How to Take a Wild Horse Home in Montana

Montana ranch owners will have a rare opportunity to adopt a wild horse next week when the Bureau of Land Management hopes to send three dozen to new homes.

It's all part of the agency's ongoing efforts to manage wild horse and burro populations on public lands in the West.

And if you meet the criteria, it could be an opportunity to take part in a bit of the legacy of the West.

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Event in Hamilton next week

The BLM's Wild Horse Online Corral Adoption Event is set to take place between July 8th and 15th at the Hamilton Training Center.

About 36 of the horses are among those taken from overpopulated herds roaming public rangelands across the West. The animals are untrained but ready for a good home. The BLM offers up to $1,000 to help with a successful relocation.

An unforgettable experience

“Adopting a wild horse is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had,” said Brittany Jones, BLM Montana/Dakotas Communications Chief. “By opening your heart to a wild horse, you embark on a remarkable journey of companionship, trust, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives.”

How to take part

The minimum fee for adoption is $125 with a public viewing of the animals on July 12th, from 4-7 p.m. at Alvista Loop in Hamilton.

That's followed by a free "First Touch Gentling Event" with the help of trainer "Mustang Matt" on July 13th.

WATCH BELOW: BLM video on wild horse adoption

https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/video/2024-05/WHB%20-%20WhatToLookFor.mp4

Then, a limited number of horses will be offered for adoption on a first-come, first served basis at the Hamilton Training Center on July 26th. That's also when people selected for adoption during the online corral event will be able to pick up their animals.