Oklahomans Get Exclusive Chance to Explore Protected Wild Horses’ Care

Thanks to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Oklahomans can take a first-hand tour of one of the properties used by the government to care for wild horses and burros in Oklahoma.

On June 22, 2024, the Oklahoma BLM is hosting a free two hour public tour of the Grey Horse pasture near Hominy, Oklahoma. According to the announcement by the BLM, the purpose of the tour is to "to allow public access to the private facility to learn more about BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program." This way, the public can see what it takes to care for and work with these animals.

The visit also includes a virtual spin through western rangelands where wild horses roam thanks to the Mustang Champions, a 501(c)(3).

The virtual kiosk presentation will reveal detailed information about the animals kept in the free-roaming areas and how facilties are working to take the best care of them. Groups like the Mustang Champions make it possible for Oklahomans and many other states to adopt wild mustangs.

After the most recent headcount in March 2024, there were 40,000 wild horses being held on off-range pastures throughout the country, just like the one everyone will be touring. According to the BLM, "many of these animals are placed into private care either through adoption or sale" in order to help balance what the land can naturally provide for the appropriate amount of horses.

Preserving these animals is important, as the law consideres wild horses and burros to be "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West," according to the BLM. When considering adopting a wild horse, it's important to remember they are not domesticated.

Potential adopters will be required to provide proof of proper shelter, transportation and maintaining the animal's health for at least a year. While they are caring the animal, it is still considered government property until they've reached a year mile-marker and can proceed to gain full ownership. If you'd like to see just what it would take, this tour might be the best free option to see for yourself.

@mandaleann85 So excited to see what my daughter can do with this beautiful girl. #oklahoma #horsesoftiktok #fyp #wildmustangs #blmmustang #buckskin #filly #horsegirl #wildhorses #mustangadoption #foxhoghma #foxhogmustang #laineywilson ♬ Heart Like A Truck - Lainey Wilson

Those wanting to attend must register ahead of time and will be meeting at the Woodland High School to ride on the air-conditioned buses to the pasture. The BLM encourages everyone to bring your phones, cameras and other recording tools to share their efforts with the rest of the world. More light on the subject may mean more help to keep these animals safe and well taken care of.

Did you know that the family that owns the most land in Oklahoma uses some of their 433,000 acres for wild horses and burros? Read more here about the Drummond Family.

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