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Discussion on Wild Horse Adoption: What's Your Experience?
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Member:
Terrilyn
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 5, 2004 - 9:40 am:
My daughter and I attended a BLM wild horse and burro auction this past weekend (Oct 1-3) at the BLM Management Area in Lorton, VA. We had never been to one, did not really know what to expect, and were very interested in learning and experiencing something we knew very little about. We left the auction seriously considering adopting one of these horses. There was one quirky bidding war that resulted in a dappled grey weanling going for $1600, but other than that, most animals went for the adoption fee of $125. What a mixed bag...from obvious draft influence to sturdy, compact, tough little guys. Several attendees were riding horses they had adopted and trained, and their stories were wonderful. A Pryor Mountain two-year-old went for $135....he had spent time in the round pen that morning with Steve Mantle, who gave him his blessing, saying he he had done well and would make a fine prospect. Folks with these horses that we spoke to said that owning and training a wild horse takes horsemanship to another level not experienced with domestic animals...all comments were positive. We are considering going back this summer to the next auction to adopt a yearling. I know that Holly Z has had great luck with hers from reading her posts on HA, and I'd like to hear more from her and from others who either own, or know those who do, an adopted BLM horse. What are the positives? Negatives? Our goal with an adopted horse would be as a family horse to trail ride and spoil. Thanks!
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Member:
Cowgrl
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 5, 2004 - 11:14 am:
Hi Terri,
One correction, I didn't actually adopt mine from the BLM but bought him from the fellow who did. However, the horse had received minimal training from his adopter so I had the chance to restart him from the beginning. I have a friend who so far has adopted 3, the last one being just two weeks ago.
One thing your wild horse will teach you is patience! What you take for granted that a domestic born horse knows, is a whole new program for the wild one. From my experience, most readily accept humans in their lives if they are treated with respect and kindness. One of the biggest mistakes people make is forcing too much on the horse at one time and expectations are too high. For instance, my boy Dakota (Red Dakota Moon) had and still does, have an issue with having his ears touched and handled. It literally took weeks before he would even let me rub his poll and around his ears. I used the pressure and release method and we went on and on every day until he finally realized that having his ears and the area around his ears rubbed felt good.
I could see from the beginning that Dakota wanted to be friendly but didn't have the trust issue down. When I was finally able to take his halter off and felt reasonably confident I could catch him, I was in for a surprise. He wouldn't let me come near him. What I had to do was wait for him to catch me. I would come near and make sure he was paying attention to me and then not pay any attention to him. I'd stand near the fence and look around and everywhere but at him. Sooner or later, his curiosity would get the best of him and he'd come over to see what I was looking at. Sometimes he'd let me turn to him and stroke his neck, sometimes not and we'd start over. Before long he'd let me come right over and put the lead rope over his neck.
I've been riding him for several months now and he is turning out to be a great little trail horse. He has more personality than most horses I've run across and he and I definitely know each other very well. Mustangs tend to bond to one person but with time they can learn to accept and trust others. Dakota still doesn't quite trust my husband simply because he hasn't spent much time working with him.
I have not seen any negatives so far. He is very easy to train and picks things up pretty quickly. I've started working with a Parelli trainer and noticed a huge difference in his attitude towards me and how we relate.
There's lots of information out there on the web about mustang training. One link that was very helpful is:
https://www.kbrhorse.net/whb/blmhorse.html
There's tons of stuff here on mustangs and training. I've referred to it over and over again for answers to training issues. Also there's Frank Bell's site that has some interesting info.
https://www.horsewhisperer.com/
If you decide to adopt, you will find you knew nothing about horses but will embark on one of the most rewarding experiences you can imagine. To take a horse out of the wild and teach him to trust and love is something almost akin to magic. Mustangs make terrific family horses from what I understand. They're tough and have incredible stamina, and if treated right, make a loyal and loving companion.
Good luck Terri. Let me know what you decide.
Holly
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Member:
Terrilyn
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 6, 2004 - 2:48 pm:
Holly, thanks SO much for sharing your experience. Did the original adopter feel as if he was not up to the task? I know this type of thing isn't for the faint of heart, but for the long haul...we haven't decided to do this yet for sure, but it seems like it would be a great experience....a win-win for the horse AND the adoptive family. And the horses at the auction were not castaways and scrubby, ugly things like you hear people talk about. Quite the contrary.
