September 8, 2023 
On Thursday, Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) announced that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has ended its 17-year partnership with the 501(c)3 non-profit.
MHF and the BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program have worked together since 2006 to increase adoptions of wild Mustangs and burros in BLM folding facilities through MHF’s Extreme Mustang Makeover and Trainer Incentive Programs. As a result of BLM’s decision, MHF is no longer equipped to run its TIP Trainer program.
“I am heartbroken to announce that the Bureau of Land Management has decided not to renew the partnership with the Mustang Heritage Foundation for the fiscal year 2024. Due to this decision, MHF no longer has the funding or access to animals needed to successfully run the Trainer Incentive Program,” said Cary Scholtes, Interim Executive Directory and Director of Training Incentive Program, Mustang Heritage Foundation.
Since its inception in 2001, MHF has placed more than 20,000 Mustangs and burros into private care, helping save U.S. taxpayers over $162 million each year. The past two years have seen a record number of placements by the non-profit.
In the 2022 fiscal year, the TIP Program placed 3,503 mustangs and burros and paid out more than $3.7 million directly to TIP trainers and Storefronts. In March 2023, Mustang Heritage Foundation had an all-time record-breaking month, placing 566 animals, and in August, set a new placement record of 290 for the month. To date, they’ve placed 2,729 animals and paid over $2.8 million to TIP trainers and Storefronts this year.
With MHF’s fiscal year ending on September 30, all animals currently under TIP trainers’ care must be placed into private care no later than September 30, 2023 or returned to the BLM care on October 1, 2023.
MHF is now asking for your help placing these TIP gentled animals. Mustangs and burros are considered gentle when they can be haltered, lead, allow all four feet to be picked up, and willingly load in and out of a trailer.
To find a Mustang near you in training with an approved TIP trainer, visit the TIP Trainer Marketplace and the TIP Facebook group.
Tips for a successful adoption:
1. Meet your match
Be honest and upfront with your TIP trainer about your skills, time availability, and intended goals for your Mustang.
If you desire training not included in the gentling requirements, discuss fees and additional training goals with your TIP trainer once the animal has been adopted through the Trainer Incentive Program.
2. Review the Adoption requirements
All adopters and/or purchasers must be approved by the Bureau of Land Management prior to adoption or purchase. You must meet all adoption requirements outlined by the BLM.
3. Submit your application to the BLM
Complete the BLM adoption application available online or from your TIP trainer and mail to the BLM office in your trainer´s state. Include a brief note at the top of your application stating the name of your TIP trainer and the freeze mark of the mustang or burro.
Once your adoption is confirmed. BLM will send you a Private Maintenance and Care Agreement to sign and return by mail, along with your $125 adoption fee.
4. Bring your Mustang home
Once you have signed and returned the care agreement, plan the pick-up of your Mustang with your TIP trainer. The TIP trainer will also provide you with a health record for your horse.
After caring for your Mustang or burro for one year, from the date of adoption, the BLM will send you a (free) title application and, once completed, will issue the official title to your Mustang or burro.
Tips for a successful adoption:
1. Meet your match
Be honest and upfront with your TIP trainer about your skills, time availability, and intended goals for your Mustang.
If you desire training not included in the gentling requirements, discuss fees and additional training goals with your TIP trainer once the animal has been adopted through the Trainer Incentive Program.
2. Review the Adoption requirements
All adopters and/or purchasers must be approved by the Bureau of Land Management prior to adoption or purchase. You must meet all adoption requirements outlined by the BLM.
3. Submit your application to the BLM
Complete the BLM adoption application available online or from your TIP trainer and mail to the BLM office in your trainer´s state. Include a brief note at the top of your application stating the name of your TIP trainer and the freeze mark of the mustang or burro.
Once your adoption is confirmed. BLM will send you a Private Maintenance and Care Agreement to sign and return by mail, along with your $125 adoption fee.
4. Bring your Mustang home
Once you have signed and returned the care agreement, plan the pick-up of your Mustang with your TIP trainer. The TIP trainer will also provide you with a health record for your horse.
After caring for your Mustang or burro for one year, from the date of adoption, the BLM will send you a (free) title application and, once completed, will issue the official title to your Mustang or burro.
