Bert Mourits, a horseman from Alberta, who owns three mustangs imported from the United States, is making it his mission to help other mustang lovers navigate the purchasing process. He created a Facebook group called “BLM wild mustangs available for Canadian adopters,” where people can learn about adoption and purchase options.
The U.S. Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) protects and manages wild horses and burros under the authority of the Wild-Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. For many years, the BLM has offered horses for adoption. However, most international would-be adopters are discouraged by the process, which requires a horse to live in the U.S. for one year following the adoption before the title (ownership) is transferred from the U.S. federal government to the adopter.
An amendment to the Act, in 2004, made way for the Sale Authority program, which allows people to purchase horses that are at least 11 years old, or horses of any age that have been passed over for adoption at three separate adoption events held by the BLM.