Is there anyone else out there who has taken this on? If you were thinking of it and didn't, why not? I have not yet heard any horror stories, but that isn't the job of the PR folks at the BLM....
Thanks!
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Member:
Sunny66
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 6, 2004 - 4:00 pm:
Not personally, but my friend does it frequently. As long as you are "well-versed" in the equine language...it should be quite easy. Consistency and fairness is key to these wonderful creatures!
My friend has had only 2 out of 8 that took quite a bit more time...they were geldings, cut late and still had a lot of testosterone (sp?)
I'm guessing this is why they weren't as easy as the others to win over.
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 6, 2004 - 4:37 pm:
We've never adopted a mustang, but did adopt a wild burro and her foal. The burro was ancient, with a big bite taken out of one of her ears; her month old foal was snow white and the cutest thing you ever saw. Of course this was quite a different experience than working with a mustang - or horse of any type. It was truely a "learning experience" but one which Lonnie & I were both very glad we undertook. The foal was easy to tame-very sweet and easy to work with, although very different mentality than a horse. The old mother I would hesitate to ever call "tame." Although, after a LOT of patient work, we were able to get a halter on her and could "sort of" lead her. We never could get her to let us pick up her feet or anything like that, although she would let me groom her. She earned the respect of everyone, including our vet and farrier. I've known people that have adopted mustangs, and they had a much easier time and infact have gone on to adopt more of them. If memory serves me right, a former wild mustang earned a national reining or cutting title a few years back.
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Member:
Patricia
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 6, 2004 - 9:08 pm:
Terri,
I adoped a mustang about 8 years ago and have had a wonderful experience with him. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a young one and Chance (Second Chance, actually) was a 3 1/2 year old stallion and I wasn't able to geld him until he was almost 4.
Because I had to board him at a farm owned by another mustang adopter, it was difficult to find the time I needed with him and gentling him was difficult (not to mention, she abused him while he was in her care).
Because of a wonderful woman I met in the process of finding him a new home, I was able to get him to a safe place and begin working with him in earnest.
He is an honest and willing horse who learns quickly, but earning his trust was difficult. I'll never know if it was because of his previous treatment, or his lack of confidence, or a combination of both, but training him was a challenge. He has never had an unkind bone in his body and has never bitten, kicked or bucked, even when he first carried a saddle. His first response to every situation was fear. After several months and the help of a professional trainer who basically taught me to teach him, we were able to begin learning in earnest. He has always been a quick study and our learning together has been a wonderful experience I will never forget.
Perhaps I should add that I was 43 years old when I got him, had been away from horses for 20 years, and had never done any training. My experience was pleasure riding. So yes, I did bite off a lot more than I should have and have often looked back and said "what was I thinking!"
He has since become a fabulous trail horse that remains unfazed by just about everything, but when he tells me he sincerely does not want to do something, I listen. Usually his decision is correct.
I made a committment before I got him that no matter what happened he would be with me forever. He isn't beautiful or large (about 14.3 H) and probably would not be a horse someone would buy so I decided I would never let him go. If I couldn't ride him, he would be my companion.
I think the key to working with a mustang is patience, and a lot of it. If it is something you decide to do, enjoy the experience. They are quite a lot different than domestic horses - more claustrophobic, more cautious, but in many ways, more sensible. Maybe that's what makes the reward so much greater.
And they have great feet!
Patricia
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Member:
Goolsby
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 7, 2004 - 8:06 am:
Terri
The closest I have gotten is a slaughter rescue about 3-5 mo. old who turned out to be a mustang as far as I can tell. I have considered adopting a BLM and often check the internet adoption site. I havent done it yet because I feel I dont have the extra time required or adequate facilities at this time. All I have heard is positive stories about the BLM adoptions and hope to adopt one some day when my yearlings mature and are less work and I can build a real barn (of course I might be too old for the challange by then).
Patricia
Just wanted to say I admire your commitment. Many people would have passed him off.
Colleen
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Member:
Cowgrl
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 7, 2004 - 1:08 pm:
Great comments from everyone! I've wanted to adopt a mustang since I was a little girl and even wrote to President Nixon about the slaughter of mustangs for dog food. I got a letter from the BLM and a "Wild Horse Fact Sheet" telling me how the mustangs are now protected, blah blah blah.
The reason the man sold him was that he didn't think he was going to grow big enough for him. He had adopted 2 mares already and was involved working with them. Dakota is a little guy but mustangs do grow until age 7 or so. He should top out 14.2 or 3. At four years old he's really starting to fill out and mature and will be a stocky little turd.
