Knoxville (WVLT) - In the past year, folks in our neck of the woods have been reluctant to take-in large animals like horses or cows due to the severe drought, but with more rain, and a good first cutting of hay, things could be changing for the better.

So, if you're looking to own a beautiful horse or even a burro to train at a ridiculously low price, now's your chance.

The wide open plains of the west is home to many wild animals. Despite less space due to population growth and the expanse of many cities, this range is still home to over 30,000 wild mustang horses and burros simply roaming free. For years now, the Department of the Interior and Land Management has attempted to control the population of these animals through a unique adoption program.

"They are completely wild. They do need gentling, however anybody who has a background with horses and is used to working with them at all, they can gentle them down pretty quickly," said Karen Roberts from the Bureau of Land Management.

In selected cities, primarily in the east and south, the government periodically holds these adoptions. You'll find the qualifications similar to those in adopting a dog or cat, just alot bigger.

"You must be 18 years old, you can't be convicted of animal cruelty and you need to sign a statement saying you have a place to keep the animal where you can take good care of it. That should be inside a 20X20 round pen or corral that has a fence 6 feet high around that 20X20 area and attacked shelter, that's so when you bring home a wild one, you can actually get your hands on it," Roberts said.

The average price for adopting a mustang or burro is 125 dollars. For those with patience and a love of animals, it's a chance to tame a bit of the wild west.

Your next question no doubt is where is the location to get one?

Unfortunately the adoption isn't in Tennessee this year. The next one is in Archdale, North Carolina July 18-20, then in Decatur, Alabama, August 22nd through the 24th.

You can call 866-4MUSTANGS for more information.