Project TAME: A Division of Horse and Human Rescue

04/01/2024

Konnie Fries

01/28/2024

In the realm where wild horses roam free,
A tale unfolds of youth and mustangs, you see.
With hearts untamed and spirits unbound,
A bond is forged on sacred ground.

The young ones, filled with wonder and grace,
Embark on a journey, a wild horse's embrace.
They step into the unknown, fearless and kind,
To instill trust where fear once entwined.

With patient hands and gentle souls at their side,
They guide the mustangs on a transformative ride.
Each touch, each whisper, a language unspoken,
Building bridges of trust, mending what's broken.

Together they unravel the secrets untold,
Unlocking the depths of a horse's heart, bold.
For in the presence of multiple hands they find,
A symphony of love, intertwined.

With each encounter, the mustangs learn,
To embrace the touch of humans, discern.
Their wild spirit dances, now harmonized,
As fear gives way to trust realized.

Through the hands of many, they find solace,
A sanctuary of love, a sacred space.
For it takes a village, a collective embrace,
To help these wild souls find their place.

And as the youth and mustangs unite,
They illuminate the beauty of shared light.
In the dance of empathy, understanding blooms,
Transforming wild hearts into gentle plumes.

So, let us celebrate this union divine,
Where youth and wild horses intertwine.
For in their connection, we witness the power,
Of compassion, unity, and a love that towers.

Project TAME:

12/17/2023

In the vast expanse of the night sky, the Moon stands as a silent witness, radiating its gentle glow upon the Earth. Beyond its ethereal beauty, the Moon embodies profound symbolism, reflecting the human experience of growth, redemption, and the art of seeing through life's complexities.

Just as the Moon waxes and wanes, our journey through life often involves growing past what we once were. Like the Moon, we too undergo phases of transformation, shedding the layers of our past selves and embracing the ever-changing nature of our existence. Each phase brings with it the opportunity for self-reflection, learning, and embracing the potential within.

Redemption, a powerful force that resides within each of us, is akin to the Moon's ability to rise again after every waning phase. It is the art of rising above our past mistakes, finding solace in forgiveness, and seeking to make amends. The Moon teaches us that despite the darkness that may have shrouded our lives, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to guide us towards redemption.

In the quiet depths of the night, the Moon reveals its ability to see through the veils that cloud our perception. It reminds us that some fights are simply not worth the energy, and that wisdom lies in discerning when to let go. Just as the Moon illuminates the night sky, it unveils the truth that karma, the universal law of cause and effect, will ultimately balance the scales of justice. It reminds us to trust in the natural order of things, allowing the universe to take its course while we focus on nurturing our own growth and well-being.

The Moon's journey is a reminder that growth, redemption, and seeing through life's complexities are intertwined, intricately woven into the fabric of our existence. It invites us to embrace the ever-changing nature of life, to seek forgiveness and offer it graciously, and to discern when to let go of battles that drain our spirit.

As we gaze upon the Moon, let us draw inspiration from its timeless wisdom. Let us strive to grow beyond our past selves, find redemption in our actions, and learn to see through the veils of life's challenges. And in doing so, may we cultivate a sense of peace, harmony, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.



PC Nazla Anna Photography
Project TAME:

10/05/2023

🌟 Did you know that connecting youth with wild horses can be incredibly transformative? 🐴🙌 Interacting with these amazing animals can help build confidence, teach responsibility, and provide a sense of purpose. It's a unique opportunity for personal growth and empowerment. 🌿🤗

07/23/2023

A Message from Kylie Kelln

Today I learned my little yearling, Vegas may have a heart condition. Her symptoms are consistent with that of heart failure…loss of weight and body condition, fatigued, cough, A Rythmia, heart murmur, and super irregular heartbeat. I am absolutely heartbroken. I’ve worked so hard with Vegas for the TIP challenge and we can no longer compete due to her condition.

We have an appointment on Aug. 4th for an echocardiogram for miss Vegas. The estimated cost is around $600. But we need help reaching the goal amount so we can help Vegas.

