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

I’m officially and finally an American citizen. As part of the naturalization process I had requested to change my last name to Schaefer. That request was granted at the oath ceremony in Denver on Thursday.

Wolfgang Schäfer was my maternal grandfather and in many ways my childhood hero. I hope I can grow up to be half as adventurous, educated and well traveled as he was. Half as quirky would be plenty, too

Many thanks to Wendy Dillenschneider , Greg Liverman and Kelly Strong for making the day even more special by spending it with me.

I had stubbornly decided to wear a western dress, boots and turquoise jewelry to court. The dress code said no jeans, shorts, or flip flops, so I figured I wasn’t technically stretching any rules.

The judge was glad to see a room full of smiling faces. A civics class from a Colorado Springs high school welcomed the new citizens with hand written letters, flags and happy cheers. Among many moving stories, there was also talk of Mustangs and Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy in the courtroom that day.

Another pleasant surprise, the silverware at our lovely lunch spot had horses on it. When I got home tired and happy at the end of a long and emotional day, even the sky was red, white and blue.

I’m grateful to be(long) here, for the opportunities, adventures and incredible people I’ve encountered since moving to this country and excited for what’s to come.

Onward!

#grateful#sunset#makingmountainmustangmemories

Our goal at Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy (WHOA) is to adopt out Mustangs that are easy to handle, happy to interact with humans, pleasant to work with and safe to be around.

That takes time, a variety of approaches and good help.

We’re happy to welcome another visitor, this time from Germany. Sandra is helping us out and learning her way around Mustangs for the next week.

She met and worked with several of our adoptable wildies today. Sandra is pictured here with

Nash, grey 4yo Antelope Hills WY Mustang gelding, 15+hh, string tests to 15.2hh.

Aerin, bay yearling Devil’s Garden Mustang filly.

Eowyn, sooty buckskin yearling Devil’s Garden Mustang filly.

If you’re interested in adopting, you can view our available Mustangs here: https://wildhorseoutreach.org/index.php/available-mustangs/

We’re a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Guffey, CO. We’re happy to guide you and help you find a Mustang thats a great match for you.

We work with reputable haulers who can bring your new partner to you anywhere within the lower 48. Some of the wild horses in our care are Sale Authority and can travel outside of the US. Approved adoption application through WHOA required.

Please comment, like and share to help these 3 lovely young Mustangs find excellent homes!

Halters and lead ropes: Rowdy’s Ropes

#BLMmustang#DevilsGardenMustangs#wildtowilling#wildhorses#wildhorseswillingpartners#adoptamustang#adoptalivinglegend#makingmountainmustangmemories

We’ve spent the better part of this year introducing 2yo dun Twin Peaks CA Mustang filly Echo to all the things that set a young horse up for success. Now it’s time for her to find her person.

Echo ground drives, ponies and packs (think pack horse on a pack trip) like a champ. She hobbles (2 and 3 leg), highlines, follows along loose in the backcountry, has spent several nights camping both in the backcountry and at the trailhead.

She’s tall (we measured her earlier this year, can again now). She was 14.2hh in March and has grown taller since. She string tests to 15hh and the way she’s growing she may surpass that.

She’s worn light saddles and has carried light packs. She’s worn a light and work harness and pulled a tire and the stoneboat (which isn’t a boat made of stone).

She’s been around cattle and mules, crosses water and obstacles both in the wild and in arenas.

She gets along well in a herd setting, is good with dogs, easy to trim, and has seen and experienced more than most 2yos.

Echo is friendly, curious and ready to find her own adventure human. Due to her age she has not been ridden or sat on.

Plenty of photos and videos available of her on adventures.

Available for adoption through Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy . Located in Guffey, CO. Hauling within the lower 48 can be arranged. Please PM if interested.

*Echo is the taller horse with the lighter colored saddle in these photos. She’s an almost perfect match to our Ambassador Mustang mare Lacy.*

Please comment, like and share to help Echo find an incredible home!

#BLMmustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildtowilling#adoptamustang#makingmountainmustangmemories

Our goal when working with Mustangs at Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy is to help each horse get to the point of being both gentled and gentle.

Gentled, meaning they know the basics of being handled and have skills to carry them forward.

Gentle, meaning they trust and accept humans and enjoy being around us.

We can’t make a horse be gentle, that’s an attitude shift that must come within.

For some, being gentle comes before being fully gentled, and vice versa.

Both are important for once wild horses to thrive in their new homes and lives. If we have one without the other, we’ll eventually hit a wall in their training and dangerous situations can arise.

Chief, 4yo sorrel pinto Arapaho Creek WY Mustang gelding, on the other hand is by nature a gentle soul. He begs for attention and walks away from his food just to be with humans.

He’s so eager to get along that learning skills comes easily for him. A horse like that still needs us to teach him the skills required for him to thrive with a human partner

For Nash, 4yo grey Antelope Hills WY Mustang gelding, learning the skills came easier than the internal shift to accepting and craving human interaction.

Being gentled only got him so far, becoming gentle is doing the rest. He is pictured looking very relaxed, enjoying some people time with our intern Kyle ..

Both geldings, along with several other incredible wildies, are available for adoption.

Sometimes a horse can be gentled in mere weeks and take months of handling to become gentle. Some horses are gentle and struggle to learn certain skills.

The timeline for each horse is different. The end goal is the same: To find just the right homes for Mustangs that are both gentled and gentle.

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Guffey, CO. We send horses to approved, suitable homes across the country.

Thanks to your support, through donations, volunteer work, sharing our posts about adoptable Mustangs and following us on social media, we can continue to help wild horses on their time, not ours.

If you’re looking to adopt or for ways to help us help wild horses, check out our website www.wildhorseoutreach.org

Training halters & leads: Rowdy’s Ropes

#BLMmustang#wildhorseswillingpartners#wildtowilling#mustangtraining#mustanggentling#horsemanship#nonprofit#makingmountainmustangmemories