[luvs2ride79]

So, a friend of mine here in central Arkansas has a Mustang gelding with issues. It seems as though he has been abused in his past. My friend does not have the knowledge to get him past his problems and I do not have the time to help her. I need some suggestions on what we should do with him. I have some calls in to rescues and mustang groups, but I thought I would ask my HGS friends for your thoughts.

Here's the deal. He's around 10-12 years old, pretty dark bay gelding, about 14.2h. He's healthy and friendly to people, but VERY agressive to other horses. You can halter him if you get him in his stall (which he likes) and calm him down. If you try to approach him with a rope or halter in the field, he's gone... You can pet his face, neck, and shoulders, gently. You can even pet his back a little if you're quiet and easy. We can trim his front feet with tranqualizers (moderate dose of Ace), but he will not allow his rear feet to be done, even with a heavy dose of Ace. He has to be put totally under. I think with patience and time, he will come around. He's made great progress with just the short amounts of time I have spent with him.

However, Kelley can't work with him herself (she has a pacemaker and heart condition) and her young daughters are scared of him. They really want a horse they can ride and enjoy, but the Mustang is too agressive for an easy introduction. He's been with other horses before, and after about two weeks he settles down and they can be turned out together, but he is very "stallion-y" in his behavior and canNOT be around other geldings that are "leaders" or in a mixed herd. If mares are around, he beats up on all other males to claim "his girl"... He will knock down fences and go through electric to get to mares as well. Right now he's separated by 4 strands of electric rope & tape, 6' high, plus another wood fence 15 feet from that. He respects the electric in this situation, but will go through if a mare is close enough to him.

So, what should be do? Kelley's mom is all for putting the horse down, but I really don't want to do that if we can find some place for him.

A picture I took of Spirit (of course) a few months ago.

[mftx4]

Why would someone, that seems, incapable of handling an animal like this, buy him. If he's been through several owners, without good results and no improvement, it seems you only have a few choices. Sell him to someone capable of dealing with his issues, someone willing to turn him out as a pasture ornament or put him down. He sounds very mistrusting and sometimes that trust can never be gained. Some that have been gelded late or improperly, never loose their studdly ways and it sounds like that's what's going on. If he isn't handled properly, someone or something, is going to get hurt. If your fences can't hold him, he could end up causing headaches and heartaches.

[luvs2ride79]

He was "found" after a tornado locally. Kelley took him in without knowing anything about his past or his behavior. She figured he was just frightened and would settle down. Unfortunately he did not.

I am aware of my options and understand that his studdy behavior liekly won't go away. That is why she wants to find someone that can house him properly and work with him.

I posted this hoping someone might know of a Mustang rescue or sanctuary within a few hundred miles that would be willing to take him.

I am trying to help my friend, who knows she is in over her head and is asking for help.

[mftx4]

Can she contact the folks that 'found' him? Were there no 'lost' ads for him? Were there any 'lost' ads posted for him? Perhaps the ASPCA have been told that he was 'lost' and they haven't been able to get any leads. Maybe someone has been looking for him. I'd contact them to find out and tell them the situation.

[luvs2ride79]

It's been well over a year that she's had him. Found ads were posted in the paper and at feed stores. No one claimed him. Someone abused him. He was found very underweight, bad coat and feet, and cuts and scrapes all over. I doubt his pervious owner was missing him...

Arkansas is a small state; word gets around quick. We would have known about it by now.

[mftx4]

Sounds like a sad situation all round. Hard decision to make. I wish you both luck with whatever you choose to do.

[Kamara]

This is what I could find in Arkansas

If they cannot take the horse maybe they can point you to someone who can.

Google 'Arkansas Mustang Rescue" or "Arkansas horse rescue", thats where I pulled the info from.

http://www.clearcreekrescue.com/
336 Madison 8388 Huntsville, AR 72740

Couch Horse Ranch
Summers, Arkansas 72769
http://couchhorseranch.com/default.aspx

Living Legends Equestrian Center
Paragould, Arkansas 72450


Give me a Chance Equine Rescue
Amity, Arkansas 71921
http://www.gmacer.org/

We are a non profit rescue. We have a lot of horses that need loving homes. Prices range from 25.00 to 300.00 all money goes to feed or med. care for horses
Services Unknown


These guys are in TX but I believe they are a larger organization and perhaps could help out with information or suggestions in your area.

http://www.mustangheritagefoundation.org/



Pinewood Creations and Equine Rescue, Arkansas
Contact Phone: 501-865-4900

Hours of Operation: 8am - 6pm

Address:
Pinewood Creations and Equine Rescue
7598 Hwy 7
Bismarck, AR 71929
Located in: Hot Springs County





Hope this at least gives you a start Good luck!

Penelle

[luvs2ride79]

Thanks Kamara.