Colleen, don't give up your dream. My friend who adopted 3 mustangs is in his late 40's and is having a great time. His latest is a 3 year old stallion and after only 2 or so weeks he's already grooming him, picking up his feet, and leading. He says he is just a little lover and a real pocket pony. His other two are coming along great and he's riding the 2 year old a little. He's had both about a year now. Everytime he goes to the adoption he asks me if he can bring one home for me. One of these days I'm going with him and will be bringing one home.
Yes, Dakota is also very sensible and nothing fazes him out on trail. Right from the start he was crossing bridges as if he had done it a million times, learned to highline right away, hobbled, everything came easy to him. When I take him to his lessons, he likes to stand with his front feet up on a podium the trainer has. He just walks over to it on his own and steps up.
Patricia, I also admire your commitment to your boy. It takes a special person to see the real horse inside and work to bring it to the surface. Kudos to you.
My new motto: Ride Mustangs - An American Original! (you may use it if you like  )
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Member:
Terrilyn
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 7, 2004 - 2:46 pm:
Holly--
Absolutely. This has been a revealing and heartwarming discussion. I was afraid to jump in and say thanks again too soon because I wanted the comments to keep rolling in.  They have been a pleasure to read. It makes sense to me these horses would respond quickly and with an accepting attitude...when we stop having to concentrate just on the survival aspects of our lives, we can begin to experience things we didn't know were possible. Might it be the same for horses? I don't know...food for thought.
I do appreciate everyone sharing. I now have adopting one of these horses as a future goal. I too am mid-40s and though I have some horse experience, surely nothing compares to bringing a wild horse into your life. Overly romantic? Perhaps...but if you could have seen the woman's face (glowing) at the adoption with her horse when we asked her about the experience...she had a hard time putting it into words that were adequate. Both she and her horse looked like they belonged on a postcard. (You can see them under the photo gallery of success stories on the BLM site--she's wearing chaps--horse is buckskin--standing against a white board fence.)
Incidentally Holly, though I have visited the KBR horse net site several times, I had forgotten how much info was there regarding the mustangs. Neat! I signed up for their email list. Haven't looked at the other yet.
Good stuff here. Thanks again.
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Member:
Gailking
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 5:48 pm:
A BLM auction was held in our area this spring. They had about 125 horses--mostly young ones. I went to the preview with my girlfriend to help her pick out a one year old. There were lots and lots to chose from. We chose a large guy with good bone and a calm and mellow seeming personality. He had been gelded already and had all his shots. She went back the next morning to buy him and was the only bidder at $125. Lots of the horses weren't sold and had to be returned. The trailer ride home was scary as he tried to squeeze out of the top ventilation of the trailer. She followed the advice of the BLM guys and had a sturdy pen ready for him. He settled in beautifully. She kept the other horses separated but where he could see them. Anyway, Jake has just been a love. He loves people and is so smart. He didn't seem to have any of the distrust that many of them have. He allows grooming every day. She is picking up his feet. He loves his treats. She finally let them all hang out after a few months and he loves his herd. She put a saddle on him to pack and took him out on her property with another horse and he did just fine. He is still only a year and a half so too young to ride. He learns very fast and loves his carrots and other treats. He has not been mistreated so reacts nonchalantly to new experiences. My friend and I have both raised young horses, but each personality is different. Gaining trust is so important and once there, most things are pretty easy. This guy was very trusting from the beginning. He was well socialized by other wild horses, so the only difficulty she has is that he doesn't want to pony behing another horse because be doesn't want to be that close. I would not adopt a mustang if you do not have other horses since they are so used to a herd and need that bonding and comfort. I think the young ones are easier especially for us mid fifties types. Jake was in a corral with about 10 other equally calm yearlings. They were the best temperment of the whole bunch, less spooky, curious, good conformation, etc. Another couple who have adopted 6 mustangs were looking at the group too and commented that that group seemed particularly mellow. So I would have no hesitation with adopting a mustang as long as you have the facilities and other horses. This bunch was from northern Calif. and So. Oregon and are supposed to get bigger than most mustangs. Just pick one for its temperment, curiosity and tolerance for people, and not just for looks. Jake is growing fast and looks as if he will be over 15 hands, but you can't tell for sure yet.
Good luck on your adoption.
