Eyewitness Report: BLM Adoption Event in Mercedes, Texas
Eyewitness Report: BLM Adoption Event in Mercedes, Texas
On January 27-28, 2023, a satellite adoption event was held at the Rio Grande Valley livestock showgrounds in Mercedes, TX, featuring 14 burros and approximately 80 horses. These animals traveled from Pauls Valley, OK, arriving a day before the event commenced.
The event's first day began with gates opening at 10 am, and adoptions started at noon, continuing until 6 pm. Despite the cold and rainy weather, attendees, mostly families, came to see the horses. Unfortunately, some children were seen disturbing the horses, which was concerning.
Many horses appeared frightened, pacing in circles to avoid people, while others stood calmly, eating hay and showing curiosity. Most were in good condition, though some had diarrhea, and one horse had a severe wound likely from kicking.
Adoptions began at noon with a brief orientation, followed by visits to each pen. The burros attracted significant interest, with all 14 adopted, likely by ranchers. A minor bidding war occurred over the pintos, but only 11 horses were adopted initially.
Loading was efficient, with experienced staff ensuring no overcrowding in trailers, typically loading four animals at a time. Activity slowed around 3 pm.
The second day started at 8 am, with a slower morning turnout. By 9 am, more attendees arrived, but only three additional horses were adopted before my departure at 11 am. The event concluded at noon, with remaining horses returning to Pauls Valley, OK.
The horses and burros originated from the following Herd Management Areas (HMAs):
- Delaware Mountains, NV
- Goshute, NV
- Spruce-Pequop, NV
- Jakes Wah, NV
- Pancake, NV
- Eagle, NV
- Antelope, NV
- Diamond, NV
- Silver King, NV
- Fish Creek, NV
- Skinkingwater, OR
- Palomino Buttes, OR
- Divide Basin, WY
- Fifteen Mile, WY
- Range, Creek UT
- Choke Cherry, UT
- Challis, ID