The Bureau of Land Management’s Montana/Dakotas Wild Horse and Burro Program held a successful adoption event May 2-4, 2025, placing 26 wild horses into new homes, including 19 adults and 7 yearlings, out of the 36 animals offered. With a 72% placement rate into private care, the event demonstrated the public’s continued interest in adopting and caring for America’s iconic wild horses.

“Each horse adopted is a life changed, and every adopter becomes part of the story of wild horse conservation,” said Melissa Foster, BLM Montana/Dakotas lead wild horse and burro specialist. “We’re proud of what we accomplished this weekend, and excited for what’s next.”

Event Highlights:

• Friday Evening Silent Auction: Approximately 30 attendees joined us for the viewing and silent auction, which resulted in 13 horses being placed. The high bid of the evening came in at $350 for a dun gelding from Nevada.

• Saturday Clinic & Adoption: A horsemanship clinic led by renowned mustang trainer, Mustang Matt, drew around 75 people, with total attendance topping 90 for the day. Two additional horses were placed on Saturday.

• Sunday Surge: Despite cold, rainy forecasts, Sunday brought a steady stream of visitors and nine successful adoptions.

This adoption event was a true team effort. From planning to public engagement to on-site logistics, BLM Montana/Dakotas and BLM Wyoming staff demonstrated passion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the BLM’s mission of humane placement and land stewardship.  

Missed this event? No worries! Join us for the next adoption event in Livingston, Montana, June 6–8, where 41 untrained horses and burros will be looking for their forever homes.

Visit www.blm.gov/whb to learn more about upcoming events, eligibility, and how you can be part of the effort to protect and preserve these living symbols of the American West.

-BLM-

Photo caption: “Mustang Matt” leads a horse clinic during the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Event in Hamilton, Montana, May 3, 2025. (Photo by Melissa Foster, BLM)

Source: BLM photo and press release