BLM Wild Horse & Burro Adoption Program Litchfield Corral serves as regional preparation center
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or the curious or equine enthusiasts looking for an addition to their stables, the Bureau of Land Management’s Litchfield Wild Horse and Burro Corrals are worth a visit. Just 21 miles east of Susanville, the corrals can hold up to 1,000 animals that have been removed from public ranges to keep wild populations in balance with other rangeland users. These animals are available for adoption by the public. Anyone can visit the corrals during regular hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Adopters can call the corrals at (530) 254-6575 and arrange to view available animals and take one home. Horse lovers find many reasons to adopt mustangs. Growing up in the rugged and rocky high deserts, these horses have developed sturdy feet and legs. They are sure-footed as well. Many adopters have high praise for the loyalty, or bond, that wild horses develop with their owners. For these equine enthusiasts this bond is well worth the time and patience it takes to gentle and then train a horse that has never been around humans. Adopted mustangs are used for all types of riding, work and competition. Burros are prized by many adopters as pasture pets. They warm up to their human owners quickly and are highly trainable. Many
The ancestry of some wild horses can be traced back to mounts used by the U.S. Cavalry. Photos by Jeff Fontana burros are used to guard livestock from predators such as coyotes, and still others are used for back country packing and pulling carts. Title to adopted wild horses and burros remains with the federal government for one year. After providing a year of good care, adopters can receive title. The law recognizes the animals as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the west,” and requires the BLM to manage the wild herds. For additional information on the adoption event or wild horse management, visit wildhorseandburro.blm.gov. ❖
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