Wild horses and burros are the living symbols of the American West, and an integral bearer of the cultural heritage of the region. However, the survival of many such marvelous animals is at risks, and one of the best ways to help them would be to try to adopt them through institutions like International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros or ISPMB. This institution played a major role in the creation of the first ever wild horse adoption program in 1968. This program ultimately resulted in the creation of the federal Adopt-A-Horse/Burro program operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Wild horses are known to adapt pretty well to the changes in their natural environments, and same holds true for their transition to a more domesticated life. If a few preventive measures are kept in place, wild horses would surely be able to thrive in a domesticated environment and grow alongside other horses without any hassle. The volunteers of International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros mention that if the wild horses are properly taken care of, they are unlikely to develop major health issues, and might not need any additional veterinary care beyond that would be given to any new horse added to the backyard herd.
In most of the cases, after Bureau of Land Management (BLM) ends up gathering wild horses from a range, they are soon prepared for adoption. This includes applying certain freeze marks unique to BLM, so that each animal can be identified appropriated. The horses also undergo equine infectious anemia test, de-worming and vaccination during this type. Each of these horses are vaccinated twice to keep them protected against tetanus, influenza, herpes, rabies, West Nile virus, strangles, as well as Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis.
The volunteers of International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros underline that as a wild horse is brought home after adoption, it is crucial that people try their best to help the animal get settled into its new surroundings with as little stress as possible. Wild horses are not habituated to being cooped up in a stall. Hence, having an airy and open corral for them with some shelter would be the best option. When it comes to feeding, horse quality alfalfa or grass hay can be given to them, along with a large container of clean, fresh water. Wild horses are not used to the normal ranch or farm surroundings, and there is a good chance that they have never seen a bucket in their life. Hence, for their ease, one can use a clean muck bucket or a plastic barrel cut in half to give them water. A person should monitor whether they are actually drinking the water or not. In addition to taking care of their proper feeding, it is also important to make sure that the wild horses are getting the needed exercise.