Click on Department of Agriculture Bill of Sale for Feral Horses to read the form.

Providing a home for a wild horse is a challenging and rewarding responsibility.  For qualified individuals, this is a unique opportunity to care for, then own, a living symbol of the Nevada Comstock history ~ a “Local Legend” ~ a wild horse.

 SLOW AND EASY, BEST METHOD

 Whether you gentle an animal yourself or have a professional do it for you, the advice of VRWPA is to take it slow and easy so the animal becomes accustomed to you and its surroundings.

 Everything in the animal’s environment is new, and your new horse needs a chance to become familiar with routine noises, the corral and the feeding routine.  Unexpected noises and sudden movements can scare your new horse, possibly resulting in injury to the animal and to you.  Give the adopted animal a chance to settle in.

 Also, watch your animal for reactions to its environment, its companions and to you.  Don’t ask more of him than he is able to grasp, or stress and fear will result in a discipline problem.  Put yourself in the animal’s new horseshoes.  Imagine you’ve lived all your life on the range with little or no association with man or domestic animals.  Suddenly, you’ve been gathered from familiar surroundings, given immunizations, freeze branded and fed new food.  You’ve just gotten used to the people and the other animals at the adoption corrals, when you’ve been whisked of in a trailer to a new home.  Wouldn’t you want to get to know your adopted family before you went into training?

 After you gain the wild animal’s confidence, you will be able to approach him, place a halter on his neck, put a saddle on his back and, eventually, when it is old enough, ride your adoptee.  Consistent behavior is one of your most important tools as these animals react on a cause and effect basis.

 PLEASE NOTE:  This is only a guide.  Horse owners should contact a professional or your local veterinarian for specific advice.

 We hope this information  will answer your questions about adopting and caring for your own wild horse.

 VIRGINIA RANGE WILDLIFE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION…a history

Velma “Wild Horse Annie” Johnston of Reno, NV, was the leader in gaining support for new laws passed by Congress.  The first law enacted in 1959 prohibited the use of aircraft in capturing wild horses and burros.  The second law, passed in 1971, gave wild horses and burros special protective status on all lands.  Five years later, the law was amended to apply only to those wild horses and burros found on public lands.

As a result, many “mustangers” (those who rounded up wild horses and sell them to slaughter for personal profit) descended upon Storey County – one of the few places left where they could still ply their trade.

 In 1979, Highland residents witnessed a helicopter round up of wild horses in their back yards.  “Mustangers” left evidence of the wholesale slaughter of foals and older adult horses in outlying areas.  Outraged, a group of Highland residents solicited and obtained approval to act as agents for the Virginia City Highlands, the Highland Ranches, and the surrounding 40-acre parcels, a total of 37,400 acres.  This was the beginning of what is now the Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association, aka, VRWPA.

 In the years since, we have tried to be the watchdog and proponent for all wildlife and lands under our jurisdiction.  “Leg-hold” traps are no longer permitted in our area, as old watersheds are being preserved, new ones are developed, and unique ponds are set aside for public use.  However, the interests of the wild horses have taken most of our time and effort.

 In 1993, VRWPA, Storey County officials, and Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, were successful in convincing the Nevada State Legislature to pass a law allowing for local management of our horses.  VRWPA is presently working towards organizing humane alternatives to the destruction of nuisance and surplus local wild horses such as adoption and birth control programs.

 As a non-profit organization, funds are desperately needed to help the horses and range…your tax-deductible contribution is greatly appreciated.

a volunteer nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation

ADOPT A LOCAL LEGEND

Help Protect our Comstock ‘Wild‘ horse herds and preserve an

 ecological balance on the Virginia Range.

Reserve your own Virginia Range ‘Wild’ Horse

The Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association is a nonprofit corporation organized to act as a coordinating agency for the property owners in the unincorporated area of the Virginia Range north of Virginia City, Nevada, which agency shall engage in educational, scientific, developmental and range management activities on behalf of free-roaming horses and wildlife in the area, and on matters pertaining to the environment and the presentation of wildlife habitat.  This organization is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Donations are greatly appreciated and can be sent to:

 Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association

P.O. Box 536

Virginia City, NV  89440-0536

Or call:

775-881-2288

Please visit our website:

www.vrwpa.org

What kinds of wild horses are available for adoption?

 Wild horses are of no particular breed, but some exhibit characteristics associated with specific breeds.  A typical wild horse stands about 14 – 15 hands (56-60”) and weighs about 900 – 1,100 pounds.  Horses are generally solid in color and predominantly sorrels, bays or browns, although all colors occur.  Horses offered for adoption range from several months to nine years of age.  Mares with un-weaned foals, when available, are adopted together.

 How wild is a wild horse?

 When a wild horse is offered for adoption it probably has been less than 90 days since it was running in the wild.  Therefore, they are not accustomed to people.  With kindness and patience, they can be gentled and trained for many uses.  They are best known for their sure-footedness, strength and endurance.  Young animals gentle more quickly than older ones.

 What does it cost to adopt a wild horse?

 The adoption fee for each wild horse is currently $150.  The adoption fee defrays the costs of gathers, feed, medical treatment, and transportation.  Adopters are responsible for all costs following the adoption including recapture of escaped animals.  Adoption fees are not refundable.

 What does it cost to care for a wild horse?

