The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the University of Idaho 4-H program are partnering for the 16th year to present an adoption event featuring wild horses at the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot on August 30. Since June, 4-H youth from several counties have been training yearling mustangs in skills such as leading, trailer loading, and hoof care, which they will demonstrate during the fair. Ten horses will be available for adoption, with viewing on August 29-30, and adopters must meet BLM requirements, including being at least 18 years old and having suitable facilities. Title to the horses remains with the federal government for one year before adopters can apply for full ownership.
Since 2009, this program has successfully placed over 400 wild horses into private care, saving taxpayers more than $6 million in maintenance costs and raising over $121,000 to support Idaho 4-H clubs. The BLM manages wild horse populations under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, periodically removing excess animals to maintain ecological balance on public lands. These removed horses are then made available for adoption nationwide, with local 4-H clubs actively participating in the training and adoption process.
