Southeast Texans have the opportunity to adopt wild horses or burros at a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) event this weekend at Doggett Ford Park in Jefferson County. The event features about 120 untrained animals from public lands across 10 Western states, primarily Nevada, where overpopulation and harsh desert conditions necessitate their removal. The horses and burros are vaccinated, dewormed, and tested, with adoption fees starting at $25. Adoptions on Friday will be competitive bids starting at 10 a.m., while Saturday offers first-come, first-served adoptions until noon. The event is free and open to the public for those interested in learning more.

Prospective adopters must complete an application ensuring they can provide proper care, including a minimum 400-square-foot corral with shelter, food, water, and six-foot fencing. Many adopters enjoy the challenge of training these wild animals, with some returning to share updates. Applications and additional information are available on the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro webpage.