September 27, 2024 |
Photo – Horses at Deerwood Ranch – Courtesy Jana Wilson
If you have made the drive over the Snowy Range and past Centennial you probably have seen the wild horses gathered on the big plains to the south of Wyoming 130 on the way to Laramie.
The public is invited to the Deerwood Ranch outside of Centennial for a horse and burro adoption event. Deerwood Ranch is a 4,000-acre horse sanctuary located roughly 12 miles east of Centennial. Originally established in 1982 as a cattle ranch, Deerwood began taking in wild horses in 2012.
On September 28th, Deerwood Ranch will host a Wild Horse and Burro Adoption. Ranch Owner Jana Wilson said that the Bureau of Land Management has more than 20 horses and burros up for adoption. Wilson said most of the animals are young, except for one older burro.
Many of the youngest horses have never been ridden. Adopting a horse or burro during tomorrow’s event costs $25. Wilson said the Bureau of Land Management offers cash incentives to keep the animals.
As well as horses and burros, tomorrow’s adoption event will also feature vendors, music, and barbecue. Wilson said it will be fun for families.
Funds raised through the smoked meat lunch go to the Shawn Herring Memorial Foundation. Wilson said after losing their child at the age of 31 to the Hantavirus, Dave and Roxanne Herring established the charity to provide emotional and financial assistance to people experiencing loss.
Deerwood Ranch contains over 350 rescue and wild horses. Normally touring the sanctuary costs $50 a person. However, Wilson said tours will be free during tomorrow’s adoption event.
Tomorrow’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Event at Deerwood Ranch runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Free tours begin at 9:30 am and end at 2:30 pm. For more information about tomorrow’s adoption event, call Jana Wilson at 307-399-9956.
