This boy is 9yo Sand Wash Basin Mustang gelding Cary, the youngest of the older geldings we’ve recently had the pleasure of working with. Interestingly enough, with his relative youth he was the more challenging one even though the others took/are taking a little longer to settle down initially.
The other geldings are/were 11 (Schatzi, previously thought to be 14), 12 (Behne, unknown on the range) and 22 (Storm), all from Sand Wash Basin.
Honestly, if I could just work with mature geldings all day, I would. For personal horses, I’m a mare person because I appreciate the sass and opinions. I also understand that younger horses usually make better riding prospects. And I love them all, whether they are 3 weeks or 30 years old.
But these wise, battle-scarred former stallions that grew to maturity on the range hold a special place in my heart.
They have a unique presence that comes from having to hold their own in fights, from claiming and protecting mares and foals.
Where mature Mustang mares can be fierce, their gelding counterparts tend to be attentive yet quiet and matter-of-fact once they understand the new situation. The baby brain is long gone and they typically use their energy wisely. You can’t fool them but you can win them over.
When gentling all Mustangs, but especially these mature boys, I do my best to not go out there looking for a fight. Because if I do that, I know I’m going to find one, and I frankly have no desire to go there with a once wild stallion who knows exactly how to use and position his body to protect himself and injure or kill an opponent.
It’s possible and much easier to show them, step by step, how their new life works. It may take a little longer initially but if we set it up to where it’s easy for them to find the comfort of the “right” answer, they will quickly gravitate towards that, provided we are clear and consistent rather than wishy-washy in our body language, cues and expectations.
Cary and Schatzi were here at Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy for two months of basic handling (catch and halter, lead, load, lunge, send, tie, pick up feet, fly spray, obstacles, meeting lots of new people, getting used to dogs and different objects, sights and sounds) and an introduction to partnering with humans.
They went home last weekend and we miss them so much. They’re in the best of hands at For the Love of Aria and we know where to find them if we want to watch them enjoy life with their herd and give them a hug.
Pictures of some end of session cuddles and scratches with handsome and always muddy Cary. It’s not exactly bath weather yet at this altitude.
Relationship building is just as important as formal training in setting once wild horses up for success in their new homes. As it turns out, butt scratches are the key to many a tough wild one’s heart, Cary being no exception.
PC: Linnea Helander
Rowdy’s Ropes Montana Rio Buckaroo Hats Outback Trading Company LTD. (and about 6 more layers plus hand warmers because this winter has been so cold)
