FRANKLIN FURNACE, Ohio -- Whether you're looking to add to your growing stable or you think you should've been a cowboy -- if you have the appropriate training, there's an opportunity for you at during the first weekend in August.

The U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be offering 40 wild horses to potential adopters Aug. 6 and 7 at the Ohio University Southern Horse Park on 400 Bobcat Lane.

The horses range in age from yearlings to 5 years old and have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de-wormed and blood tested. Adoption fees are $125 for animals that are less than 3 years old and $25 for animals 3 and older. BLM offers a $25 adoption fee for those who adopt a "buddy animal" in addition to paying the full $125 fee.

Prospective adopters have the opportunity to get to know the animals during a preview on Friday, Aug. 6, from 2 to 7 p.m. The adoptions will begin Saturday on a first come, first serve basis between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

There are a few specific requirements for the places the horses will come home to.

Anyone interested in adopting a horse must have sturdy corrals that are 400 square feet or larger and six feet tall for adult horses or at least five feet tall for horses that are younger than 18 months. These corrals must have a shelter attached to them, and the adopters must provide a stock-type, step up trailer for transporting the horse. Ramps and side-by-side two-horse trailers are not permitted.

Juan Palma is the eastern states director for the BLM, and said safety and proper training for those caring for horses is always at the forefront of these events.

"While the adoption process is simple and straightforward, anyone considering adoption of a wild horse should remember that the animals are wild and require gentling and training," Palma said.

Applications to adopt a horse will be reviewed starting Aug. 6 and can be submitted until Aug. 7.

For more information call 1-866-4MUSTANGS (1-866-468-7826) or visit wwww.wildhorseand burro.blm.gov.

National Video