Image: Kiger wild horse auction, Hines, Oregon

Description: The Kiger herd auction report: 151 wild horses adopted; highest winning bid was $10,500; and bidders came to the auction in Hines, Oregon, from as far away as New Zealand! Horses not adopted at the Oct. 3 event will be made available for online adoption here: www.blm.gov/adoptahorse Wild horses from the Kiger and Riddle Mountain herd management areas in southeastern Oregon were gathered in late August, 2015. The Kiger horses, as they are commonly known, have had an almost 100 percent adoption rate since 1986. The respective Appropriate Management Level (AML) herd sizes are 33 head for the Riddle HMA and 51 for the Kiger HMA. Due to the small herd size, popularity and adoptability, PZP contraceptives and returning/releasing geldings into the wild are not considered for these herds. The goal of this gather is for the range to achieve or maintain a thriving ecological balance. More information on the wild horse program in the BLM Burns District: www.blm.gov/or/districts/burns/wildhorse/

Photos and video: BLM Volunteer Cathleen Shea
Usage Terms: Public domain