BLM to offer “pairs” of wild horses for adoption

Wednesday, July 1, 1998 | 9:16 a.m.

"A lot of babies were born this year," said BLM spokeswoman Maxine Shane. "The foals and their mothers need good homes, and those interested in adopting will have a large field to select from."

In Nevada alone, about 300 mares at BLM facilities had foals. Most of those at the National Wild Horse and Burro Center at Palomino Valley north of Reno are between 3 and 5 months old.

For health and safety reasons, Shane said the foals need to be kept with their mothers for a while longer.

Fifty pairs will be available for adoption at the Palomino Center on July 17 at a cost of $250. In addition to the pairs, 50 mares and 50 stallions will be ready for adoption on that date. The adoption fee for single animals is $125.

All adopters must be pre-approved.

At least 120 pairs will be offered at sites in other states, including 40 in Utah.

The wild horse population at the Palomino Valley has surged to about 1,600 this year. Shane attributed the growth to adverse weather during the spring, which led to a dropoff in interest among people who might have considered adopting the animals.