"It surprises people how much they want to learn:" Fifteen wild horses look for new homes in Mequon



MEQUON -- You've heard of adopting dogs and cats, but how about wild horses? Fifteen wild horses were up for adoption at an event in Mequon this weekend, September 5th.

Wild horse adoption



The U.S. Bureau of Land Management periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and maintain balance among the many land issues.

"There's only so much range they can eat on and it's not lush grass like we have here. It's sparse and can only sustain so many animals," said Steve Meyer, Supervisory Wild Horse and Burro Specialist for the Northeastern District.

It's Steve Meyer's job to find the wild horses a good home.

"I'm kind of like a social worker for wild horses," said Meyer.

You can tell the horses are wild because when you get close to them they start to walk away -- but the trainers say with daily interaction, they will soon form a bond with their new owners.

"It surprises people how much they learn and how much they want to learn," said Meyer.

Matthew Lovdahl and his parents came to browse on Saturday. They live on a farm and are currently caring for and boarding eight horses -- Matthew wants one of his own.

Wild horse adoption



Matthew has never tamed a wild horse, but the challenge excites him.

"I think it'll be fun. I can learn from it a lot, see where it goes," said Matthew.

Since the 70's, the bureau has adopted out more than 200,000 animals across the country. Many of the horses become work or therapeutic horses, even U.S. Army Caisson Platoon horses -- Meyer is very proud.

"Oh yeah, every one of them, every one of them," said Meyer.

Wild horse adoption