These eyes, ears and feet have covered some incredible country this year. After we thought that we might never experience another sunset on a mountain again.

Now I’m collecting sunsets and spending as much time outside as possible, sometimes sleeping outside even at home, just so I can see the stars.

I got Covid for the first time in the fall of 2022, and several times since. I felt the symptoms of long Covid through much of 2023.

In January of 2023, Lacy partially tore a ligament in her left hock. For a long time we thought she’d never take another sound step.

Just as I was feeling better last fall, I took a hoof to the head. Even though I never stopped working, that set me back a few months.

Right after Lacy was allowed out of a pen again last summer, she poked her eye and got a corneal ulcer that took forever to heal. We almost put her down then. She was – allegedly – lame on 3 out of 4 legs at the time, with no clear prognosis.

I started riding her again in late fall of last year, when her legs, eye and my head were feeling better.

In the spring of this year, we made the difficult decision to say goodbye to 2yo DG Cedar after she broke her coffin bone in a pasture accident. It was an articular fracture, meaning it went through the joint.

Between all of that, and some other hard hits I didn’t see coming, life’s brought me to my knees a few times these past couple of years. Between sometimes desperate resilience and the right people saying and doing just the right things at the right times, we’re still here.

I still have weird headaches and I get so sick now every time I catch a cold. Lacy has some permanent damage to her eye. Very occasionally she takes a funny step behind.

Life is fragile, fleeting, and good horses, dogs and friends are important.

I’m a scaredy cat by nature, always have been. I’m scared of something almost all of the time. I’ll let the video tell you the rest.

Let me know if any of it resonates with you.

From tonight’s ride with the Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs Lacy and Tiny and the best second-hand German Shepherds Denali and Ranger.

#BLMmustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildhorses#sunset#mountains#love#resilience#bettertogether#adventure#fall#makingmountainmustangmemories

2yo bay Twin Peaks CA Mustang filly Tillie is ready to find a lover of tall athletic mares who know what they want in life and are not afraid to express it.

She currently stands 14.3hh tall and string tests to 15.3hh. She has a freezebrand, it’s under her mane.

Tillie has all the heart and grit one could ask for. She’s spirited and a quick study. Things that are scary the first time are not that way for long.

Tillie is level-headed without being lazy, an effortless mover and a joy to work with. She is also young and has opinions. She does take feedback in stride when she’s trying something that’s a less than great idea and is easily redirected.

This pretty lady is friendly, curious and easy to catch. She likes attention and mental stimulation. Once she’s old enough to find a job she enjoys she’s going to be unstoppable.

Tillie halters and leads, lunges, crosses obstacles, is a cute little jumper, moves hips and shoulders, backs, is good with strangers and dogs, stands for grooming, spraying and picking up feet. She’s had her first trim, she ties, ponies and goes for walks in hand. She’s being introduced to tack and taking it in stride.

Who is going to love her for the princess she is (the last photo says it all) and foster her athletic potential in and/or outside of the arena?

We believe she would excel in endurance, on the trail and/or in English disciplines. Movement videos available upon request.

Tillie is at Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy in Guffey, CO. Hauling in and out of state is possible. We work with reputable haulers who get the wildies we gentle safely and happily to approved homes when adopters aren’t able to pick up in person.

Please comment, like and share and send this post to friends who need a lovely young mare in their lives. Your engagement with our adoption posts makes all the difference for finding these guys great homes.

Our adoption application can be found at

w i l d h o r s e o u t r e a c h . o r g

PM, call/text or email if you’re interested in adopting Tillie. 719-377-8587

Halter & lead: Rowdy’s Ropes

#BLMmustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildhorses#adoptalivinglegend#mustanggentling#wildtowilling#nonprofit#makingmountainmustangmemories

I recently went on a lovely ride with a friend whom I hadn’t ridden with in way too long. She was taking me to a lake I hadn’t visited before. I’m always grateful when people share their favorite places with me.

We got to the lake and sat down for lunch after letting the horses and dogs drink. Looking at my favorite GPS app, I said “You know there are 3 lakes here, right?” “No…”

We looked at the downloaded topo map (always always ALWAYS download the map for the area before you go and be generous about its size) and decided reaching at least the next lake looked attainable.

