(Re-) Introduction of the Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs part 2: The big, sorrel teenage Salt Wells WY Mustang gelding.
We adopted Tiny many years ago from Colorado Horse Rescue Network for a friend. He’d been gathered as an approximately 3yo, adopted by a dude ranch and reportedly did well as a wrangler horse until the ranch sold and he was made part of the dude string.
Being a dude horse didn’t work for Tiny, neither did sharing hay and, lucky for us, the quirky giant cuddler wound up with CHRN and ultimately here.
Here he became the patriarch, protector of young and old horses alike, and straightener-outer of rambunctious new herd members. He’s carried friends, packs and me when Lacy was injured. He’d go to school events and parades and always be a favorite.
People are always amazed by “how tiny Tiny isn’t”. He’s massive – 15.2 or .3hh and as wide as he is tall. Tiny loves attention and food, knows his way around a cow and is sure-footed even in the grossest of boggy spots.
Fast forward a few years and Tay Martin started not only working but also riding with me and fell in love with the big orange couch who only works as hard as he has to and asks “are we there yet?” about every 10min.
Another year or two later, Tiny became officially ours. Since last year he’s on free lease with Taylor and her Mustang herd where he gets the attention he deserves and craves and I’m not constantly rolling my eyes at his work ethic. Taylor thinks he hung the moon. Every horse – and person – deserves someone who’s crazy (in a healthy way) about them.
I can borrow him back for rides and events and I get to see him regularly. Tiny is happy with a job suitable for an older boy who values comfort and ease. He provides Taylor and her family with opportunities to learn and grow and helps her bring her youngsters along. Win win situations are always the goal.
