I was going to post a video this morning, that was before I got snowed in while having dinner at my friends’ house. We went from no snow before it got dark to 6+in when we looked outside a few hours later, some miles into narrow windy mountain dirt roads that don’t get plowed by the county.
So here are some pictures of the not-so-new-anymore Mustangs instead while I’m on slower internet and nervously watching it continue to snow. I have the dogs with me, many thanks to Tay Martin for taking care of the wild ones at home where there’s less snow. I’m just a few miles away as the crow flies and a few 100ft higher. That can make all the difference in weather out here.
These 4, Deets, Woodrow, Gus and Lorena, have been a joy to get to know and work with these past few weeks.
Lorena (buckskin) is pending adoption and already doing lots of grown up things with ease. She’s getting her first “big girl” trim next week, is tying, leading sending, crossing obstacles and wearing tack. She’s building confidence loading when asked (loads fine when not asked and then won’t come out of the trailer until I insist that she does) and is supposed to embark on a road trip to start her new life soon.
Gus (bay) is the kindest giant boy and is learning all the big kid things like loading and picking up feet. That was scary for him at first. He insists on being caught, loves people, crosses obstacles, finally figured out lungeing and thought it was the greatest thing ever when I put a saddle and bridle on him for the first time yesterday. Standing still while tied is very boring, but he’s getting better. Gus is the best weirdo ever. Not available for adoption at the moment, will update when that changes.
Deets (appy) and Woodrow (silver bay) are good, level headed geldings with fairly easy going personalities. They lead and tie, stand for grooming, will lunge, send and cross obstacles. They don’t have much stranger danger. Both are working on picking up feet and loading. They are potentially spoken for, will update if that changes.
All 4 have learned and are practicing body control, i.e. yielding hindquarters and shoulders, as well as backing in addition to just leading and going around me on a circle. That’s important for many things down the road.
To all who have submitted adoption applications, thank you. I will reach out to people with approved applications over the next couple of days. If the horse you asked for is spoken for or we don’t yet have the perfect Mustang for you, we’re happy to work with you and help you find a great match.
Until some sort of incentive program comes back, our nonprofit organization Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy is funding all of this on its own. We appreciate your support in helping wild horses transition from holding pens to loving homes now more than ever. Thank you! If you want to help, please check bio for how to do so or reach out to us directly.
Training halters and leads Rowdy’s Ropes
First 3 photos: Photographer Linnea Helander
