The CA Wild Horse and Burro Show

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the California Wild Horse and Burro Show?
To promote the wild horse and burro adoption programs, to show the general public that these horses & burros are indeed worth our protection and that they do turn out to be a wonderful animal, and to enjoy the camaraderie of other wild horse and burro enthusiasts.

Are mustangs & burros that are bred in captivity eligible to compete in the show?
No. The purpose of the show is to promote the adoptions of the excess numbers of wild horses and burros so that more drastic means of population controls do not have to be implemented. However, there is a second portion to that question which is addressed next.

I have a mustang/burro that foaled from an adopted pregnant wild mare/jenny..... is this animal eligible to compete?
Yes, if you have documentation on the dam and paperwork from your veterinarian stating that the horse/burro was foaled by that adopted pregnant BLM or Nevada Dept. of Ag mare or jenny, and that documentation shows that the mare/jenny that foaled, could not have been impregnated after she was adopted.

Are wild horses or burros that are adopted from programs other than the BLM or NV Department of Ag (VRWPA) eligible to compete?
No.

Are other breeds allowed to compete in the open classes?
No.

Can I stable other horses/burros/mule with my BLM or NV Ag adopted animal at the show?
Only if they are an adopted animal through the BLM or NV Ag. The purpose of the show is to promote the adoption(s) of the wild horses and burros by showcasing these successful adoptions.

Since wild horse and burro issues may be different than other domestic shows, does the California Wild Horse and Burro Show have different rules?
Yes. There are some particular issues pertaining to adopted wild horses and burros that are addressed within the body of the CA Wild Horse and Burro Show rule book. When a specific rule is not addressed by the CAWHBSA Rule Book, the show judge then relies upon the rulings set forth in the AQHA Show Rule Book. The most pronounced difference is within the "Green Horse" category.

Can I get a copy of the CAWHBSA Rule Book?
Yes! Rule Books for the CAWHBS shows are available for $10.00/each. Please make checks payable to CAWHBS, and by mailing to:

CAWHBS Rule Book Request
c/o Jo Billman
P.O. Box 3147
Beaumont, CA 92223
951-769-8638

Do I have to live in California to attend the show?
No! Many folks come to the show from outside of California with their adopted horse or burro to attend the show.

If I live outside California, what do I need to bring my horse into the state of California for the show?
To enter California, you will be required to have a general health inspection form from your veterinarian as well as a Coggins blood test. This should be done no later than 2 weeks prior to the show. Contact your Vet so that you have enough time to get the Coggins Test result returned. The General Health Certificate is valid for 30 days, the Coggins test is valid for six months. Don't get your Coggins test done too late by not allowing enough time for the lab results to return and be turned away at the Agriculture Inspection Station!

What do I need to verify that I have an adopted horse or burro?
A copy of the horse or burro's title showing its freeze marking number (or brand inspection in the case of a Nevada Department of Agriculture adopted horse). Otherwise, the freeze marking must be verified with BLM prior to competing in the show.

Can I sign up to compete once I am at the show?
No "walk ins" are accepted at the show. Show registration must be postmarked to the show secretary no later than September 1nd, 2009.

Once I am in Bishop, how much driving will I have to do to get from the fairgrounds, to the hotel and restaurants?
This is the beauty of Bishop. Once you drop your horse off at the barns, everything is within walking distance and the motel is approximately 50 yards from the barns!

Is there a vet on call and how close by are they?
Bishop Veterinary Hospital is adjacent to the fairgrounds in addition to being on-call and available for us during the weekend.

Is there a Farrier available if needed?
Yes. We have a professional Farrier that will be available to assist with any problems that may be encountered.

What kind of weather should my horse and I be prepared for in Bishop at the end of September?
Beautiful weather! 80-85(max) degrees during the day, and 40-45 degrees at night. Usually clear, calm, and autumn colors in view. However, it can change fast so heed the local saying of, "if you don't like the weather, wait a couple minutes."

What is the barn area and arena like?
The arena is an outdoor arena kept groomed and watered by the Tri-County Fairground staff. The barns are located under many trees and have a dirt floor and dirt or grass area to tack up on. Unlike many locations where your horse is on concrete or asphalt in the barn area.

Where can I get supplies like tack, feed and shavings?
Wye Road Feed and Supply is a proud sponsor of the show, adjacent to and easily accessed from the fairgrounds. They are located at 1260 N. Main St., Bishop, 760-872-8010. See Marcy and the crew and let them know that you are here for the show!

Yours,

The CA Wild Horse and Burro Show Board:

Wes Finely, Jo Billman, Phil & Karen West