Vegas is a Sandwash basin yearling who was born in holding last June. We just want to get some answers so we can help her become as comfortable as possible.

I can’t even begin to say how much Vegas means to me. She’s my best friend, and she’s taught me so so much. Getting this news was heartbreaking. She’s only a little yearling, so everything’s pretty new to her. When you get news like this, your world seems to stop. All your plans, dreams, etc just seem to disappear. I need to make sure miss Vegas gets the care she needs.

Vegas and I are a great pair, nothing can tear us apart. Not even a heartbreaking diagnosis. I don’t care if I never will be able to compete with her, or ride her, I just want my best friend to be okay.

All I can ask is that you keep Vegas and i in your thoughts and prayers, and support us through this difficult time. They say cherish every moment. You don’t realize how true that saying is until it’s almost to late. You never know when the last goodbye may be.

https://www.paypal.me/TameMustangs

06/30/2023

Proudly presenting project-tame.org. Check it out and let me know what you think! via

http://project-tame.org

06/27/2023

Thank you to those of you who donated to the birthday fundraisers recently! We were able to get a replacement shelter to get these girls out of the sun and into the shade!

Tabitha was quite interested in what Ethan was doing 😅

06/21/2023

Samsara is available for re 🏡. She is a very special individual and I will be picky about the right fit. Titled 8 year old Green Mt. Mare. Send me a PM if you’re interested. TIP trained only, but will be easy to start under saddle. She has not been in consistent work recently, and I have sat and laid across her.

06/08/2023

Miss Tabitha on session 10 the other day.

05/22/2023

Kylie and Vegas prepping for the Montrose tip challenge wild to mild

05/16/2023

Hi, I’m Konnie. I’ve always loved horses, but never met a mustang until I moved to CO in 2014.

My childhood had its up and downs. I was considered an at-risk youth and got into some trouble during my teen years.

Looking back, I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet a mentor with mustangs back then. It may have changed the course of my life. However, I wouldn’t trade my experiences for the world, because they led me to where I am now.

I am on a mission to gentle mustangs and reach at-risk youth, veterans, survivors of DV, and recovering addicts and help them receive the gift of mustangs. It will be a long road, but we all have to start somewhere!

I’m currently mentoring a few youth and helping a lot of mustangs! If you feel called to help our cause you can find more info on the TAME website ( project-tame.org ) or hit the donation button below!

All donations are tax deductible and go directly to the mustangs in training and supplies for the youth we work with.

05/14/2023

Happy Mother's Day! Today we honor and express gratitude for the unconditional love, care, and sacrifices of all mothers.

Project-tame.org

05/13/2023

Yesterday the 4 Sandwash basin mares arrived. They each have a plan and a purpose.

Windtalker (the bay dun) is momma to Flo (the grey). Artemis (the dun) is aunt to Tabitha (the chestnut).

Can’t wait to share their progress.

05/10/2023

Kylie and Vegas the Sand Wash Yearling

When you’re just learning, time can stand still. The questions of confidence and fear can battle in your brain as you search how to navigate helping another, not realizing you are simultaneously working on yourself.

It can be frustrating. It can be rewarding. And it always has a way of enhancing our creativity and opening up a groundedness only found in the active search.

Last week she couldn’t quite understand why it was so difficult to touch her, so difficult to gain the trust of her two eyes. She felt she hadn’t done something right and that she was behind everyone else.

When you honor the process, for the horse and yourself, it always turns around. It’s not a race, but a symphony of evolution between yourself and a being that speaks another language. You can’t tell me they don’t recognize it. And once they do……..

Konnie Fries Kylie Kelln

05/08/2023

I can’t wait to meet you, and of course the others coming on Friday 😍

05/05/2023

My first blog! Featuring one of my 6 core principles learned from an amazing mentor: Stip, Connect, Listen, Trust.

I had this teacher in the 3rd grade. I strongly disliked her for so many reasons. The main reason being she called me out on my “manipulative tactics” way before they even truly began. Of course, she didn’t realize I was...

