06/08/2025
This post has been written to explain some things about “ re-wilding” . While it’s not for every “ wild “ horse , it can work for some .. but - It is not the new dumping ground for bad trainers or lazy people .
So - for us- when horses come in . After QT ( if they are Killpen saves) - they are paired up with 1-4 others ( or more with bigger groups) .. I like Even numbers personally - because then everyone can find a buddy .. But thats not always possible.
Finding a buddy keeps them alive and in good mental health. Inevitabily - one will know how to break ice, or chase off dogs/coyotes or what w**d NOT to eat. It’s very often Monkey see- Monkey Do.
I have to refrain from
“ handling” them or offering too much domestic junk or conveniences. - Reason being — They will not get it - in a vast terrain such as Idaho or South Dakota ..
There are NO drive thru grain stands 🤣🤣🤣. In winter - gates are opened and alfalfa and warmed troughs ARE available - but it is up to the horses to choose to come get it. They all know where it is. Instincts . They must learn - in winter , we come down off the mountains and stay close to food/water sources.
They have to learn to navigate “ groups” of horses that have family structures in place .. Sometimes bands let horses in. Sometimes, they beat the crap out of each other.. But , I will not be there to chase off a bully - So at my location - I try to mimic these situations - to learn who can navigate that. Social
heiracy is vital to survival. Having strong, kind and smart herd leaders is key. Very often this is a strong mare & mares will co- parent foals and very often great stallions will teach yearlings the art of leadership .
I have a few who struggle ( born in holding or those who were gathered young) - they are not allowed to eat, drink or get shelter/shade .. They get isolated and tormented . It’s a thing .. It is for those horses that I DO step in. But - I let them try first ( a day a week or a month., sometimes longer - but its necessary to live in a wild world) .. Sometimes - much like our lives .. Adversity makes us stronger and we step up .. But sometimes they are just not suited .
So while here - they get a forage only diet - to bulk for the haul and relocation process. Alfalfa and bermuda - seasonally - they are fat in the summer & fall — and then leaner thru winter and spring. But its AS nature planned it . Bases on nature rhythms of things to eat. They gain before winter and loose thru till spring - then the cycle repeats itself .
We take for granted and just offer our domestic horses grain and hay 24/7 .. But as wild horses — those things are not optional ..
Now- dont get me wrong— I have witnessed herd bullying to the point where weaker horses are injured and thin. We then step in. They get
relabeled as sanctuary horses who need people for care OR they get gentled and trained for a more domestic life .. Those horses will
not be without human care.
I have observed horses who had ZERO instincts as to how to find water .. They won’t drink from creeks , ponds or break ice . And if they do - they fall in or injure themselves . But - it is a skill they HAVE to have to survive ..
All “wild” horses once released - are gathered - via horseback, annually to observe herd health and to get medical
or farrier care if needed . If they don’t need it - they don’t get it .
They have medical chutes for emergencies and handlers skilled in how to care for them safely.
Stallions .. Yes there are some .. Selectively added based on great stallion qualities . They are observed for appropriate Leadership, health, and being free from obvious defects. Re-wilding is NOT a breeding operation .. but genetic diversity is a huge consideration .
Only a select few stay stallions . Most will be gelded prior to rewilding . Being a stallion in the wild is hard and not for the faint of heart.
Colts do stay intact for a time ( for physical growth and natural bachelor purposes) - then decisions are made as to who
to geld or not . But it’s an ongoing process!
It’s not an easy process and while everyone thinks all wild horses should be wild - that is not often the case. I truly wish it was that easy.
We don’t really know the fate of the horses currently on public land or those in holding - but we do know we are trying to make a dent and make good choices for those that come our way.. With our current admin. & upcoming budget cuts - the BLM will likley have huge changes .
So, Please consider donating to the mustang rescue of your choice ( or mine - yes -I am a small 501c3 🤷♀️) as this is an unreal amount of work with stories & things we cant make up …
We are often fixing lots of things and unpeeling layers of trauma on wild horses …
Rescues, Sanctuaries and Rewilding projects need funding. We cant do it without you .
Cute pic of “ Shorty” with one of my barn kids ( Averi) .. ♥️♥️,