A friendly lone hiker reached the spot near the lake where we were getting ready to mount. Curious, I asked him about the route to the lakes. He readily provided helpful information (footing and trail quality are near impossible to judge from a map, that’s what reviews, friends and fellow trail users are for) and then some:

“There’s a waterfall up there too, look up to your left when you get back there. I only found it by accident.” We thanked him enthusiastically and went on our way to explore further.

The ride would have been lovely and totally worth the rock scramble for the first lake. The other two and the waterfall (pictured, I wish photos had sound!) made it an epic adventure.

I did do a silly thing that I finally realized and rectified at lake #1: My external GPS with satellite tracker and two way messaging capability was off and in my saddle bag. That’s bad practice.

I promptly and guiltily activated it and shoved the precious device into a zippered inside vest pocket.

Anymore I like using 3 different apps to navigate and see what’s what. I find that I learn more and miss less that way. And it’s just fun to notice the differences in information each app provides.

Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs Lacy and Tiny and the happy German Shepherds were good sports for yet another epic high country adventure.

If you’re looking for your very own once wild horse to build a partnership, grow and explore with, check out our adoptable Mustangs at w i l d h o r s e o u t r e a c h.o r g

We have long yearlings to 5yos available and waiting for their adventure partners. PM, call/text or email us with questions! # 719-377-8587 , email address on website.

Hackamore (bosal, hanger, mecate): The Colorful Cowgirl

Best Ever Pads saddle pad: Karyn Miller

Packing halter: Outfitters Pack Station

Lead rope: Rowdy’s Ropes

Saddle bags: Rawhide Gear LLC

#BLMmustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildhorses#explore#adventure#backcountry#mountains#fall#adoptamustang#makingmountainmustangmemories

If I had a dollar for every time someone has contacted me, saying “I want Nash”…

Don’t get me wrong, Nash is super cool. He’s also taken a long time to let his guard down and he’s not for everyone.

The hard facts: He’s a grey 4yo (5 next spring) Antelope Hills WY Mustang gelding. He’s already over 15hh and string tests to 15.2hh mature height.

The “softer” stuff: Nash is a thinker. Not just that, he’s a sensitive overthinker sometimes. That makes him a horse that needs a human who can appreciate and guide the nerdy, delicate professor type horse.

He’s very Spanish in both mind and body, making him a less than ideal first horse or first Mustang unless you’re very comfortable with Spanish horses/Arabians/Warmbloods/Thoroughbreds or other independent thinking, spirited breeds.

This video contains some of what he can and loves to do as well as additional info on Nash.

Not shown: He’s good to catch, ties well, lunges, moves hips and shoulders, backs, has practiced standing next to a human on a mounting block and has been introduced to objects on his back. He stands for grooming, spraying and picks up all four feet.

Have other horses here learned more faster? Absolutely. But he’s not other horses.

Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy gives every horse the time they need to be and feel safe around humans. We find them the right human partner because we want our adopters to be happy and our wildies set up for success.

*It would mean the world to us and Nash (literally, because his future depends on it) if you comment on, like and share his video far and wide to help him get seen and find his person!*

He is located in Guffey, CO. Hauling in and out of state can be arranged through reputable haulers we work with.

Please PM, email or call/text us to adopt. Phone: 719-377-8587. Email in video.

Thank you for your continued support, you are making a difference!

#BLMmustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildhorses#adoptme#adoptalivinglegend#adoptamustang#nonprofit#makingmountainmustangmemories

Here’s a super fun little clip from an incredible recent ride with the Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs, Tay Martin and the two rescue German Shepherds Denali and Ranger.

Sand, mountains, water, snow, good horses, happy dogs and a friend. It was a fantastic, memorable day.

What draws many adventurers into the backcountry?

No people, no cell service, beautiful scenery, closeness to nature’s forces. Time slows down and we finally feel at peace.

Sounds perfect, right?

Yeah. Until it isn’t.

Too many people this year alone haven’t come back, riders, hikers or climbers. Things can go sideways fast, whether you go solo or not.

Without getting too preachy here, I put some info in the video on how to do the fun things while taking important safety precautions. Let me know what you think!

