If your fantasies run to "My Friend Flicka," here's the event for you.

Wild horses and burros -- 40 of them -- will be available for adoption this weekend in Henderson, Minn., courtesy of Uncle Sam.

Why relocate them from their home on the range? The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regularly gathers "excess horses" on public land when populations exceed the available supply of vegetation and water. Surplus animals are then offered for adoption through the BLM's Adopt-A-Wild Horse and Burro Program.

You can adopt a wild horse for $125 (if the animal is under three years old) or $25 (for older animals).

That may sound like a steal, as horses go, but it's not the end of your financial obligations. The BLM estimates that it costs at least $1,000 a year to care for a wild horse or burro.

You'll also need a corral of at least 400 square feet per animal. Open pastures aren't recommended, at least at first, because a wild horse is not likely to come when called.

Experience with horses isn't necessary, according to Martha Malik, public affairs specialist for the BLM. But you do need patience and time to devote to taming the animal.

If you're still game to bring home a wild horse or burro, the adoption will be held at High Island Arena, 26245 371st Av. in Henderson. You can preview the horses from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday; adoption hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (first come, first served). For more details, visit www.wildhorse andburro.blm.gov.

And don't forget to BYOT (as in horse trailer).