Homes needed
Many wild horses struggle to survive the harsh conditions of the desert, and over-breeding puts too much stress on the resources.
That’s why the bureau of land management wants to find folks to adopt some wild horses that they gathered up recently.
The yearling mustang shown in the picture isn’t used to people, but, without people, this colt might not make it past it’s first few years.
“We could possibly lose horses from starvation or drought,” says Gus Warr, the head of the Utah division of Wild Horse and Burro Adoption, which is a program run under the Bureau of Land Management.
This is Mario Johnson. He could also be called the horse whisperer. His job is to “gentle” the wild horses, so people can give them a home.
“These are wild Mustangs from off the desert, and so it takes some work to gentle–to try to get them where you can catch them, pick up their feet maybe, lead ‘em, stuff like that,” says Johnson, who trains horses professionally.
It’s all part of an adoption program run by the B.L.M. called Wild Horse and Burro Adoption. Gus Warr is the head of the Utah division.
“we really like people that have good, adequate facilities, ’cause we do screen people. You know, not everyone can take one home,” says Warr.
Taking in a wild horse is no small task. It’s expensive, and these horses need a lot of time and attention.
You can see how scared the yearling colt gets when the horse gentler enters the corral.
Though the horse whisperer lives up to his reputation, and, after just a few minutes, the mustang makes first contact with the trainer.
“It’s pretty significant when it’ll touch me. I didn’t force it.”
This colt warmed up faster than others might, although the time it will take to domesticate a wild horse depends on its personality. According to Johnson, the time is well worth it.
“it’s really rewarding when you can work through that and the horse actually enjoys being with you, and they kind of let down.”
Not to mention, the horse gets a chance at living a longer, better life.
The wild horses and burros are in Rigby for the weekend, and the folks with the B.L.M. would like to adopt out as many as possible to folks who are able to care for them.
They go for a base fee of 125 dollars in an oral auction, but you can adopt them anytime from the B.L.M.’s holding facilities.
If you are interested in adopting a wild horse or contacting the horse trainer featured in the story, below is the information:
Mario Johnson, Cult Starting and Horsemanship
P.O. Box 42
Georgetown, Idaho 83239
(208) 847-0293 or (208) 847-1569
V. Gus Warr, Wild Horse and Burro Specialist, Utah Team Lead
U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management
Office: (801) 539-4057
Cell: (801) 824-1632
Gus_Warr@blm.gov
Source: LocalNews8