The American Mustang

Just the word, mustang sends our thoughts into a whirlwind of imagination.  We think of The noble steeds of Barb and Andalusian blood arriving in is new world on the first Spanish galleons to explore this unknown hemisphere, setting foot on this untamed land that we call home: America.  It is easy to picture the Native American with unmatched skill riding across the vast plains at speeds even the bravest of riders could rarely match while sitting the finest saddle.  The noble American Mustang, full of majestic power and beauty, is one of the foremost cornerstones in our history - a vivid reminder of our past (though somewhat darkened) and indeed a hope for our future.

Yes, this proud animal, called Equus by Rome, watched as our country was formed and developed until “progress” proclaimed that we have no need for this now feral animal. These horses that helped us “win” the west were actually rounded up and murdered, because they were then (and even sometimes now) considered a nuisance.

This horse whose numbers once ranged in the millions is now reduced to the thousands. Congress has now passed a law to protect this magnificent creature. As new developments occur and the human population expands, these wild herds are pushed farther and farther away, leaving them less room for habitat.  In time this will mean even fewer wild horses.

We can help make a difference in saving the lives of these proud animals.  Mike Branch and the Flying B Natural Horsemanship program is actively involved with the Department of the Interior/Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program.  As a part of this program Mike wears many different hats.   He has been a foster parent to wild horses needing homes, and has helped relocate mustangs to new homes. Mike has taken training as a compliance officer and has done compliance checks.  He has volunteered at several mustang adoptions, giving lectures on what to look for when adopting a new horse of your own, as well as taking hundreds of phone calls from people needing information about wild horses and burros.

Mike Branch travels as much as he can to mustang adoption sites where he demonstrates the gentling process of the wild horses and burros, oftentimes encouraging the horse to receive its first saddle in about an hour.  Please look on the side bars of this site to see what Mike’s schedule is and come see him with the mustangs.  Perhaps you too will join in the effort to save these magnificent creatures.