Wild Horses
"Saving Horses and Changing Men"
On February 12, 2001, the Kansas Department of Corrections signed a Cooperative Agreement with the Bureau of land Management (BLM) establishing the Hutchinson Correctional Facility as a regional holding and training facility for wild horses removed from public lands.
The BLM is responsible for the protection and welfare of the wild horses roaming the western plains and is in critical need for relocation sites. The mustangs that inhabit these ranges have proliferated in recent years and now face starvation as a result of the sudden decrease of habitat caused by drought and fires. The BLM estimates that approximately 14,000 wild horses will need to be relocated and held until the current crisis abates.
Inmates are presently being used to saddle train the horses so they can be readily adopted by the public. Hutchinson Correctional Facility Warden Louis Bruce is a strong proponent of interaction with animals for the purpose of training incarcerated men to manage their personal lives.
"Working with a wild horse will present a challenge to these men," says Warden Bruce. "They must set expectations, provide structure and earn the animal’s trust and respect. These are traits that once learned could provide long-term benefits to offenders."
What are the requirements for adopting a wild horse?
Adopter must attain an approved application through the Bureau of Land Management. Once approved one may contact the Hutchinson Correctional Facility (620) 728-3296 Monday thru Friday for information concerning facility adoptions.
How much does it cost to adopt an untrained wild horse?
Persons adopting untrained wild horses from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility shall be charged a $125 fee that will be forwarded to the Bureau of Land Management to cover administrative costs.
Can a person purchase a horse that is saddle trained?
Yes. Selected horses will be available for purchase that has been saddle trained.
What is the cost of a saddle trained horse?
The current price for a saddle-trained mare or stud horse is $746. This fee includes the BLM adoption fee of $125, $186 for feed and $435 for training. For a gelding the price is $796. BLM receives the adoption fee and cost of gelding if applicable. The remainder of the money goes to the Department of Corrections to fund the program.
What is considered to be a successful trained horse?
- Easy mounting and dismounting
- Knows the commands for walk, trot, lope and keeps its head and body collected
- Can turn either direction, stop and back up on command
- Can pick up all four feet
- Can load and unload in a 4-horse trailer
When are horses available for adoption?
Horses are available for adoption at the Hutchison Correctional Facility, Hutchison, Kansas on the first Friday of each month between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Where can one obtain information about how to adopt a trained or untrained horse from the Hutchison Facility?
Those wishing to obtain information about adopting a trained or untrained horse from the Hutchison Correctional Facility may contact one of the following persons:
Inmate Management Hutchinson Correctional Facility
(620-728-3296)
* Bureau of Land Management
(1-866-4MUSTANGS)