CONGRATULATIONS on your interest in adopting one of America's wild horses or burros!

Some people who decide they want to adopt a feral equine from the Bureau of Land Management Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program do not intend to train or gentle their horse or burro; instead they want to turn the animal out to pasture to live out its days, with the mistaken idea that this is kind. Horses and burros are herd animals that depend on other members of the herd for physical and mental well-being. Without this interaction with its own species or a subsitute, such as a human companion, the wild horse or burro becomes a ghost of its true self. Additional problems arise if the horse or burro becomes ill or when basic equine care such as hoof trimming cannot be done because the animal has not been gentled. We sincerely hope that anyone who wishes to adopt a feral horse or burro is looking for a friend and companion and not a "yard ornament."

• Visit the LIFE Website at: http://www.equinenet.org/life/
• Visit the KICKIN' BACK RANCH website at: http://www.ecis.com/~whl/pag/blmhorse.html
• Visit the NATIONAL BLM WILD HORSE & BURRO website at: http://www.blm.gov/whb/
• Join the LIFE WILD HORSE & BURRO MAILING LIST at: http://www.equinenet.org/life/whljoin.html