Wild horses up for adoption
(West Springfield, Mass.-WTNH) _ If you've ever wanted to own a horse this may be your chance. This weekend dozens of wild horses are up for adoption in West Springfield, Massachusetts. These animals, rounded up on the range, are tough and temperamental. But in the right hands the experts say the experience can be extremely rewarding.
News Channel 8's Jayne Saffer reports.

It's a chance to take home a piece of the wild west. Mustangs - a living legend.

Alyce Banewicz, Amsterdam, NY: "Look at them. They need a home, they need somebody to love them, give them an opportunity in life."

That opportunity is what 66 wild horses may get this weekend through a federally run adoption program.

Out on the range in Nevada a helicopter directs several bands of horses to a trap. The animals are examined and cared for by veterinarians before they can be place into the adoption process.

Gabriele Thompson, Wild Horse Specialist: "If we didn't remove a number of animals every year they would over populate over graze and destroy the land, and consequently all of them would starve to death."

Historically when cowboys used to round up the horses they were used for slaughter, but now they are protected under federal law. Since the adoption program began more than 20 years ago many horses are in happy homes. This couple owns a horse farm in upstate New York, and is ready to take home a mustang.

Banewicz: "We've had horses for a long time. This will be a little different."

Since these animals are wild they are dangerous and need to be gentled or broken in. Dave Seay, a horse behaviorist, teaches people about getting along with a horse.

Dave Seay, Horse Behaviorist: "What I am trying to do is teach people how they can communicate with a horse on their terms, on their language, instead of our language."

The horses learn and respond to body language, but perspective owners need to be able to care for them properly by having a six foot corral and an attached shelter, and a lot of patience.

Bill Heiersche, Belchertown, Mass: "It's a challenge because you can say you broke it in yourself if it was adopted."

The adoptions will take place tomorrow at the Big E for a fee of $125 a horse. That fee helps cover the round up and veterinary costs. If you're interested in these adoptions the process officially begins tomorrow at 7am. All prospective owners need to fill out federal applications. And are subject to random inspections during the first year..before the title of the horse is turned over.

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