11/27/07 Kiger adoption

Yesterday on the American Rancher we learned how the Kiger Mustangs from Oregon genetically trace back to the conquistadors horses from Spain and Portugal, true Spanish mustangs. I'm Jeff Keane with today's American Rancher, stay tuned after the break we'll learn how people from all over the United States had an opportunity to acquire this living legend last weekend in Burns Oregon. COMMERICAL Every four years the Bureau of Land management in Burns Oregon gathers some of coveted Kiger Mustangs and offers them for adoption, here is Susan with the story. Visit the BLM web site at BLM.gov/OR and take a peak at the stunning duns, red duns grullas and buckskins that made up the Kiger Mustangs offered for adoption through an oral competitive bid process last weekend in Burns Oregon . The Kigers, known for their intelligence, stamina and down right beauty actually come from two different herd management areas; The Kiger, named for Kiger Creek and Riddle Mountain. To keep these highly coveted Kigers pure Spanish mustangs they are closely managed with the Kiger herd kept between 51-82 horses while the Riddle Mt herd never exceeds more than 56 horses. There were 93 gathered from both regions with the average competitive bid $1,063.00 a horse. A Dun stallion and Grulla mare were crowd pleasers fetching over $7800 and 7500 respectively. Approximately 200 people attended the adoption, coming as far as Rhode Island. Now if you missed the event but want a Kiger you might not have to wait four years. BLM officials were surprised that 19 of their favorites were overlooked for adoption so they are currently deciding if they the remaining Kiger Mustangs will be offered to the public by a special internet adoption. They will be posting their decision soon on their BLM/OR web page . I'm Jeff Keane