WILD HEART MUSTANGS™
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Bucky and Mary Lainhart are common folk. They are not horse trainers. They are people who have a love for horses, have done their due diligence about learning about wild horses, and have waited for the right time in their lives to adopt a wild horse (See July Issue - Timing is Everything). We meet a lot of people, the same as us, wondering if they should adopt a wild horse. Could they gentle and train it themselves, if they chose. This is our story about our experiences gentling and training "Angel" our adopted mustang.
← Neck Tag 1408 (aka Angel) at the Ithaca, NY Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Adoption June 2016
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WILD HORSE GENTLING by COMMON FOLK
by Mary A. Lainhart
Buck and I love our horses and mules. We are every day people, not trainers, who embarked on the wonderful adventure of adopting a wild horse. Wild Heart Mustangs™ was founded, in part, to provide resources to people, like us, so they can have successful, positive relationships with their wild horses.
Someone asked me at an adoption event if I could recommend a book to read on how to gentle a wild horse. My recommendation was to find a TIP trainer. I personally feel that reading a book on such a topic would be like reading a book on brain surgery and then trying to perform one based on just that. I am all for reading and learning; that is what I do. But you cannot interact with a book about how your wild horse is reacting to you, the split second reading of your own body language and that of your horse. Like children, each horse is unique. Each learns at it’s own pace. Some techniques work with some horses, but not with others. We are fortunate to have experienced, reliable resources a phone call away. Buck and I are visual people. So while it is great to have different gentling techniques explained to us, it is always more helpful for us to see them in practice and the horse’s reaction to the technique.
Someone asked me at an adoption event if I could recommend a book to read on how to gentle a wild horse. My recommendation was to find a TIP trainer. I personally feel that reading a book on such a topic would be like reading a book on brain surgery and then trying to perform one based on just that. I am all for reading and learning; that is what I do. But you cannot interact with a book about how your wild horse is reacting to you, the split second reading of your own body language and that of your horse. Like children, each horse is unique. Each learns at it’s own pace. Some techniques work with some horses, but not with others. We are fortunate to have experienced, reliable resources a phone call away. Buck and I are visual people. So while it is great to have different gentling techniques explained to us, it is always more helpful for us to see them in practice and the horse’s reaction to the technique.
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Top Left: Angel at BLM Ridgecrest, CA Facility. Bottom Left: Meeting the mules (the peanut gallery) Top Right: Angel settling in at the Buck 'n' Mule farm Bottom Right: Getting to know Buck.
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When gentling Angel, Buck got to a stand still. He could not figure out how to progress. There was always, from the beginning, the fear of doing something “wrong” (I thought of the analogy of first time parents) and scarring his horse emotionally or in trust. This fear, itself, became a roadblock. It was recommended to try using a pole to getting her accustomed to being touched. Using a long lightweight pole (Buck used an 8’ section of small diameter PVC) you place the pole on the wither and once the horse is accepting of it, you move it back and forth and then progress to working with it on other parts of the body as the horse accepts each one. The principle was simple. Buck was not prepared for the reaction to it, as he had never seen it done. Angel never fought it, never kicked or struck. She raced around, slipped and fell to the ground. It was a split second reaction that she quickly overcame, but Buck was troubled by the thought of having lost the trust he had work so hard to gain up to that point. He didn’t know what to expect, but this was not it. The exercise did help him move forward with Angel. As I said, it was a split second reaction for her and then she was fine. Buck could then rub up her neck, down her back, chest, legs, rump, belly, etc. While Angel moved on with the pole, Buck did not. He couldn’t get it out of his head, her initial reaction. Mostly because the reaction shocked him.
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Sean Davies, "Colorado Reinsman" videos on YouTube.com have become invaluable to us as teaching aids in gentling and training our wild horse, Angel.
We found Sean’s videos of “Shiloh” extremely helpful with Angel. Shiloh was very similar to Angel in a multitude of ways. Buck would watch Sean’s videos over and over and then try the techniques with Angel. Everything started to click with both of them. Buck learned what he was comfortable and confident in doing with Angel and she responded positively to it. In watching Sean’s videos, Buck was enlightened to the fact that his ungentled wild horse was going to go through these reactions and that it was normal and okay and it was part of the process. By seeing Sean Davies gentling the wild horses he was working with, it helped Buck to learn that when all was done properly, the trust would not be lost, it would be strengthened in each session. There would be setbacks, but they would get by them without fanfare and continue to move forward in a positive direction.
Angel becoming more accepting of touch all over her body →
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We knew in order for Buck to continue in a comfortable, positive direction with Angel, we needed to find some training information that was visual. Not just what to do, but seeing the horse’s reaction as well. YouTube became our new learning tool. I caution: be very selective in where you get your information from. Social media and YouTube can be both advantageous and dangerous. We came across Sean Davies, the Colorado Reinsman. Sean has experience with many wild horses, of varying ages – both from Extreme Mustang Makeovers and clients. He has successive videos following his gentling of many different horses. While he shows different techniques with different horses, each step is explained and videotaped so you can see the reaction of the horse, the timing of the release of pressure, what to look for both positive and negative in the horse’s behavior and that of the trainer. Sean teaches safety first for both you and the horse. He gentles with respect and leadership.
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On our journey with Angel it has been a lot of trial and error. We learned to listen to ourselves about what we felt was best for Angel, when she was ready for something new, when she needed more time. It is easy to get caught up in comparing other’s progress with their horses with our own. Measuring their accomplishments against where we were at the time. A bit of competitiveness crept in at times. When those thoughts enter your mind, take a deep breath and refocus. This, for most of us, is not a competition. It is about building a relationship, a partnership. Some people form relationships sooner than others. People learn at different paces. Your wild horse is no different. Each one is unique. Embrace that individuality and nurture it. You will feel when the connection happens.
Leading and taking short walks
Accepting a bit and bridle
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Saddle pad with surcingle
Working on loading onto slant load trailer
...unless it's a MUSTANG!
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Angel loves water and baths!
First time with a saddle on
Developing a partnership
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It has been over two months since we brought Angel home. Buck has done an amazing job in gentling her. It is only the beginning of their journey. He can halter her, brush her, pick up all four feet, have her take a bit, put a bridle on, wear a saddle pad with a surcingle. He can fly spray her, lead her, take her for short walks, give her a bath. He can work her in the round pen and get her to lunge in both directions and change directions. The most special thing Angel does …. Is trust. She has transformed from a frightened horse to a willing partner. She has bonded with Buck, and he with her in a way he never imagined possible. Angel was brought into our lives as a blessing. I will continue to share the journey, with hopes that others may be touched by a wild horse, like we have been. An experience that has changed our lives for the better. An experience that has changed us forever.
For more information on adopting a wild horse or burro from the Bureau of Land Management click here
For information on adopting a wild horse or burro from the Bureau of Land Management internet adoption, click here
For a Bureau of Land Management wild horse and burro Adoption Schedule click here
For information on adopting a wild horse or burro from the Bureau of Land Management internet adoption, click here
For a Bureau of Land Management wild horse and burro Adoption Schedule click here
THERE ARE CURRENTLY OVER 50,000 WILD HORSES AND BURROS IN HOLDING FACILITIES. THAT NUMBER CONTINUES TO GROW. CONSIDER ADOPTING ONE OF THESE INTELLIGENT, ATHLETIC, VERSATILE ANIMALS.
UNSUNG HEROES
by Mary A. Lainhart
Wild Heart Mustangs™ was founded on the premise of always endorsing what is best for the wild horse, donkey or mule. Since I am the founder and independent backer of the magazine, I write about personal, unbiased experiences that I have first hand. I am not, nor will I ever be, influenced by what is popular, in political favor, or otherwise. It is a difficult undertaking to discuss wild horses and burros objectively due to the controversy and the politics that surround them. Wild Heart Mustangs™ will remain “removed” from both the controversy and the politics and focus on the good of the wild horse and burro under current conditions. No matter what your beliefs, it does not change the fact that there are over 50,000 wild horses and burros in holding facilities in our country. It does not change the fact that these wild horses and burros are amazing, intelligent, athletic and social animals deserving of good forever homes with caring, respectful people.
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With all that out of the way, I want to focus on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Adoptions that travel around the country in hopes of being in, or coming close to, a town or city near you. I attended my second off-site adoption this past month, in Swanzey, NH. I can only write from my personal experience that I had with the BLM Eastern Office out of Milwaukee, WI.
Buck and I love to attend the wild horse and burro adoptions in the different states. We love meeting the people, talking to them about what inspired them to come see the horses and burros. We love the stories of people who adopted in the past and who were united with burros or horses that impacted, and often, changed their lives for the better. We love to talk to the people who are contemplating adoption and are there to do their homework. Homework on not just the facilities that are required to be approved for adoption, but what to expect when they bring their horse or burro home. How to prepare for the gentling, what to expect, and the anticipation of their new journey together. We love to inform them of resources to help them along the way, that we have found invaluable in gentling and training our own adopted wild horse (read more about our adoption in the July Issue “Timing is Everything”).