Share this video with anyone who needs the info or would enjoy it!

I take solo trips too. I try to be smart about it. I owe that to myself, the animals I’m responsible for, the people who care about me and all first responders.

Share your questions and your backcountry trip safety measures in the comments below!

Looking for your own once wild Mustang to go adventuring with? We have incredible gentled horses available and looking for you! Check them out on

w i l d h o r s e o u t r e a c h . o r g

We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Guffey, CO. Hauling can be arranged.

#BLMmustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildhorses#wildtowilling#saveahorserideamustang#adopt

#mountains#desert#adventure#safety#fun

#makingmountainmustangmemories

There’s something special about young people and Mustangs. They’re not just our future, they’re who we hope will treasure, protect and enjoy wild horses, on and off the range, when we are long gone.

This kiddo has been helping us with chores for a few months. She’s tough and gritty and wasn’t at all horsey when she first started.

I’m not known for being easy to work for if you ask youngsters who are used to playing on their phones rather than doing physical work outside.

That cracks me up when I look back at the hundreds of hours of barn chores I did just to be around other people’s horses as a kid, forget about getting paid.

What I am though is willing and happy to teach someone with tenacity because that’ll outdo talent and previous experience every time if they maintain it.

She’s learned to halter and brush some of our gentler wildies and I’ve tossed her up on Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustang Lacy a couple of times.

The first time I led them around the 25ft round pen, the next time she rode in there by herself, at a walk, with me standing close-by. Each ride bareback in a halter.

Tay Martin and I can communicate with hand signals, head movements and grunts when needed, so using those fine methods of information transfer, I suggested she introduce the kid to Tiny.

After meeting the colossal (compared to Lacy) teenage Salt Wells gelding went smoothly, the next bit of communication – I was in the middle of a session with another Mustang – meant to have her halter him and hop on.

Kiddo’s eyes were the size of dinner plates when she heard “Stefanie said you’re getting on him. I don’t think that was a question.” This kid is brave, so she didn’t refuse.

It took every one of the 3 steps of our big mounting block for her to climb on. We let her sit and relax on the wide red couch for a few minutes, leaning forward to hug him and back on his butt.

I’m not actually here to scare anyone, only to push at their comfort zone a little. Tiny slept through most of the kid’s acrobatics.

Finally kid said with a hopeful look aimed at no one in particular, “Miss Stefanie [ugh] showed me how to go around the round pen by myself…”

Grinning, I handed her the whip I was holding and told her to gently tap his large behind if he chose to ignore voice commands and leg pressure.

Tiny has the work ethic of a geriatric house cat most days, so that scenario was highly likely.

Right around that time he brought his giant head around to face her. Kid was rather perplexed when the horse she was sitting on was also looking back at her.

“Oh he wants to get paid” said Taylor who supports Tiny in his adorable laziness, handing kiddo a handful of alfalfa pellets. I don’t argue anymore. All I ever hear when I try to remind everyone of his many quirks is “Tiny is perfect!!!”

Taylor then added “It’s like putting quarters in the rocking horse at the grocery store”. I was at a loss.

Around the walking pen they went, Taylor leading the way the first time to show kid where to go and how to steer clear of the Mustangs that stood tied, watching the goings-on. Then the big lug and the little girl rode alone with both of us keeping an eye on them.

Every time they came back around Tiny would park himself at the mounting block and turn his head. Dutifully, kid handed over the goods. Then off they went again.

This went on for a while until she proclaimed, “No more quarters!” giving us the ‘fix it’ look. We all but died laughing and offered a refill.

A little while later I called “Hey kid, time to get back to work!” from inside the round pen, receiving mild protest in return. “Hop off and put your horse back out to pasture”, I insisted.

Reluctantly she did as I’d asked, or tried anyway. Tiny wasn’t done getting attention and he might have liked to examine the walking pen for some loose hay. Some very tender moments occurred over trying to send him out and shut the gate.

I enjoy investing in these horses’ future. Not just by turning out friendly, easy-to-handle Mustangs that have a good chance to thrive in our often crazy world, but also by sharing our Ambassadors with others.

If you’re looking to adopt or get involved, please let us know in the comments.

