01/20/2023
Little informational post for all the mustang newbies and some with wrong information if I missed something let me know as well....
BLM = Bureau of land management
MHF = Mustang heritage foundation
Brand= the 1st set, the ones on top of each other tell the horse's birth year. Next 2 tell what state processed the horse, last 4 are the horse's tag number and personal identification numbers when you combine the whole brand. Yes, there are duplicates of numbers.
Only a BLM official can tell you the full history they have on the horse.
SA or Sale Authority= a horse who has 3 strikes or over the age of 10/11 years of age. Can be sold outright with no year contract, means no titled either goes with a bill of sale. But a sale authority horse can be adopted and after the year you can get a title.
Strikes = either passed over at an adoption event(s), internet adoption(s) or returned for whatever reason. Strikes don't always mean the horse is bad, untrainable etc. There are many reasons for strikes.
A horse doesn't just get 3 strikes and then stop. BLM will continue to offer that horse/b***o up for adoption til either adopted or moved to long term holding. The highest number I have seen is 23 strikes.
Long term holding = usually are pastures leased from private individuals to house hundreds of mustangs/b***os. These mustangs/b***os run on hundreds/thousands of acres. And live out their life. Usually can not adopt once sent to LTH.
Hip brands= last 4 of their brand on the left hip usually means slated for long term holding. 2 letters example HB means fertility control has been administered. A hip brand doesn't always mean SA either or 3 strikes.
Single number on neck= fertility program.
Large U after brand on neck= sale authority
Short term holding= just that short term holding pens throughout the USA to temporarily hold the mustang/b***os.
HMA = Herd management area
BLM regulations for adopting a mustang. TIP horses, gentled horses, yearlings and b***os require 5ft fences. 2yrs and older wild mustangs require 6ft fences. And some sort of shelter attached to the pen or area that your new horse will go in. Each state has a different requirement for shelter, so best to check out what your state requires.
If you decide to adopt, you must keep the mustang/b***o for a year. After a year of ownership you will get a title application in the mail to have signed by farrier, BLM rep, Vet or other qualified individual to sign off on it. Mail it in to the BLM and BLM will send you the title to your animal. Once titled, you own the animal and no longer co own it with the BLM. You can not sell an untitled animal.
You can transfer the animal if it doesn't work out or other issues come out, either with the animal or personal. Best to talk to your BLM official and see your options. Either returning the animal or reassignment can happen.
Reassignment= transfer the animal from your care to someone else who is BLM approved, and you have permission to do so.
BLM has different districts that cover different areas and states. Each district allows some version of different things they allow, but for the most part they are pretty consistent.
MHF host the extreme mustang makeovers, TIP challenges and some veteran programs. Along with the TIP program. They are in a partnership with the BLM.
Multiple ways to own a new mustang:
Wild straight from an adoption/corral.
TIP started meaning the horse will have the basics started (halter, lead, load, pick up feet) a TIP horse is started not a fully trained been there done that type. So still require work and time.
Rescues a lot of rescues around that may have a mustang looking for a home.
Private sale.
Extreme mustang makeovers usually can get saddle trained horses.
Prison programs as well have saddle trained horses.
TIP challenges usually will have halter broke and maybe some riding horses available if people decide to sell/readopt.
Extreme mustang makeovers are riding makeovers through the country, trainers have 100 days to take from Wild to Mild. Most are under saddle, some are not.
TIP challenges are all in hand, no riding challenge. Some shows will have open shows as well.
Veteran programs help partner veterans with a mustang for a few months to take from wild to mild as well.
Prison programs match up inmates with a mustang and get that mustang or b***o going under saddle or pack trained.
If you are stuck or need help with your mustang, please reach out somewhere, someway, someone knows someone who can help.
No, the BLM doesn't sell to slaughter. But they do end up there by irresponsible adopters/owners.
Written by Ashley Rose with
DowntownMustangs Florida Mustang Adoptions