 The annual cost of caring for a wild horse can range from $300 to $1,000 or more depending on local costs and conditions.  The adoption fee will be the smallest expense.  Consider the following types of costs when figuring a ‘wild horse budget’:

     Feed                        Stall/Corral Rental              Vaccinations

    Tack                       Salt/Supplements                 Insecticides

    Training                 Grooming Supplies              Worming

    Medicine               Veterinarian                          Shoeing

 Have the animals received medical care?

 Every wild horse offered for adoption is examined by a veterinarian.  Each animal receives all necessary medial treatment, is tested for disease, immunized and wormed.  A record of the animal’s medical history is given to each adopter.

 What facilities are required for a wild horse?

 Newly adopted wild horses must be kept in an enclosed corral with a minimum area of 400 s.f. (20’ x 20’ or larger) per animal.  This amount of space allows an animal to exercise.  Gentled animals should be exercised daily and must have a 3 sided shelter with roof made of metal or wood and

 at least 144 s.f. (12’ x 12’ or larger) that is well ventilated, drained and frequently cleaned.  Fences must be at least 6’ high for ungentled horses.  Horses under 18 months of age may be kept in corrals with fences 5’ high.  Fences should be of pole, pipe or plank construction and must not have dangerous protrusions.  Barbed wire is not allowed in stalls or corrals.  Adopted wild horses must be provided shelter where severe weather (heat, cold, rain, snow or wind) occurs.

 What should I feed my animal?

     Good quality grass or meadow hay is sufficient for horses or burros, but a mixture of grass/alfalfa or oat mix is also acceptable.  Straight alfalfa is not recommended, as it is too “hot” for these animals and can cause founder.  We recommend that you feed hay in a container and not directly on the ground.  Grains should be limited.  An apple or carrot is a good treat or reward, but most wild horses are unsure of what they are at first, so several tidbits or shavings put into their hay container will help acquaint them.  A trace mineral block must be provided at all times.  Fresh water must be provided on a daily basis.  PLEASE REMEMBER THAT FROZEN WATER IN WINTER MUST BE BROKEN morning and night.  Watch the water level carefully to make sure the horse is drinking.  (They should consume at least 5-10 gallons per day).

 What kind of trailer is required to transport a wild horse?

     Stock trailers are appropriate for ungentled animals.  Straight load trailers are appropriate for gentled horses that have been taught to trailer and for weanlings.  Manger sections need to be covered when transporting weanlings as they tend to jump onto the manager looking to escape.  We do not recommend transporting horses in bad weather or high winds.  You must be able to back completely up to your corral, since the animals can manage an escape route if given only a few inches.  Horses will not be released into trailers that appear to be dangerous or in poor condition.

 How can I adopt a Comstock ‘Wild’ Horse?

     Complete and return the Application for Maintenance and Care of Captured Estray Wild Horse(s).  You will be contacted during the application review process for an interview and to arrange for an inspection.  Your facilities will be screened by either an agent of the VRWPA or a member of a cooperating wild horse humane group.

 How can I qualify to adopt a wild horse?

     You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the United States and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals.  You must also have, or have arranged for, adequate facilities and the financial means to provide for the number of animals adopted.

Will the animal belong to me?

 A Comstock ‘Wild’ horse offered through this adoption belongs to the State of Nevada until the State, or its representative, issues title to the Adopter.  When the care provider signs a Private Maintenance and Care Agreement, he/she automatically applies for title to the animal.  After one year, VRWPA will send a Title Eligibility Letter to the Adopter.  The Adopter must obtain a statement from a qualified person (veterinarian, county agent or humane society representative) verifying that the Adopter has provided humane care and treatment.  The Adopter must return the Title Eligibility Letter and the humane treatment statement to VRWPA.  VRWPA will then mail the title to the Adopter.  There are no additional fees involved in the title process.  NOTE:  Animals may not be sold, traded or given away until title has been received.  Within the year after adoption, VRWPA, or an agent of VRWPA, may visit the Adopter to inspect the animal(s) to ensure the conditions of the Agreement are met.  The animal(s) must be maintained in good condition in a compliant facility.  Animals not properly kept may be repossessed by the State of Nevada.  Adoption fees will not be refunded for repossessed animals.

 What restrictions are there on using my adopted animal?

 In general, there is no Federal or State restrictions on how you use your adopted wild horse, other than a wild horse cannot be exploited for commercial purposes that take advantage of the wildness of the animal.  After leaving the range, all wild animals are protected by State livestock and humane treatment laws.

 What should I bring to the adoption?

 Cash, money order or cashier’s check is required for payment of the adoption fees.  A double stitched nylon-webbing halter and lead rope about 8-20 feet long, made of cotton or nylon and of sufficient strength to hold a 1,000 pound animal.  A trailer that meets the requirements as discussed previously.

 What are some tips I should know before the adoption?

 If you are not experienced in driving a vehicle towing a trailer, arrange for someone with experience to do it for you.  Plan your travel route in advance, avoiding large cities, rush hours, and bumpy roads.  Animals should not be transported longer than 24 hours without unloading for a food, water, and exercise break.  Corrals used for rest breaks must meet the requirements listed previously.  If your journey crosses state lines, check with each state for requirements of brand inspection, health certificate, clearance documents, etc.

 VRWPA Thanks you for adopting a local legend…..