A list of adoptable Mustangs is available on

w i l d h o r s e o u t r e a c h . o r g

On our website we also have a “How you can help” section for those who would like to support what we do. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on your kindness to continue to do what we do.

We’ll be showcasing more available horses, sharing stories, rolling out a new way to help Mustangs and their adopters, and bringing immediate needs to your attention over the following weeks. Stay tuned! (As I muster up the courage to bring all that to life )

Thank you to all of you who follow us, whether you’re new or have been here for a long time! It means a lot, to the horses and humans alike!

*I want to make abundantly clear that as soon as this young lady is ready to do anything more than amble around small pens on soft dirt at a snail’s pace, she’ll be wearing a helmet whether she likes it or not. She’s riding seasoned Mustangs with a horse-savvy adult only a few yards away.*

If you’ve read this far – or skipped to the bottom – we’d love to hear about your favorite memory involving horses and kids (possibly you as a kid?) in the comments!

Halter & lead rope: Rowdy’s Ropes

#BLMmustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildhorses#ridethebrand#adoptalivinglegend#adoptamustang#nonprofit#makingmountainmustangmemories

The weekend before last, on a gorgeous, crisp and sunny Colorado fall morning, 2yo Twin Peaks CA Mustang filly Echo left for her new home in Idaho.

Jennifer, her adopter, spent several hours with her the day before, getting to know her new friend, asking questions and receiving guidance on how Echo learns, responds to new things and what she knows.

Echo was quiet and kind, taking well her new person and eager to explore and hop into a new-to-her trailer. It was bittersweet seeing her go, knowing she’ll be so very loved, well taken care of and have a job as a pack and trail horse, doing what she loves, as she matures.

Thank you to all who have liked, shared and commented to get her seen, it worked! Thank you also to all of you who continue to support us so we can gentle and place these wild horses on their time, not ours! Last but not least, many thanks to Wild Spirit Mountain Lodge for always taking such wonderful care of our guests, the planned as well as the not-so-planned ones.

Looking for a Mustang of your own? Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy has several incredible gentled ones in search of their forever humans.

Check them out under the Available Mustangs tab

at w i l d h o r s e o u t r e a c h . o r g

We’re located in Guffey, CO. Hauling can be arranged, some of them can travel to approved homes outside of the US.

Have questions or want to adopt? We look forward to hearing from you via PM, email or phone.

We also offer remote coaching sessions for owners and adopters of Mustangs who are looking for suggestions on how to move forward with training or get through a rough spot. Reach out to us if that’s something you’re interested in!

#BLMmustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildhorse#adoptamustang#makingmountainmustangmemories

4yo Arapaho Creek WY Mustang Chief, or “Chiefy” as Tay Martin calls him, is looking for his own human to guilt trip.

He’s like an oversized shelter dog and lives to make us feel guilty when we’re giving attention to anyone but him, following us with his big, soft, expressive eyes and looking rather defeated until it’s his turn at last.

He’s one of the quietest, kindest horses we’ve had the pleasure of gentling at Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy . If you raise your voice at him, he deflates and stops whatever naughtiness he was in the process of committing, looking hopeful that we’re still friends.

We love his imperfect little ears (likely frost bite) and his stunning wild looks that hide a teddy bear character.

Chief stands 14.3hh tall and has the personality of a colorful Eeyore. He needs a little encouragement sometimes and some guidance at others but all he really wants is a friend.

Chief would happily not be asked to win the Kentucky Derby and go Eeyore speed wherever he’s headed. Not a runaway and if he ever does, it shouldn’t last more than 20ft before he goes “that was silly, I’m sorry”.

He’s friendly with other horses and good with dogs. People and attention are his favorite thing though and he will walk away from his food to get some people time.

He’s been saddled and bridled and took it in stride. I’ll be ponying him soon.

He’s ridiculously easy to catch, crosses obstacles, ties, picks up his feet, stands for grooming and spraying, leads and loads. Chief will move hips and shoulders, back, lunge and go for walks. He has not been ridden yet but has the temperament to make that an easy task.

Chief is SA and can travel.

Located in Guffey, CO. Hauling can be arranged. If you’re interested in giving Chief an amazing home and allll the cuddles, please send PM or email (comments can get lost).

