption. Branded Adoption Centers will be located across the country and provide adoption opportunities for local communities. The organization will also host annual events to showcase the trainability of the animals and build a community of trainers willing to share best practices.
The BLM also awarded new agreements, renewable up to five years, with four additional organizations that will assist the BLM with education and outreach, training animals and placing wild horses and burros into private care in their local communities, showcasing wild horses in competitive events and programs that connect trainers with potential adopters.
Teens and Oregon Mustangs of Yamhill, Oregon could receive up to $6 million.
Meeker Mustang Makeover potentially could receive up to nearly $700,000 in funding.
Sacramento Sheriff’s Office Wild Horse Program may receive up to nearly $700,000 to support their program at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center.
Mustang Yearlings Washington Youth may receive up to slightly over $500,000 to support its program that connects adults and youth with wild horses.
To learn more about the Wild Horse and Burro Program, click here.
