Category: Stefanie’s Notebook

Connection-based gentling

Frank Stetson again, coming 4yo sooty buckskin Sand Wash Basin Mustang gelding. He’s with Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy for gentling and to learn that interacting with humans is actually pretty cool. If you’re drooling now: Yes, he really is that cute. No, sorry, you can’t have him. He has a home, and no, sadly …

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The highline

This is a question I get asked a lot: How do you contain the horses in the backcountry, especially overnight? There are several ways that can work depending on where you are and what works for you and your stock. Highline, lowline, electric fence are a few. Some people keep one animal tied in camp …

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DG Petrie – Be careful what you wish for

This is a post for and about the newest member of our Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador herd: Petrie, a coming 3yo Devil’s Garden Mustang filly and one of the 10 DG Mustangs from the 2021 gather on U.S. Forest Service-Modoc National Forest land that were passed over for adoption and sent to us …

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Lacy update

If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ve seen pictures of Lacy, 8yo dun Divide Basin Mustang mare and part of the Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador herd. Lacy is gaited, gritty, opinionated and up for any challenge or adventure. She’s been my main riding horse for the past 3 years. “‘Though she …

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Back from Elko

I spent the past week in Elko, Nevada, visiting my friend Rachel Toler and attending the 38th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. It was my first Gathering; I have a feeling it won’t be my last. It was a whirlwind of various events and buckaroo gear shows, great people, amazing food, beautiful artwork and incredible craftsmanship. …

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Gentling goals

We’ve done this work a little while now, and one of the most important things we’ve learned over the years of gentling Mustangs is what it’s going to take for them to be successful as they go on to their new homes. That’s what we want most for the wild ones we meet, care for …

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Kindness

If there is one thing nonprofit work and being part of the Mustang community has taught me, is that there is so much kindness, so many good people out there. People who are willing to share and give so generously, be that knowledge, talents, encouragement, time, pasture land, equipment or money. I have no family …

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Connection over control

Have you ever felt like the universe is hitting you upside the head with a message until you finally listen? I have. So. Many. Times. The one I’ve been getting and trying to respond to lately is less rigidity and more being in the moment, less aiming to control and more seeking to connect. That …

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Tiny

This big guy, a teenage Salt Wells WY Mustang gelding, has been part of our Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador herd for a few years now. He came from Colorado Horse Rescue Network where he ended up because of some…errrr…. unique personality traits. He joined us as a riding horse for a friend back …

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Knowing yourself, your limits, and your horse

I do a lot of backcountry riding far from groomed trails, exploring new-to-me country and difficult terrain, and “I just want to see what’s on the other side of that ridge”. That leads to many an unexpected adventure. I’m also not, not even in the least little bit, a fearless rider, or a fearless person …

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