I like to ride a nice horse. I can’t afford to buy nice horses, so my options are either riding questionable horses or making nice ones. I prefer the latter.
I like to go on sometimes hair raising adventures in the mountains, ride alone, gallop bareback through the dark and snow and go on backcountry pack trips. I’m neither particularly brave nor all that sticky. I’m also not in a place nor willing to farm out starting my horses under saddle and/or getting them seasoned to someone else.
What is one to do?
My goal is to help my horses become “wimpy girl broke”, so we can do all the fun things without too much chaos, fear or wrecks. A nice side effect is that it hopefully helps inspire some of you to do the same, and that our Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs can show people how awesome Mustangs can be.
It’s not magic, it’s method, skill, time, practice and persistence. And starting with a horse that has a suitable mind and body for the intended outcome.
“Pony, pack and ground drive” is what I repeat to everyone who asks how I prepare a horse for riding. That said, if it doesn’t tie, doesn’t pick up its feet, can’t stand still or runs you over, we have more work to do in other areas first.
I’m also not afraid of long days and making time for my youngsters even after the sun has set. Someone recently said something about “finding time”. I replied “When you find time, grab some for me too. I’ve been looking for years.”
We don’t find time for what matters. We make time.
This year 3yo buckskin Bible Springs UT Mustang filly Firefly is stepping up into the role of pack horse while also still continuing her ground driving practice.
2yo buckskin (roan?) Bordo Atravesado NM Mustang filly Goose is tagging along on rides, sometimes ponied, sometimes loose, and is also working on ground driving to refine steering and stopping, voice commands and going out alone.
Lacy, 11yo dun Divide Basin WY Mustang mare. the tried and true and still very spicy OG WHOA Ambassador Mustang is a tremendous asset in bringing the babies along. In a few years and with lots of continued training they’ll be just as cool as her.
We love Rowdy’s Ropes for halters, leads and reins and Southern Nutmeg Leather for our headstalls.