05/04/2023

I had this teacher in the 3rd grade. I strongly disliked her for so many reasons. The main reason being she pin pointed my manipulative tactics way before they even truly began. Of course, she didn’t realize I was acting out from my home life and I quite possibly was living with an undiagnosed disorder.

I had straight A’s. I was gifted and talented so to speak. School was boring for me and I wasn’t challenged enough. I had meltdowns which were often described as “being spoiled or a brat”. The meltdowns usually came after intense sensory overload. I definitely had a hard time when authority didn’t perceive me as perfect. I also had a hard time keeping my desk organized. My teacher didn’t like this.

I had this awesome black rock that I would carry with me. It was a lightweight, flaky rock. I’m almost certain it was some type of metamorphic rock. I was getting ready for either a huge swim meet or to be judged by New York State on how well I play the violin. It isn’t clear to me. My cousin, Erin, sat close to me. My teacher had decided that today was the day she would pinpoint me about a few things being left on my desk. They were neatly left on my desk, but left on my desk nonetheless. She proceeded to follow my mother, cousin, and I out to the parking lot where I jumped in the back of the station wagon. She explained to my mom the importance of keeping my desk tidy and organized and in a firm tone pointed her finger at me and told me I had to go back in to fix my desk. I remember her face and the feeling I had when the meltdown began. She had threatened to not allow me to participate in my much needed extracurricular school activities if I didn’t get back in the classroom and clean up my desk properly. Getting me so upset I squeezed the rock and it crunched in my hand. It was my favorite rock. With tears in my eyes I hung my head low and went back up to the classroom to clean my desk. I didn’t know how I’d be in the right mindset for the upcoming event. My entire world seemed to crash. It was all because my brain would become so easily distracted by the things that DID challenge me.

That was my first lesson that I could remember in . A practice that was given a name by one of my non-horse mentors. I went on to succeed in whatever event it was that I was distracted by after school. I remember being hysterical as I got back into the station wagon. I was now thrown off for the event… so I found a quiet spot in my room, closed my eyes, and soothed myself with some deep breathing to gain composure and move forward. I didn’t know what I was doing at the time… it was instinctual. I use this practice with every horse I work with now.

It does not matter where the horse is in their journey in regards to this practice. It can be done with any horse at any level. It’s a grounding exercise for both the human and the equine. It can be used in the middle of a session or as a session. I have found it to help establish, Re establish, balance, or rebalance communication.

Stop. Stop what you are doing… put your phone away, Sit down, stand calmly, but stop all active movement. Notice if you or your horse may be frustrated. Take note of your environment. Take note of your breath, your horses breath.

Connect. Connect to what you are feeling. Connect to your breath and environment. Connect to your body. What sensations are you feeling? FEEL. Take note on what your horse is doing. Perhaps they are releasing from the intensity of the session and are coming back to a quiet state. Maybe they are still wild and they are or aren’t interested in what you have to offer in this moment. What is coming up for you? ….

Listen. Acknowledge whatever stories are coming up and release them. Listen to what your body is telling you. Acknowledge what you are feeling from the presence of your horse. Are you feeling anxious? Calm? Joy? Fear? Why are you feeling this way? Honor your heart and honor your horse. Listen to the information and don’t over analyze any stories that are coming up.

Trust. Through confidence or confinement of your own thoughts… trust in the information, or lack there of, that you are receiving. Trust yourself to let everything go in this moment. Trust yourself to do nothing but be present. Trust that this will help reset both you and your horse.

In order to make the most of this practice you need to drop out of your trainers mind and into your heart. It is so easy to become confused from our own thoughts verse our intuition. This is a practice on how to trust your intuition. Once you trust what you are feeling… it becomes easier to move forward.

I invite you to try this. It is a primal exercise and I have found that it skyrockets my personal relationship with myself… and my horses.

http://project-tame.org

05/02/2023

Miss Chyanne and Piceance Mustangs Aragon stopped for a quick break to appreciate one another. Part of our program at TAME teaches teens the responsibility of caring for horses. They are held accountable to pitch in for chores while caring for and learning to gentle their own mustangs. With a lot of fun comes hard work.