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Member:
Chohler
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 6:41 pm:
I currently have 12 horses that I have adopted from
Blm. All are awesome horses. I have adopted them from the ages of 5 months to 7 years. 4 horses I picked up from a correctional facility that trains horses for blm, Riverton Honor Farm in Wyoming. Those of course were the easiest. These guys do an awesome job with the horses.
I adopted the rest from a local facilty, I explained what I was looking for to the person in charge of adoptions and she helped me narrow my search.
Steve Mantle at www.mantleswildhorses.com is a big help with any training issues and also has trained Blm horses available year round.
There is an online adoption site but I think it is down right now.
I would suggest starting with a young horse 1-3yr unless you adopt from a facilty that has trained horses.
Good luck on finding your new friend.
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Member:
Chohler
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 6:50 pm:
I forgot to tell you there are no negatives, just be patient. Mustangs are very honest. Start your new
friend in a pen with no other horses. You need to build a relationship with this horse without intereference from other horses. when you can reliably catch, halter and lead your horse then you can think about turning your friend out with others.
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Member:
Cowgrl
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 13, 2004 - 11:42 am:
Great story Cheryl. The one constant in all the posts is 'be patient." I also want to suggest to all new adopters that once you get your new friend home to leave the lead rope attached to his halter until you can reliably catch him in the pen. It'll make life a lot easier especially with the little more nervous types.
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Member:
Cowgrl
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 9, 2004 - 3:19 pm:
Hello. Just wanted to show you the newest addition to my herd. This is Desert Zephyr. She is from the Steen Mountain HMA out of southeast Oregon. I adopted her last month and she's been home a total of 2 1/2 weeks. On the first day she was letting me rub and scratch her. She's starting to learn leading and she's learning some of the Parelli games too. This HMA is known for paints and roans but I liked her so much I don't care that she's a solid bay. Zephyr is @ 14 months and is already a solid 14 hands. I have a feeling she's going to be pretty good sized for a mustang.
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Member:
Warwick
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 9, 2004 - 3:43 pm:
Congratulations, Holly, she's lovely!
Please keep us posted on her progress and send more photos.
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Member:
Terrilyn
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 9, 2004 - 3:47 pm:
She is beautiful! Yes, please keep us updated. Something to look forward to.
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Member:
Dyduroc
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 9, 2004 - 6:48 pm:
Congratulations, Holly. I'm looking forward to hearing more as you bring her along.
I went to the Equine Affaire in Springfield, MA, last month and met a woman who adopted a beautiful dun from the BLM. As she spoke, there was a passion that came through in every word she spoke and every gesture she made. It was such an inspiration to see how much she cared for her little guy (I don't think he was more than 14.2) and for the breed.
My best wishes to you and Zephyr.
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 9, 2004 - 9:59 pm:
Holly, she is beautiful!! Her white star looks a lot like my Sierra's did. She's wonderful.
Good luck with her. Shirl
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Member:
Cowgrl
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Posted on Friday, Dec 10, 2004 - 3:56 pm:
Thanks everyone! She's really a good girl. I think this weekend I'll be letting out of her little pen into the big paddock. I'm also thinking of bringing over my older appy mare for company. Zephyr's pretty lonely.
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Member:
Cowgrl
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 4, 2005 - 2:57 pm:
Zephyr update: She's growing like a weed and has quickly settled in. She's become quite a pro at leading and is picking up her front feet for me like a good girl. She loves to be groomed and falls asleep while I brush her. Except for one time when she got out of her paddock and almost giving me a heart attack until we were able to herd her back in, she's been very cooperative.
I did bring the mare over one day but she spent the entire time pacing the fence wanting to go back where the geldings were. Zeph just looked at me as though saying "what is up with this nut and why is she here?"
I have some new pictures and will try and post them tomorrow.
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Member:
Terrilyn
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 4, 2005 - 4:34 pm:
I am convinced that more people need to be seriously considering adoption given recent developments in Congress regarding wild horses and burros. With protective wording removed from the 1971 Free Roaming Act, these horses will now be headed to slaughter houses after a minimal attempt at adoption. Please go to congress.org and do a search on the Soapbox Alerts to find this one:
You may then enter your zip code to find the elected officials for your area---who are waiting to hear from you on this issue!!!
Tragic.
