Wild horses and burros are incredible animals, and adopting them can be a great movie for any animal lover. There are institutions like ISPMB or the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros from whom one can adopt such an animal. This institution in fact was the one to lead the way in creating the first ever wild horse adoption program in 1968, which ultimately resulted in the creation of the federal Adopt-A-Horse/Burro program operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Wild horses and burros are quite special animals. Hence, people adopting them for the first time often get too excited about taking care of them, riding and training the horse, going on trail rides, watching it frolic in the pasture, and so on. The knowledgeable volunteers of ISPMB however mention that it is important that these people do not get carried away in their excitement, and learn how to properly take care of their horse and burros first.
It is important to understand that horses and burros are social animals. Hence, they may find comfort more easily or communicate better if they see other animals nearby, especially if they are horses. However, it would be a smart move to not let them mix with other animals, including other horses right away after adopting them. People should ideally observe their wild horse or burro closely for at least three to four weeks after adopting them, to see to it whether or not they show any signs of illness like depression, coughing, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or throat latch, cloudy discharge from the nose, not wanting to eat or drink and so on. If any of these signs are noticed, people should contact their veterinarian at once, and make sure that their wild horse or burro are being able to avail the treatment and care they need as soon as possible. After a few weeks of observation, one may move their wild horse or burro with or closer to other animals on their property, if they look properly healthy and happy.
Once the wild horse or burro becomes accustomed to a property and the fences installed there, it is important to pay heed to their exercise and physical activities. Getting adequate exercise on a regular basis shall be extremely beneficial for their overall good health. However, this should only be done when one sure that the horses and burros can be reliably caught and haltered when running around.
The volunteers of ISPMB mention that people should ideally start working with their animals in the gentling process as soon as they can. The sooner they begin the training process, easier shall it become to provide them with the needed routine care. Taking care of these few elements is important for any person adopting a wild horse or a burro for the very first time.