As we begin a new year, people are making plans for all sorts of things – such as a new exercise regimen, a new hobby, a new hairstyle, or maybe even a new vehicle.

Here is something you probably had not thought of: How about adopting a wild horse or burro for the new year?

About 1,750 wild horses and 450 wild burros roam our deserts. California’s wild horses and burros roam more than 7 million acres of public land and an additional 2 million acres of non-BLM land.

The horse herds consist mainly of released ranch and Spanish stock; others were cavalry remount stock used in World War I. The burros came from abandoned or escaped mining stock.

The average California horse is 14 to 16 hands high and weighs 800 to 1,100 pounds.  The wild burros average 11 to 12 hands high and weigh 500 to 600 pounds.

The Bureau of Land Management manages wild horses and burros in accordance with the Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971.  This Act gave the BLM the responsibility of protecting wild horses and burros, and ensuring that their populations were managed to maintain or restore a thriving ecological balance.

When herd sizes exceed the BLM’s established level for appropriate management, the BLM gathers animals and offers them for adoption.  The BLM also removes some animals from the range for other reasons such as drought, lack of forage, public nuisance or wildfires.

California has two wild horse and burro preparation facilities where you can visit or adopt your very own California wild horse or burro. One facility is in Litchfield, near Susanville; the other is in Ridgecrest. There is also a small adoption facility in Redlands.

In order to be eligible to adopt a wild horse or burro, you must be at least 18; have no prior conviction for inhumane treatment of animals or for a violation of the Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act; have adequate feed, water, facilities and trailer; and provide a home for the adopted animal in the United States until you receive a title certificate from the BLM.

The Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro Corrals – the adoption location nearest to Santa Clarita, is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays. The facility is available for individual and group tours. Adoptions are by appointment only by calling 760-384-5765.

Linda Castro is a nature enthusiast and animal lover. She is the Desert Field Organizer for the California Wilderness Coalition and serves on the board of the SCV-based Community Hiking Club. Her articles highlight local and community stories that are heartwarming, uplifting or inspiring.