[Gallop N Gal]

As of now, I won't be buying a horse until after college(the dream is to own one riding horse and a couple minis).

So, when I am able(hopefully) to buy a riding horse again I was considering adopting a BLM mustang. I would be giving a horse in need a home plus I heard they make great trail horses!

If anyone has any info or has one of their own I would love to hear(well, read) stories, and see pictures

[LotsOfSavvy]

I just started a blog about this (click in my siggy). I think it is more a labor of love than something the average horse person should undertake. The mustang I got was SUPER easy...not all of them are like that. But it is still a daily hassle because all of the things you take for granted with a domestic horse, you have to watch out for if you have a newly adopted mustang. A bicyclist approaching may not bother your saddle horse, but your mustang might freak out because he's never seen one, you have to be ready. As cars approach on the road, you have to be ready for your mustang to bolt...he may not but you have to be prepared.

Mustangs have never seen a halter or lead rope, a lot of them will kick and bite and some of them will even come at you. The worst Tabasco has ever done is try to nip my rear when picking up his feet..I've seen videos of recent adoptees charging their owners out of fear. I think though, if you are willing to take the challenge the journey is full of rewards.

I enjoy knowing that everything my horse learns (good or bad) is purely a product of what I teach him. They don't have any bad habits when you get them...what you make of the horse is totally up to you. You'll be there for the first time your horse ties, gets bathed, etc...

Just my 2 cents

[Gallop N Gal]

Yeah I was pretty sure it would be a big responsibility. Just a dream for now, we'll see what happens down the road. I also heard about prisoners that train them too? I'll definitely check out your blog! Thanks

[SecretHavenFarm]

If you really would like to adopt, I would suggest a yearling or younger.They (in general) are eaiser to gentle, thats my experiance and many of my friends experiances. I have had my yearling for 4 weeks now and just got his feet trimmed on friday. He has been a dream to work with.

I was just talking to some people who adopted some mustangs from the program that lets the prisonors work with the horses and said the horses were amazing and that the program really does great work.

[VivaLasVegas]

They are totally worth all of the work you put into them. LotsofSavvy was right about saying the got an easy one! My boy on the otherhand was adopted at 4 and not exactly easy, you couldn't catch him for a month. But he's now the best horse I could ever ask for. Just make sure you have the time and patience to take on this sort of responsability. As of the prison program, I'm on the east coast and haven't seen any of these horses in action. I do however, work with the eastern states office on a volunteer basis. What many of us do is gentle horses for adoptions and for people after they adopt. It really does help to take the edge off and allow the adopter to get right to work with them when they get home. If you think you are up to it, they really do make wonderful horses and the program really is worth getting involved in.

[joce]

I am boarding one(thought we haven't heard from the owner in a while!) right now and he has made me want my own.

I know nothing about his past though. I think his owner said they got him at two and he is four now. Can you tell where they come from their tattoos?

His owner did reining with him because he didn't have the money to buy one of his trainers prospects.

Here are a couple pics. He is a looker. And surprisingly less head shy than any of my horses ever were. He is social like my arab growing up was, he needs that attention! But he is skittish outside-I am guessing its because he was only out in an indoor at the trainers? Never thought a mustang would be spooky outside but again I know next to nothing about his past.

[LotsOfSavvy]

That tells you he is an 05 model. Im not sure on the first number but it looks like it might be an 8. The number on the brand would read 851810.

I bet if you called BLM they could tell you what Herd Area he came from. He sure is pretty!

[joce]

Originally Posted by LotsOfSavvy

That tells you he is an 05 model. Im not sure on the first number but it looks like it might be an 8. The number on the brand would read 851810.

I bet if you called BLM they could tell you what Herd Area he came from. He sure is pretty!

Thats great to know cuz I am not sure his owner will show up

I am glad someone can read that!! Thanks!

[VivaLasVegas]

Originally Posted by joce

Thats great to know cuz I am not sure his owner will show up

I am glad someone can read that!! Thanks!

To know how to read freezemarks:
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wil...eezemarks.html

His number is
851810 making him out of Wyoming, though I can't tell you what HMA he is out of. He was one of seven Wyoming horses adopted in 2007 (if he was adopted as a two year old). For any more information on him you can should contact the BLM at the number at the bottom of my sigi.

He sure is handsome though! (I like Oregon and Wyoming horses best)

[LotsOfSavvy]

Originally Posted by VivaLasVegas

To know how to read freezemarks:
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wil...eezemarks.html

His number is
851810 making him out of Wyoming, though I can't tell you what HMA he is out of. He was one of seven Wyoming horses adopted in 2007 (if he was adopted as a two year old). For any more information on him you can should contact the BLM at the number at the bottom of my sigi.

He sure is handsome though! (I like Oregon and Wyoming horses best)

Interesting...how'd you get the adoption numbers though?