Your Wild Horse Is Waiting For You In Ronceverte, Wv
More than 80 young horses will be offered for adoption by the Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) on Sept. 10 and 11 at the Organ Cave Arena just outside Ronceverte, West Virginia.
“We are bringing some exceptional young horses from the Western states, and you can adopt one for a minimum fee of $125,” said BLM-ES State Director Mike Nedd.
The animals will arrive on Friday, September 9, with viewing hours Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The scheduled hours for the adoption are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, and 8 a.m. to noon, Sunday, September 11.
Once gentled, wild horses are used for trail riding, dressage, hunter/jumper, and western events by people who have adopted them. Mustangs are noted for their endurance, sure-footedness and intelligence.
All animals available for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de-wormed, and blood-tested. Since the Adopt-A-Wild Horse & Burro Program began in 1973, more than 204,000 animals have been adopted.
Prospective adopters must have sturdy corrals, 20′ x 20′, at least 6 feet high, shelter, transportation, and the means of caring for the animals. The adoption will be by auction, with the starting adoption fee of $125 per animal. Adopters must provide their own stock-type, step up trailer (ramps or split two-horse type trailers are not allowed). BLM-ES staff will sort, halter and load animals onto the adopters’ trailers.
Applications to adopt will be reviewed Friday afternoon and Saturday. Adopters are encouraged to be pre-qualified by calling the toll free number 1-800-293-1781 before the adoption for information. Animals not adopted during the Saturday morning auction will be offered for the $125 adoption fee on a first-come basis.
Directions: Take exit 175 off I-64 and proceed west on US 60 to Caldwell and turn left on Route 63 West to Organ Cave. This route has an underpass with a 9′ clearance. Vehicles requiring more than a 9′ clearance must use exit 169 (Lewisburg) off I-64 and proceed south on US 219 through Lewisburg, Fairlea and Ronceverte to the community of Organ Cave and turn onto Route 63 East.