Jackson arena hosts adoption event for wild horses, burros

A Wild Horses and Burro Adoption event took place with a preview Friday and sales Saturday at Flickerwood Arena in Jackson.

Adoptions were on a first-come, first-served basis for approved applicants. Bureau of Land Management requirements included details such as never having been convicted of inhumane treatment to animals, having no prior violations of adoption regulations, and being financially able to provide shelter and feed, as well as veterinary and farrier care. Fees ranged from $25 to $125 depending on the type and age of the animal.

"Inspections are held a few months after the adoption and the adopters do not have actual ownership until one year after the adoption" said Jessi Huston, 16, of O'Fallon, Mo., whose family has adopted four Mustangs. Huston said they often attend adoption events within driving distance and bring the Mustangs to show the public the potential of the animals.

"Mustangs are very curious and have the greatest minds" Huston said. "Once you get their trust they'll do anything for you." She believes Mustangs like to have something they can call their own and have the ability and desire to do whatever you want them to do. She called them "the most willing breed."

According to Dave Berg, a wild horse and burro specialist from the bureau's field office in Milwaukee, Wis., Mustangs -- and the small donkeys -- run wild in nine mostly western U.S. states. Represented at this weekend's event were animals from Nevada, Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. They are gathered when they are yearlings, or young horses.

A four-year-old Bay Mare from Oregon munches on some hay Friday afternoon, Feb. 22, 2013 at Flickerwood Arena in Jackson. The arena was open Friday for a preview before Saturday's Wild Horse and Burro adoption event. (Laura Simon)

Berg said 34 animals -- sorrel, bays and brown -- were brought from an Elm Creek, Neb. holding facility. The average height of the horses was around 14 hands and the average weight was about 900 pounds. Most animals were younger than four years old.

"Missouri is one of the best states for adopting horses" he said. "There are good horse people here."

Tori Vetter, 16, of Benton, Mo., said her family adopted a two-year-old Mustang. Vetter "chose the animal based on its looks and personality," and she plans to train it.

Jan Wooden of Highland, Ill., always wanted a riding horse to train but found most breeds too expensive. After learning of the wild horse and burro program, she has adopted two.

"They are not crazy animals; they are trainable" Wooden said. "I like to say wild Mustangs come with no baggage. They have nothing to unlearn."

Berg said one advantage to adopting a Mustang is that "you are adopting a piece of America -- the American West."

Pertinent address:

Jackson, Mo.