On Feb. 9, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Department of Corrections (NNCC) – Silver State Industries announced a wild horse and burro adoption event.
On Sunday, Feb. 21, up to 19 saddle started wild horses and one wild burro will be up for adoption. These horses come from herd management areas in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming. These previously wild horses vary in weight and color and are aged three to nine years.
As part of an inmate training program, all animals have received at least 120 days of training by NNCC inmates before being put up for adoption. The saddle training program started in October 2000, as a cooperative effort between the NNCC and the Nevada Department of Agriculture. The program was designed to train feral horses removed from lands administered by the State of Nevada. BLM joined the effort in 2004, shifting the program so that inmates now train only wild horses and burros removed from public lands managed by the BLM.
The event will be held at the NNCC, located at 1721 Snyder Ave. Public viewing starts at 9 a.m., followed by a competitive bid auction for adoption at 10 a.m. Bidding for all animals starts at $150.
According to event organizers, “Potential adopters are asked to enter the NNCC from the north side and watch for signs and event personnel at the extreme south end of the facility directing event participants to the horse corrals and parking.” Officials also noted that the public may not use cell phones, cameras, recording devices, or tobacco while on the premises, unless previously approved.
“NNCC continues to do a great job training and showcasing these animals,” said Ruth Thompson, BLM Nevada Wild Horse and Burro State Lead. “I am excited for the upcoming saddle-trained adoption event. The horses and burro are coming along well with their training.”
The NNCC and BLM host three of these public adoptions each year. Around 45-60 wild horses and burros are trained and adopted yearly through these events. More than 500 inmates have participated in this program, though most have little to no experience working with horses. After adoption, the horses are considered “green broke” and typically need extra training after being brought home.
The adoption catalogue and additional information are available at blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-02/Wildhorses_NNCC_21Feb2026_AdoptionCatalog.pdf
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