Inmate-Trained Horses Available for Adoption in California
The California Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has exciting news for Sacramento County horse lovers. They have teamed up with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office to offer five wild horses for adoption. Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (R3C) inmates train the horses. This partnership is a significant step in the BLM’s mission to help wild mustangs find loving homes.
A Unique Partnership with Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
In 2013, the BLM California and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department collaborated for the first time, allowing inmates at R3C to train wild mustangs. These horses were taken from BLM California corrals and will eventually be adopted. This program is special because it’s the first time the BLM has partnered with a county jail. This partnership is an innovative approach to inmate rehabilitation and wild horse management.
Inmate Training Program
Inmates at R3C go through a multi-stage training program where they learn to tame and train wild horses for adoption. The program provides vocational training for the inmates and well-prepares the horses for their transition to new homes. The exceptional training involves several stages, and the inmates are responsible for gentling and saddle-starting the horses. This way, they learn essential skills while helping the horses become more adoptable.
Meet the Horses
Five remarkable horses will be available for adoption during the upcoming virtual adoption event. These horses have unique qualities and potential that make them an excellent fit for experienced riders looking to provide a loving home for them. The event offers an opportunity for potential adopters to learn more about each horse and find the one that best suits them.
Lorena
- Lorena is a black mare, four years of age. She has a friendly personality, is easy to handle, and is quick to learn. She would be ideal for trail riding or ranch work. An experienced rider would be best suited to take care of her. View Lorena’s video.
Lana
- Lana is a young horse with a beautiful coat and energy. She is incredibly friendly but requires an experienced rider who can handle her lively personality. View Lana’s video.
Molly
- Are you looking for an ideal trail or riding horse for outdoor adventures? Meet Molly – a three-year-old buckskin mare that’s easy to handle. She’ll make a great companion for experienced riders seeking a riding partner. View Molly’s video.
Bella
- Bella is a gentle and sweet three-year-old sorrel mare. She has a lot of potential and can excel with the guidance of an experienced rider who can continue her training. View Bella’s video.
Chuck
- Chuck is a three-year-old horse with a brown coat and black mane. He has a lively personality and loves to explore his surroundings. Chuck is a perfect match for an experienced rider who can handle his spirited nature. He has some experience working with cattle, making him an excellent fit for someone who has worked with livestock—View Chuck’s video.
How You Can Participate
A virtual Zoom event is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m. Interested individuals can attend to learn more about these special horses and start the adoption process. Adopting these horses, which inmates have trained, can offer them a second chance in a loving home while supporting the rehabilitation efforts at R3C.
The event aims to bring attention to this unique collaboration and the availability of these horses for adoption. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wishes to engage local communities in California and promote responsible horse ownership while highlighting the positive impact of inmate rehabilitation programs.
To participate in the virtual event, complete a BLM adoption application, which is available here.
Once you’ve completed the application, please send it to Amy Dumas, the BLM-California Wild Horse and Burro Program manager, at adumas@blm.gov. After your application is approved, you’ll receive Zoom registration information and a bidder number for the event. For complete adoption information, visit BLM’s Adoptions page. You can also learn more about the program and watch more videos by visiting BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program page.
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[Article Note: This piece was originally published on NewsBreak and has been archived and transferred to DOPE Quick Reads to preserve its informational value. Original publication date: 2024-02-28]
