TRAINER TIPS
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We are happy to present the first in a three part series of articles written by Laura Scott Dawson, producer of the Mustang Family All Breed Reunion Ride, trainer and enthusiastic proponent of mustangs. She has owned mustangs for over 20 years and currently enjoys eight uniquely individual mustangs on her Texas ranch. That number, as Laura says, is ALWAYS subject to change!
Mustangs vs. Domestics - Part 1
by Laura Scott Dawson
Kolona Dreamweaver - an example of generations of mustang evolution
Paisley Moondrop ↑ has solid
bone and tough hooves Lone Star Cowboy is a
big, solid-boned mustang with the hooves to support his weight (photo to the right) → 
Paisley Moondrop - exhibits smooth muscle
Peaches is a
fine example of an easy keeper (photo to the right) → |
When Wild Heart Mustangs™ asked me to share my thoughts on the differences between mustangs and domestics, I realized they are very different in three distinct areas-body, mind and trainability. While both types of horses share equally in my life and heart, mustangs definitely have some advantages. These differences have come about from opposing ends of the evolutionary scale. On the one end, mustangs have evolved over many years to have survival traits. Sort of a “nature knows best” trial-by fire-if you didn’t develop these attributes you didn’t survive to pass on your DNA. The amount of generations a group of mustangs has been subjected to this natural evolution definitely influences how far removed from domestics they can be. Those who have been running wild in our American west for over 350 years possess a higher degree of these differences than those who joined the wild 50-75 years ago. At the same time mustangs were being formed by nature, man has been breeding and influencing change in domestics. The results of these two forces, man and nature, have many times created a very different creature from the same species!
The first and probably the best known of the differences is the legendary mustang hoof. Mustangs from all areas and colors enjoy incredibly strong hoof material as well as a more upright hoof form with thicker hoof walls. Every horseman has heard the old adage “no hoof no horse” and the mustang is no exception. Those without strong, self trimming hooves did not survive to procreate. Alternatively, some breeds of domestics have actually been bred for tiny, “pretty” hooves. Also, domestics most often have not enjoyed the ability to free range and “toughen up” hooves and instead have been confined to stalls and worn shoes, resulting in thinner hoof material and a flatter hoof shape. Mustangs as a rule have a larger hoof overall in proportion to their frame size. A larger hoof is a part of the mustangs’ larger and denser bone in total. Stronger thicker bones are another trait developed from generations of running over rough territory. Modern domestics have often been bred to a smoother, lighter frame for speed, beauty aesthetic, and ability to give a smooth ride. Often I have heard, though it's a healthy positive in my eyes, that some mustangs strong bony physique is a dead give away to their breed and unattractive to the modern horseman.
Another trait which distinguishes mustangs from many domestics is their generous coat, mane and tail. All of that extra hair was developed to protect against the elements-sand, wind, cold, heat and water. Many of my personal mustangs display the “double mane”, “leg feathers” and “double eyelashes” to protect them from the weather. That same mane was bred out of many domestic breeds as too unruly, coarse and difficult to maintain.
Most of my mustangs display a smooth muscle mass as opposed to more delineated muscles groups. When they are first removed from the wild mustangs have a muscle mass more in keeping with an endurance athlete. Many of mine have kept that appearance even though they have filled out and become incredibly conditioned. Many domestics have been bred to display early and prominent muscling. Domestics have also been developed to have fast twitch muscle groups for sudden bursts of speed and power necessary for performance sports. Domestics have also been developed to carry a rider and thus have top line muscling which is often missing from fresh from the wild mustangs. The areas of top line, gaskins, stifle and hip are where I see the most difference and development when I am transitioning a new mustang to domestic life. 
The final body area where I see the most difference between my mustangs and domestics is in their ability to be “easy keepers”. They are efficient food processors-it takes less food to keep them in condition than the domestics. They are much less particular about the type of grazing or forage provided. They drink less frequently but larger amounts at each time. Their metabolism seems to adjust with the season and the grazing availability. I do however have to watch as I transition them to domesticity that I don’t upset their stomachs with too infrequent meals-they have been designed to graze and constantly have food working through their systems. Many domestics have been adjusted to a twice a day feeding schedule for generations of horse keeping.
These are the most obvious differences in body traits that I have observed in my mustangs vs. my domestics. Of course I am the first to admit that all horses are unique and there are always exceptions to these stereotypes. In my next article I will share my thoughts on the differences between the mustang and domestic mind. I am sure there will be a few surprises to explore! |
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Event Dates: June 19 - 25, 2016
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A Totally Unique Approach to Horsemanship
The Mustang Family All Breed Reunion Ride is the innovative brain child of self-proclaimed horse-crazy founder, Laura Scott Dawson. The approach she has created is nothing short of revolutionary. In the past, equine events were limited to a single clinician, breed, riding discipline or even the age of their participants. To make matters more difficult, most large equine events were primarily demonstrations with very little “hands on” experience. Clinicians were treated more as entertainers or celebrities who had little interaction with their “fans” other than to sign an autograph or sell merchandise.
Scott-Dawson’s new take is to offer 14 of the very best clinicians presenting a wide variety of subjects in sessions which INVOLVE horse and person. Not only do the clinicians teach their horsemanship skills they also ASSIST the other clinicians and take the TIME to get to know the people and horse s in attendance. All this learning and relationship building takes place over one intensive ALL INCLUSIVE week of camp. Over forty different clinics will be offered during the 2016 event.
The phrase, ALL INCLUSIVE, is key to the success of this approach on many different levels.
