The Bureau of Land Management has launched an “Online Corral” to begin the adoption process for wild horses and burros.

The website connects people who would like to adopt wild horses and burros with an inventory of available animals for adoption or purchase.

The BLM also announced the wild horse and burro 2018 event schedule, which includes nearly 70 events nationwide that focus on placing wild horses and burros in good homes. To access the 2018 schedule, visit the BLM wild horse and burro adoption events page at www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/adoption-and-sales/events.

“Wild horses and burros make great companions that are superb at performing a wide variety of tasks,” said Brian Steed, BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Planning, in a news release.

The Online Corral is geared toward increasing the number of wild horses and burros placed into private care. The website, which replaces a 10-year-old system, features a streamlined interface that enables users to more easily find their desired wild horse or burro.

It also includes new filtering features and an interactive web map. Users can now submit and track the status of their applications directly through the website. Approved applicants can browse available animals and participate in the competitive bid event that runs from May 15 to May 22. All animal bids start at $125.

Known for their intelligence, endurance and loyalty, wild horses, with the right training, are outstanding for ranching and trail riding and have successfully competed for awards in numerous fields from endurance riding to dressage.

Wild horses and burros can still be adopted or purchased in-person at one of the nearly 70 BLM-hosted events across the country this year or by visiting one of 17 wild horse and burro off-range corrals.

For more information, contact the National Wild Horse and Burro Information Center at (866) 468-7826 or wildhorse@blm.gov.

Potential adopters and purchasers should visit the BLM website to learn more about the rules and requirements for adoption.

BLM is dealing with an overpopulation of wild horses and burros on public lands and in off-range facilities. As of March 1, the wild horse and burro population on public lands was estimated at 82,000 animals, which is more than triple the number that public lands can support along with other legally mandated land uses.

“Finding good homes for horses and burros is a top priority for the BLM as we strive to protect the health of these animals,” Steed said.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska.