AWHC Volunteers Attend Arizona Burro Adoption Event

December 15, 2023

AWHC Contributor

On December 8th, the Florence BLM Wild Horse & Burro adoption event took place at the Department of Corrections in Florence, Arizona. Inmates, with proper clearance, care for and handle wild horses and burros at this facility. Five of those inmates showcased the talents of three gentled wild horses and three tamed burros in front of 25 potential adopters.

Rehabilitation Through Equine Care

The Florence facility is one of four in the United States where prison inmates work with these American Icons, providing an opportunity for rehabilitation. Despite having no prior experience with horses and burros, many inmates find employment with them after their sentences.

Event Highlights

During the event, two volunteers from the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) were present, capturing photos and a short reel from outside the facility since recording equipment wasn't allowed inside.

The inmates demonstrated the skills of their equines, including a burro pulling a cart and horses ready for trail riding. Adopters who successfully filled out an application needed to make a minimum bid of $1,000 for horses and $500 for burros. Ultimately, all three horses found new homes, with two headed for ranching jobs and one adopted by a 12-year-old girl. Unfortunately, the three available burros didn't receive any bids, despite having capable handlers and foundational training.

Current Situation and Future Prospects

At present, the AWHC volunteers estimated around 700 burros, and a few horses are tended to at the facility. These animals have access to water and alfalfa, maintaining healthy Henneke body scores ranging between 4 and 6. In theory, the adoption event provides a chance for these wild horses and burros to find new homes along with rehabilitation and skill development of the inmates. AWHC maintains that to keep animals out of the slaughter pipeline, the BLM must invest in humane training programs, like the prison program at the Florence facility.