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Member:
Terrilyn
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 4, 2005 - 4:36 pm:
Sorry, the above text disappeared! Here it is:
Soapbox Alert
Please Save America's Wild Horses and Burros
Rider 142 of The Appropriations Bill
Rider 142, of the New Appropriations Bill, is absolutely dirty politics, it was introduced to the Appropriations Bill without Public Knowledge, by Two Montana Senators, who are caving in to the Greedy Ranchers in Thier Area that want Our WILD HORSES off the Rangelands. As it is now thier cattle are grazing on these Public Lands, and deleting the forage for the Horses, and Burros. BLM, will have a field day, now they will have a legal excuse to send the Horses by the thousands to Mass Slaughter.
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 6, 2005 - 8:26 pm:
Holly - Zephyr is so sweet looking! Did you name her? Her name is very appropriate for a mustang, imo!
Terri -I will look up you site and add my 2 cents. People in this part of the country seem to be very protective of the mustangs for the most part - cattlemen and sheepmen alike.
There are several herds I keep an eye out for in my travels between here and Reno,NV. Over the years I've been able to keep track of several individuals and watch as they've grown, had foals,etc. It is wonderful! There is one bay stallion that is just magnificent. He looks like something out of the movies, with a long black mane almost to his knees! One of the bands is all roans of different hues. Just marvelous.
The past draught years have been very hard on them all, and quite a few have been lost. This winter,so far, has been wetter, so I'm hoping they all have enough water this summer.
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Member:
Mickey01
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Posted on Monday, Jan 10, 2005 - 1:22 pm:
I'm going to be the note of caution in this thread. About 15 years ago, I adopted a 3yo wild BLM stallion. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time or experience to dedicate to him. After many months of little progress, I took him to a trainer. The trainer had worked with him in a round pen for about 45 minutes. He was already coming to the center of the pen and being petted. I was so excited, and then he broke his leg. It was a sand filled pen and one step he was fine, the next his leg was broken. The vet said it could be due to the poor nutrition they get in the wild. I've always wondered if it was due to the months that he was kept penned up. It was the most hearbreaking thing I've ever been through. I was not able to comfort him or even hold him while we waited for the vet. They had to pull him down in order to euthanize him. It was horrible. My advise to you is to know your limitations... if you're not qualified and don't have the support system to gentle a wild horse, then have plans to take him from the auction directly to a trainer. I so wish I had done this for Basque. He was such a gentle soul... you could see it in his eyes. I don't know if I will ever be able to adopt another mustang. To this day he is my greatest regret, and I still cry when I think about him.
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Member:
Cowgrl
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Posted on Monday, Jan 10, 2005 - 6:41 pm:
Micky, I am so sorry this happened to your sweet horse. Unfortunately stuff happens and this sounds like just a one in a million accident.
Thanks Sara, yes I named her. I tossed around so many names for about a week before I settled on Zephyr. She's doing so well and I really love this little scamp. She's already tested me but I quickly nipped that in the bud about who was in charge of this herd. Since then she's been a willing pupil. I'm picking out her front feet and we're working on her hinds now. She ties great - just one pull back episode but no panicking. The pics aren't very good but I'll post one anyway. Can't really see that well. I'll take more soon.
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New Member:
Dakota04
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Posted on Monday, Mar 21, 2005 - 6:53 pm:
Well I'm back. I had canceled my membership for a while but missed everyone here (sniffle). Anyway, my old username wasn't available - must still think cowgrl is still around.
Wanted to give you an update on what's been going on with Zephyr. Let's see, she's growing of course and has had her feet trimmed twice already. The first time was a little traumatic but the second time she was an angel. I'm lucky to have a person that just takes her time and gives her plenty of breaks if she gets nervous. I've been using a combination of Clinton Anderson and Pat Parelli training with her; I can't believe how smart she is, she picked up releasing the hindquarters, backing from shaking the lead slightly, and others in about 5 minutes flat.
She's turning into a tank and is built more like a quarterhorse with a big butt and shoulder. She has a very sweet attitude but is wary with strangers (of course). If I'm scratching her around the ears and stop, she moves her head to remind me to keep going. Not pushy at all and respects my space. Can you tell I'm stuck on her?
I'm going to attempt to load a new picture of her taken a week ago, it may be a little large.
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Member:
Dakota04
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Posted on Monday, Mar 21, 2005 - 6:54 pm:
dang, it was. Take my word for it, she's gorgeous!
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Member:
Lhenning
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 22, 2005 - 1:56 pm:
Welcome back, Holly. Glad to hear you
Happy trails,
Linda
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Member:
Paul303
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 27, 2005 - 2:35 am:
Hey Hollie, Zephyr looks great
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