Adopting a Wild Horse: What to Know Before You Begin

Authors

• Cheyanne Eaton
• David C. Stoner, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

11-12-2026

First Page

1

Last Page

6

Abstract

Wild horses, commonly called mustangs, are a quintessential symbol of the American West. These animals are federally protected and managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). In managing wild horses and the rangelands they inhabit, the BLM and USFS must balance cultural preservation, ecological stability, and resource management. The BLM and USFS periodically gather excess horses from public lands to prevent overpopulation and range degradation. Public adoption is one of the primary ways to rehome these gathered animals. This fact sheet covers the realities of managing wild horse populations, the importance of adopting mustangs, and the process of bringing your own animal home.

Recommended Citation

Eaton, C., & Stoner, D. C. (2026). Adopting a wild horse: What to know before you begin [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.