The goal is for this type of discipline to overflow into their everyday life. In the coming weeks we will be making bullet journals and training logs to track individual progress. It’s a tool that was passed on to me when I felt disorganized and cluttered in my own brain.

What are some of the things you do to help yourself stay on track? What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

If you’re interested in learning more about TAME check out our website:

Project-tame.org

Peace and Love💕 Konnie Fries

05/01/2023

Cinnabon Delight has made so much progress in a week 💜😍

04/25/2023

We are so excited to share our teen spotlights Kylie and Chyanne! They picked up their TIP mustangs last Saturday and will be competing in the Montrose TIP challenge!

TAME is dedicated to providing opportunities for youth wanting to experience mustangs!

04/19/2023

Cruiser the Arabian was our first owner surrender at TAME! He had originally come in with some behavioral issues and after long thought and careful consideration, his owners decided to relinquish him.

His overall journey with me personally has been close to 2 years (just over a year and a half). He has come so far!

Cruiser moved on to his new home yesterday! Another local non profit (check out Metaphorse)!

We are so excited for his future. 💜🤗

04/14/2023

Give yourself, and the horse, permission to just be 🙏🌻💎

This marvelous horse was brought to one of my clinics because his rider described him as lazy and resistant. The rider was very frustrated because he did not have the impulsion he felt he needed.

Here I am exchanging breath with him and letting him know I can see that his lack of impulsion was not laziness at all but a result of previous training. I had the sense that this horse felt very sad that he could not satisfy his rider. I wanted to let this horse know that I, along with the hundred auditors, appreciated him.

My advice to the rider was to find this horse a new home with somebody who would so appreciate this horse for his consistent and safe behavior and find a new horse with a different level of energy.

Not every horse and rider are the perfect match. I feel that it is important that horses are not forced into a “job” or “role” that does not suit them, just because the rider thinks it is a good idea. On the flip side, it is important to give people the “permission” to find a horse who suits the discipline or style they are pursuing rather than attempting to “make it work” because they feel like a failure if it is not working with their current equine partner.

Photo by Katja Krauß

04/11/2023

Mr. Moonshine, slowly but surely coming around to scary objects. I was able to cut his brand down a bit yesterday with some scissors. I don’t think he’s ready for clippers, but will give it a try soon. He is a 2018 model… the rest is pretty tough to make out right now.

04/09/2023

As requested! Preventing treat mugging in R+, which I learned directly through Mustang Maddys HCA. This is how to correct treat mugging and encourage safe treat taking during the R+ process.

***Please note that there are details not explained in this video that are pertinent towards successful R+ training.

I use a mixture of methods, and this is a great tool to have your in toolbox. Part 2 will be posted later today!

In this video I show the beginning stages of positive reinforcement, how to prevent treat mugging, and how to correct when a horse takes a treat in an unsafe...

04/04/2023

Having a hard time with feet handling? This is one way (of many) to help with handling feet!

This video explains one way of teaching a horse to pick up their feet. There are many different methods, this is just one!

04/03/2023

Meet Moonshine! Moonshine was rescued from a KP and spent some time with George Brauneis to decompress and remember the fundamental nature of being a horse. He has been moved here for continued gentling, and when ready, will move home to UT with his amazing adopters, Aubree-Tyson Sullivan and her husband.

From what I can tell you so far, it appears that he has had a pretty bad relationship with whips and ropes. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and to play devils advocate while giving others the benefit of the doubt, it could have just been an inexperienced first timer that unconsciously created extensive trauma.

We have started the R+ process and he is slowly becoming more comfortable. I am using a variety of techniques to help him release his adverse feelings and ensure that he can safely release those fears. Innately, he is a kind, gentle soul who wants to learn. He really loves people.

I’m slowly putting my YouTube together and expect to be sharing our journey here and on my YouTube channel.

Note*** Methods are wonderful for accomplishing tasks BUT in order for the methods to effectively stick in a way that benefits the horse, you’ll want to do some deep self work and create a safe space.