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Wild Horses and Burros at Swanzey, NH Adoption in August 2016
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Turn out of people at Ithaca, NY Event in June 2016
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It is heartwarming to see the turnout of people at the adoptions. The people attending meander from pen to pen to look at the dozens of animals who were brought from other parts of the country. Many people are just there to see a wild horse or burro for the first time. Some are curious about the event and stop by on a whim. Others are there to pick out their next horse or burro. Many come to watch the wild horses and burros being loaded onto trailers going to their new homes. I even heard one woman remark that she came “to see a part of history”. For two days, at the off-site adoption events, people peruse these beautiful animals. At the end of the day, the visitors leave – probably never once giving a thought to the work and dedication to get these animals to the site, the care at the site and then the trip back to the BLM Milwaukee office, where it all began.
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Each two day off-site adoption is over a week of traveling, set up, maintenance, tear down and more traveling. Each two day event is over a week away from home and family for each of the BLM employees who make these events possible. Buck likened them to “roadies” for a band but much, much more.
Way before they ever hit the road, there are months of coordination with the short term facilities across the country to determine which, and how many, animals will be transported to each individual site. This determination is made on internet adoption deliveries to that location, past attendance at a particular site, and past adoptions at that location. The overall goal is to choose no more animals than they can hopefully adopt out at that location. Each city in each state has its own track record which is taken into consideration. This is an extremely important decision that much thought is put into, so as not to take too many animals that will potentially have to make the trip back to the Ewing, IL short term holding facility, if they are not adopted. The utmost importance is to put the least amount of stress on the animals. |
Burros for adoption in Swanzey, NH in August 2016
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Horses and burros from the internet adoptions are from facilities across the country. Each facility coordinates with the field office for each event, on transporting the adopted horses to the “hub” where they will leave from for the off-site adoption. For the Eastern States – the Milwaukee Office, this is the short term holding facility in Ewing, IL. The team of BLM employees (approx. 6-8) are now responsible for the safe delivery of all the wild horses and burros to the off-site adoption. Depending on the location travel days can vary. To get to NH it was a two day trip one way.
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The animals are not the only concern. They must also bring all the amenities for the animals. Corral panels, gates, loading chute, water tanks, hay, equipment to set up all the structures and also to tear them down at the end. This is why Bucky likened them to “roadies”. They do all the “behind the scenes” work to make these events possible and to promote adoptions of these animals. These BLM employees dedicate a solid week or more of their lives every month to help get these animals adopted into forever homes or to TIP trainers. TIP (Trainer Incentive Program) trainers are approved trainers through the Mustang Heritage Foundation that “bridge the gap between potential adopters and the American Mustangs housed at Bureau of Land Management facilities.” TIP trainers have a specific set of guidelines to meet to gentle the wild horses and then train them for people to adopt. “So what!?! It’s part of the job they signed up for,” you might be saying.
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Corral panels, gates, loading chutes, water tanks, hay, animals. Every thing you experience at a BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption has been loaded up, transported and set up for each event by the BLM employees. When the event is over, unadopted animals are loaded, facilities broken down, loaded onto tractor trailers and hauled back to Ewing, IL and Milwaukee, WI.
To these BLM employees, it is NOT just a job. You watch them day in and day out interacting with these animals and you will see it is more than that. They love these wild horses and burros. They care for and respect these animals. They do whatever they can for the good of these animals. They attempt to treat them in the least stressful way possible. From their daily care, to sorting them, to haltering them and loading them on the trailers. They are available for the duration of each adoption to answer the publics’ questions about adopting or to satisfy their curiosities about the wild horses and burros. They are on the front line to help people make decisions about adopting now, or in the future. They share their knowledge about their experiences with the animals that has been acquired over years or decades. When there is a lull in the visitors, you can catch them nonchalantly hanging out by the corrals, like any other person, just spending time with them. When the adoption is over, the must tear down the corrals, loading chute, etc and load everything back onto the tractor trailer. They load the remaining horses and burros that were not adopted and return them safely back to the Ewing, IL facility before they head back home to WI. These BLM employees who care for these animals don’t take a commercial plane flight to each off-site location, fill out paperwork and fly home. They sacrifice personal time from friends and family. They miss weddings, reunions, birthdays. They risk their safety by some horses who can be difficult. It is important to always remember, these ARE wild animals!
The burros were the 'rock stars' in Swanzey, NH. Some of the first animals to be adopted. By the morning of the second day, all burros had been adopted and transported to their new homes. People specifically came to see the burros. Kids who came to see them and there were no more, were crying because they missed them.
