Mustang School

What is a "Wild Horse Workshop"?
 
A "Wild Horse Workshop" gives you a one or two day experience with the American Mustang.
In this experience you will be able understand how natural horsemanship works in the mind of the Mustang, and allow you to see and feel the difference between your domestic horse at home, and the sensitivity of the Mustang.

What is a "Wild Horse Gentling" school?

In the "Wild Horse Gentling" course the student gets to experience working with Mustangs that have not been handled, and will have the excitement of first touch, and achieving the transformation from a wild horse into one that will look to you for leadership and comfort.



Josh Guin of "Crossroads Horsemanship" and Michael O'Brien; two graduates of our "Wild Horse Gentling School" and "Wild Horse Starting Under Saddle School" 

What is a "Wild Horse Starting Under Saddle" school?

In this course the student will take the Mustang from the "Gentling" process that was begun earlier in the week, and begin to acquaint the horse with the saddle and rider. Please note in order to participate in the "Starting under Saddle" course the student must have completed at least one "Wild Horse Gentling" class. This is in order to maintain consistency of training, and to know that you are aware of the mustangs keen senses.

Youth and Yearling Mustang Challenge

What is “Youth and Yearling Mustang Challenge”? Youth and Yearlings is a program dedicated to presenting the American Mustang to the public as a “trainable” and “desirable” horse, while empowering the youth of America, by giving them the opportunity to train a wild Mustang,(Since these mustangs are only “yearlings” it is “in hand only”).

What is the cost? The youth get to adopt a mustang that is just a yearling for $25.00, which is the total cost! The Mustang Heritage Foundation will also reimburse each youth trainer with a check for $200.00 on the day of the competition. So the cost is virtually nonexistent.

When does it start? We have two “YAY” events per year. The pickup dates for the Mustangs are open right now for the 2012 season as we are getting our schedule together.

Who can enter? Any youth from 8 yrs old through 18 years old (as long as you do not turn 19 before the day of competition), can sign up.

What will the competition consist of? The competition will have two categories; the fist one will be 50% of the overall score, of which 30% will be on the BCS (body condition scale) of the horse, and 20% on how well you and your horse are communicating with each other. The second half will be an obstacle course that you and your horse will go through, and you will be judged on how well you communicate to your horse and how well your horse responds to you.

Can I have help with my horse? Yes! We encourage this to be anything from a “family project” mother/son, father/daughter, etc to “club or barn” projects,  or simply on your own.

Can I keep my horse? Yes we encourage you to keep it and there is no cost for that. You may also elect to have your horse adopted to another party at the end of the competition (this will be by a bid format), and the youth get to keep any money in excess of $25.00 (for instance if your horse brings $300.00, you keep $275.00), however if your horse does not adopt you are still responsible for your horse.

Are there prizes? Yes!! We will have a beautiful handmade saddle (msrp on the saddle is $1,800.00) by R.W. Bowman Co. for the grand prize and there will be several other great prizes like silver belt buckles as well.

What are the requirements for housing the mustang? The requirements are simple; all you need is a 400 square foot turn out that is 5’ high, and a shelter that has a roof and two sides to help protect the mustang from inclement weather. The turnout area cannot be “barbed wire” or electric, it is best made from wood or the use of good stock panels is highly recommended. If you have questions on this please ask Mike Branch.

How do I transport the mustang? It is best to use a “stock” type trailer to transport. The trailer must be a fully enclosed trailer with swing out-doors (ramp loads that are a part of the door are not acceptable), two horse trailers must have the divider removed, and the door must go all the way to the top.