BLM's Mismanagement Highlighted at VA Adoption Event

The recent adoption and sales event held by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Lorton, VA, has highlighted significant mismanagement issues. The event, which was ultimately aborted, exposed wild horses to dangerous weather conditions, resulting in the death of one horse and several others receiving a strike toward sale authority eligibility.

Event Overview

On November 1st and 2nd, 2019, the BLM transported 61 horses from its off-range corral in Ewing, IL, to Lorton, VA. Upon arrival at the Meadowoods Special Recreation Management Area, the horses were placed in open pens without shelter, despite a tornado watch and warnings of severe weather.

Weather Conditions and Safety Concerns

The National Weather Service had issued a tornado watch for the Washington D.C. area, including Fairfax County, where Lorton is located. The BLM's Adoption Site Selection Criteria typically requires a covered arena for such events, but this was not adhered to, putting the horses at risk and wasting taxpayer money.

An AWHC staff member observed the horses standing in deep mud, with BLM staff struggling to manage them due to the poor conditions. A gentling demonstration was also compromised by the muddy footing, causing a horse to slip and collide with the pen panels.

Event Cancellation and Aftermath

Due to the adverse conditions, the BLM canceled the event's second day. Tragically, a gelding fractured his leg while being reloaded onto a trailer and was euthanized. While deaths are common during BLM roundups, they are rare at adoption events.

Of the 61 horses, 32 were adopted or sold, while the rest received a strike, moving them closer to sale authority eligibility. The BLM justified the decision to unload the horses in severe weather, citing the need for rest before returning to the corral.

Implications and Future Actions

The timing of the event coincided with a Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Meeting in Washington D.C., where members advocated for increased adoptions and sales. Despite receiving funding to build a cover at Lorton, the damage was already done for the horses affected by the event.

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) continues to advocate for the humane treatment and management of wild horses and burros, emphasizing the need for better planning and adherence to safety standards in future events.