In 2014, Houston, Missouri newspaper reporter, Doug Davison, wrote of the Mustang Family Reunion Ride “I saw numerous world famous trainers…they interacted with men, women and children with obvious humility and grace, as they shared their vast caches of knowledge born of a lifelong love of horses and a strong dedication to being their partners and friends. There was no detectible arrogance, attitude or strife emanating from either side of the spectrum; the teachers were genuinely concerned for the people and horses in their charge and the students were like sponges , willingly and eagerly absorbing every tidbit of data as they strived to be better horse people…..And I admired how much respect and patience was given, as men and women who can take virtually any horse and get it to do almost anything they ask, conveyed information with softly and concisely spoken words understandable to all within hearing range. Whether the advice was about stopping and starting without the use of reins, changing a horse’s gait from a walk to a canter, or moving laterally in a western dressage routine, every portion was shared with kindness, compassion and empathy. It was a pleasure to be around, and I could tell the same sentiment was shared by every paid professional and paying amateur involved. Without a doubt, the young, the old, the fledgling and the accomplished all benefited and left having bettered their status as horse people….And I’m here to tell you…what was going on there was horsemanship in its finest form.”
Don’t settle for being a spectator. Be a part of the newest and best way to build your horsemanship skills and a better relationship with your horse. Live learn and play with your favorite clinicians. The 2016 event will feature Ken McNabb, Richard Winters, Dan James and Susan Harris. Exclusive to this event is a large group of up and coming trainers who have thorough backgrounds and success in working with mustangs. Mark & Miranda Lyon, Marsha Sapp, Mary Miller Jordan, Cindy Brasfield, Lanny Leach, Greg Robinson, Steve Smith, Chad & Christiana Wenger, and Elisa Wallace will work with all breeds and disciplines during the week. Join us for the ALL INCLUSIVE equine experience of a lifetime!
Scott-Dawson’s new take is to offer 14 of the very best clinicians presenting a wide variety of subjects in sessions which INVOLVE horse and person. Not only do the clinicians teach their horsemanship skills they also ASSIST the other clinicians and take the TIME to get to know the people and horse s in attendance. All this learning and relationship building takes place over one intensive ALL INCLUSIVE week of camp. Over forty different clinics will be offered during the 2016 event.
The phrase, ALL INCLUSIVE, is key to the success of this approach on many different levels.
- First and foremost it means ALL are welcome and included in the event. All breeds, including & featuring mustangs, but not limited to them are present. The 2015 event also included QH’s, Paints, Arabs, Thoroughbreds, ponies and mules to name a few. All skill levels are represented from green horse and beginning riders on up to advanced and successful competitors. All disciplines, such as English, Western, Trail, Dressage, Cow work, Eventing, Performance, Driving and In Hand will find sessions geared toward refining existing skills or teaching brand new ones. All ages will be present. The 2015 event drew campers from ages 3-75!
- On a daily level it means all are included in camp life. Clinicians and campers alike live, learn and play together. Meals are shared in a large dining hall. Groups come together for formal sessions but also share casual interactions like hobbies, sing alongs and campfires. Clinicians get to relax and enjoy a bit of vacation and campers enjoy the opportunity to really get to know their favorite teachers.
- The practical side of being all inclusive means one registration for the event entitles you to access to all this event has to offer. Meals, camping, stalls for your horses, clinics, evening activities like teams sorting and a horse show, swimming, fishing, trail riding, contests and prizes, are all part of the package. This ultimately means every day can be enjoyed doing exactly what you custom make of it.
In 2014, Houston, Missouri newspaper reporter, Doug Davison, wrote of the Mustang Family Reunion Ride “I saw numerous world famous trainers…they interacted with men, women and children with obvious humility and grace, as they shared their vast caches of knowledge born of a lifelong love of horses and a strong dedication to being their partners and friends. There was no detectible arrogance, attitude or strife emanating from either side of the spectrum; the teachers were genuinely concerned for the people and horses in their charge and the students were like sponges , willingly and eagerly absorbing every tidbit of data as they strived to be better horse people…..And I admired how much respect and patience was given, as men and women who can take virtually any horse and get it to do almost anything they ask, conveyed information with softly and concisely spoken words understandable to all within hearing range. Whether the advice was about stopping and starting without the use of reins, changing a horse’s gait from a walk to a canter, or moving laterally in a western dressage routine, every portion was shared with kindness, compassion and empathy. It was a pleasure to be around, and I could tell the same sentiment was shared by every paid professional and paying amateur involved. Without a doubt, the young, the old, the fledgling and the accomplished all benefited and left having bettered their status as horse people….And I’m here to tell you…what was going on there was horsemanship in its finest form.”
Don’t settle for being a spectator. Be a part of the newest and best way to build your horsemanship skills and a better relationship with your horse. Live learn and play with your favorite clinicians. The 2016 event will feature Ken McNabb, Richard Winters, Dan James and Susan Harris. Exclusive to this event is a large group of up and coming trainers who have thorough backgrounds and success in working with mustangs. Mark & Miranda Lyon, Marsha Sapp, Mary Miller Jordan, Cindy Brasfield, Lanny Leach, Greg Robinson, Steve Smith, Chad & Christiana Wenger, and Elisa Wallace will work with all breeds and disciplines during the week. Join us for the ALL INCLUSIVE equine experience of a lifetime!
Beginning in the March Issue of Wild Heart Mustangs, we will be featuring each of the
trainers who will be participating in the Mustang Family Reunion Ride.
The deadline for registering for this unique event is April 1st!
trainers who will be participating in the Mustang Family Reunion Ride.
The deadline for registering for this unique event is April 1st!
Proud of your special mustang, mule or donkey and want to share your photos and stories with us? We would love to have them! Go to our CONTACT page and email them to us! |
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