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It is also important to recognize the volunteers who attend these events. Every day people who travel to help out with attending to and loading these animals on their way to their new homes. They volunteer their time and pay their expenses from their own pockets (use their own vehicles, fuel, meals, hotel rooms, etc) with the only purpose of helping with the wild horses and burros. These people are not reimbursed or compensated. Why do they do it? Because they believe in these wild horses and burros. Because they want to help and be a part of finding good homes for these animals. Some have mustangs they adopted in the past, others have never owned a horse. The one thing they have in common is their dedication and love for the mustangs and burros. The BLM employees and the volunteers are all unsung heroes. They are selfless about their contributions and expect no accolades. They are all people who care about these animals, truly care about them from their hearts, making a difference in their own quiet way.
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So, the next time you attend a wild horse and burro event, whether an adoption, an Extreme Mustang Makeover, a county or state fair, or an Equine Affaire – before you open your mouth to rage your discontent about politics or public policy at a BLM employee, stop for a minute realize they are a person, an individual. While they are compensated by our government – they have their very own unique feelings which are overwhelmingly possibly more like your own, than you think. They want what is best for our over 50,000 wild horses and burros in holding facilities across our country that need good, caring homes and people.
2016 DONKEY WELFARE SYMPOSIUM
by Mary A. Lainhart
by Mary A. Lainhart
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I am very excited to inform Wild Heart Mustangs™ readers about the upcoming Donkey Welfare Symposium being offered in conjunction with the NYS Veterinary Medical Conference. This is being hosted by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine from September 30 – October 2, 2016. For Veterinarians, Equine Professionals and Owners - Registration is still available.
This symposium will have two tracks running simultaneously with one track more directed toward veterinarians and the other featuring topics pertinent to all donkey enthusiasts. Three days of Informative demonstrations, lectures, and hands-on laboratories for the veterinarian and donkey enthusiast alike. |
Click on the above picture for more information or to pre-register for the 2016 Donkey Welfare Symposium being held in Ithaca, NY
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Improve your knowledge of nutrition, behavior, physiology, farriery, dentistry, parasites, training, effects of feral donkey populations, harness fitting, driving, packing, reproduction.
Don't miss the donkey adoption event on the afternoon of Sunday, October 2nd. BLM and sanctuary donkeys available to enrich your life!
Highlights
- Ben Hart from the UK Donkey Sanctuary will demonstrate the donkeys’ unique behavior and provide tips on how to handle them more effectively
- Dr. Joao Rodrigues’ dentistry lab will showcase the nuances of dental procedures on donkeys
- Dr. Karen Rickards will discuss donkey hyperlipemia, an all too common life-threatening disease of donkeys, plus speak about nutrition and preventative medicine
- Demonstrations on proper donkey hoof care and restraint techniques
- Fascinating veterinary cases involving working donkeys told by experts from around the globe
- The story of “Smoke”, the Iraqi donkey, told by retired Marine Colonel John Folsom
- Discussions of donkeys utilized for interventions as “therapy” animals
- Donkey adoption event with Mark Meyers, executive director of Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
Up to 18 continuing education credits are available in the DWS track for veterinarians in addition to 4 equine specific continuing education credits. Veterinary technician credits are also available.
Don't miss the donkey adoption event on the afternoon of Sunday, October 2nd. BLM and sanctuary donkeys available to enrich your life!
Highlights
- Ben Hart from the UK Donkey Sanctuary will demonstrate the donkeys’ unique behavior and provide tips on how to handle them more effectively
- Dr. Joao Rodrigues’ dentistry lab will showcase the nuances of dental procedures on donkeys
- Dr. Karen Rickards will discuss donkey hyperlipemia, an all too common life-threatening disease of donkeys, plus speak about nutrition and preventative medicine
- Demonstrations on proper donkey hoof care and restraint techniques
- Fascinating veterinary cases involving working donkeys told by experts from around the globe
- The story of “Smoke”, the Iraqi donkey, told by retired Marine Colonel John Folsom
- Discussions of donkeys utilized for interventions as “therapy” animals
- Donkey adoption event with Mark Meyers, executive director of Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
Up to 18 continuing education credits are available in the DWS track for veterinarians in addition to 4 equine specific continuing education credits. Veterinary technician credits are also available.
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As an owner of mules, I have personally found a gap in a lot of information pertaining to mules and donkeys. While the equine professional is typically trained exclusively, or overwhelmingly, in domestic horses, I am thrilled to have this symposium in my backyard. As an owner, I plan on attending the symposium to gain more information to help myself be a better advocate for the health and well being of my mules. Donkeys and mules are very different from horses. I am thrilled to see this symposium focusing on their unique needs and teaching our veterinarians and equine professionals about their individuality.
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If you know anyone who would like to share a photo of their Mustang, Burro, Mule or Donkey - have them send it to mlainhart@wildheartmustangs.com
We would love to have them. |
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