Re: Adoptiing Mustangs
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Posted by Cathy on October 24, 2003 at 21:45:58:
In Reply to: Adoptiing Mustangs posted by Deanhil on September 02, 2002 at 22:48:10:
Hi Robin:
Just found this site.
I adopted a yearling colt in June 2002. I had him gelded almost immediately. I kept him in a stall for two weeks and spent hours every day just out talking to him at the door. Not trying to get near him, waiting for him to come to me.
Only "crisis" was the first day. We put him in the stall, shut the door (a half door) and I turned to get some food. When I turned back, he'd jumped over the door! Cleared it without a sound even though it was as tall as his back. So I had to put a web stall guard across the top to keep him in.
Eventually he went out with my 23-year-old mare and 19-year-old gelding, both cutting horses, and my 15-year-old burro, also a BLM adoptee. I think being with them taught him by observation that I was a friend, bringer of food and shelter, etc.
I have 5-foot-plus high fences, pipe and diamond wire that a baby can't get a leg through. If I'd had a small corral to turn him out in, I think I could have gentled him a little quicker, but I don't, so it took longer.
The key, key thing is patience. Whatever you think you want to try to do, just figure it will take twice as long as you think it should and don't get in a hurry or frustrated. One thing I have noticed is he is much more cautious about something behind or above him than any domestic colts I've handled. Because, duh, that's where the predators come from!
I strongly recommend the younger, the better, especially if you haven't done this before. I am very glad I bought a baby. He was pretty homely when I got him, needed a lot of groceries, but is much better looking today, so I also would not dwell overmuch on looks as long as basics are there. These guys may not have the conformation of a halter horse, but they are the product of survival of the fittest and are tough.
Hopefully we will hear from some others with more experience than I have, because I'd like to learn more too.
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