OCALA, FL (352today.com) – If you have the space, transportation, and a love for animals, you have a rare chance to bring a piece of Americana to your home.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is bringing approximately 140 to 150 wild horses and burros to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion’s back arena in Ocala for a special adoption event running May 15–16, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and May 17, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“These animals are extremely popular—especially in the eastern United States,” said BLM spokesperson Hunter Paffrath. “I’d be surprised if we had any left by Saturday. If you’re 100% interested in adopting, I’d recommend coming Thursday or Friday.”

What to Expect

The animals available have been brought in from western rangelands. While they’ve had limited human contact, they’ve been vaccinated, had their feet trimmed, and were cared for in facilities that prepared them for adoption.

“They’ve had no formal training,” Paffrath said. “They’ve been handled in more of a controlled environment—just enough to get them ready for new homes.”

Burros—Spanish for donkeys—are also part of the event lineup.

Affordable, Flexible Options

  • Adoption fee: $125 per animal
  • Purchase option (select animals): $25 outright
  • With adoption, you have a “return policy”—if circumstances change, BLM will take the animal back.
  • Purchased animals are considered private livestock, with no return option.

Adoption Requirements

  • Must be 18 or older with no history of animal abuse
  • Provide 400 sq. ft. of corral space per animal with access to food, water, and shelter
  • Corral fence height:
    • Adult horses: 6 feet
    • Yearlings: 5 feet
    • Burros: 4.5 feet
  • Trailers must be stock type, covered, with swing gates and solid floors/walls

“This isn’t about profit,” Paffrath added. “We’re just trying to get these animals into good homes.”

This is the first time the BLM has returned to the Ocala area in about two years. A previous event scheduled for October was postponed due to Hurricane Helene.

For more details, visit blm.gov.

 

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