Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Characteristics of potential adopters of wild horses and their willingness-to-pay for wild horses
1Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
Abstract:
An overabundance of wild horses and burros on federal lands can lead to suboptimal welfare when there are insufficient forage and water resources. Placing some of these animals in private homes has been identified as a key part of the solution. A nationwide online survey completed by 2,247 current and former horse owners is used to assess the feasibility of accommodating this strategy. The survey tool addressed basic horse ownership and demographic information, previous experience with wild horses, and hypothetical wild horse adoption scenarios. Results suggest that most respondents are receptive to the idea of adopting a wild horse, with previous adopters and younger potential adopters showing greater willingness-to-pay. By reducing existing barriers to adoption, which includes educating the horse-owning public on adoption requirements, expanding the training of wild horses, and targeting certain age groups of potential adopters, our study suggests that it may be possible to increase the annual number of adoptions over current levels. With appropriate and informed strategies, enhanced welfare of privately adopted and on-range animals can be achieved.
Related Concept Videos
Mate Choice
What is Behavior?
Natural Selection and Mating Preferences
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing,...
Relationship Formation
Migration
Conservation of Small Populations