If you can’t bring him home but you’d still like to help, please comment, like and share far and wide, so he can find the wonderful home he deserves!

*Yes he’s branded, it’s hard to see because it’s on a white area. His color is pinto, please don’t ask about the “paint”. Paint is a breed, so by definition that’s mutually exclusive with being a Mustang.*

Thank you to Rowdy’s Ropes for the training halter and lead, Karyn Tessman Miller for the Knotty Horse spray and Sandra Burger for holding Chief for these pictures.

#BLMmustang#wildtowilling#adoptme#adoptamustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#adoptalivinglegend

#makingmountainmustangmemories

Earlier this week I went on a somewhat unplanned solo 13.5mi backcountry day ride.

Unplanned in the sense that a friend who was going to ride Tiny couldn’t make it, leaving me to decide whether to stay home or still go.

Fall, especially fall color season, in Colorado is fleeting. In a way it’s the highlight of our year.

The skies are at their bluest blue, the days comfortably warm, and a cool breeze keeps (wo)man and beast(s) from overheating and biting insects at bay.

The aspens and undergrowth are wearing their most colorful garments and the last few wildflowers are hanging on. A thin vail of snow contrasts the still green grass, making it hard to believe that winter is so near and yet another summer past.

I decided to ride anyway, loaded up the horses, dogs and our gear, drove 2h to the trailhead and had an incredible day venturing into the – somewhat – unknown as I hadn’t ever made it all the way to the lake before driving home again at night.

I felt good about going after researching the trail, downloading the map on 3 different apps, letting someone know where I was going, where I would park, and when I was expected back.

For a day ride I pack extra layers, rain coat, gloves and silk scarf, hand and toe warmers, a first aid kit for me and another for the animals, a two way satellite communication device with SOS button, headlamp a whistle and a Lifestraw, plenty of water, enough food to spend a night out there if need be, an emergency blanket, a multi-tool, my phone and two power banks to keep important electronics going for several days.

I carry a small but mighty hand saw on my riding horse, hobbles, halter and lead rope for each horse, a spare set of hobbles and lightweight leashes for the dogs. Everything that shouldn’t get wet is in dry bags.

I typically know what the wildlife situation is where I ride. That makes a difference for what to do to prevent a potentially dangerous encounter.

The 5 of us had a lovely day riding to and relaxing at a high mountain lake. The dogs and I wandered to a waterfall while the hobbled Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs grazed.

We hardly saw a soul all day, nobody once we were more than 4 miles in. Everyone was friendly and looked longingly at Tiny’s empty saddle. Lacy, who’s been known to dislike strange shapes along the trail, never missed a beat and seemed to enjoy the views as much as I did.

I hope this helps you prepare for and feel good about venturing into the backcountry on horseback! Questions? Ask away!

#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildtowilling#backcountry#wilderness#highcountry#mountains#fall#fallcolors#explore#adventure#makingmountainmustangmemories

I’ve wanted to visit Durango for years. Ride the train, see the fall colors, explore the town.

I enjoy going to events that bring like-minded people together. I love meeting, getting to know and learning from makers, other professionals and horsemen and -women in their natural habitat. And like live music, especially when there’s dancing involved.

Thanks to friends and connections in the Mustang and backcountry horse packing community, this year it’s all coming together.

I’m headed over the pass to the Durango Cowboy Gathering next week. I look forward to listening to the Bar D Wranglers on Wednesday night, watching the horseback social, street exhibits and cowboy parade on Saturday, and listening to as many cowboy poets and singer/songwriters as I can!

The weather should be perfect, the fall colors in full swing and the line-up is great.

The cowboy way of life, backcountry riding and wild horses all deserve to survive and thrive in our modern world and in order to do that, they all need us to show up.

I hear there will be Mustangs in the horseback social and the parade on Saturday!

I hope to see many of you there and maybe even meet in person if we’ve only connected on social media so far. Bring your friends, loved ones and your good riding horse.

The Durango Cowboy Gathering starts next Wednesday, October 2nd, and concludes on Sunday, October 6th.

Check out the schedule, performers and get your tickets for the ticketed events at durangocowboygathering.org