Big Loop Horsemanship

03/17/2025

✨ Primo is Still Available! ✨

Somebody help us find this boy the home he deserves!

Primo has been out on the trails every chance we get, and he never fails to impress. No matter the terrain, this boy lives to charge ahead, leading the way if you’ll let him. But if you prefer a different pace, he’s just as happy riding in the middle or at the back.

He’s smooth as silk and takes everything in stride. On the rare occasion something catches him off guard, it’s never more than a slight startle, and he recovers instantly—keeping your ride relaxed and enjoyable.

Don’t miss out on this incredible horse! Message us for more details or to come see him for yourself.

03/05/2025

We let our 7yr old do a little schooling on Primo today!

While she was working on light hands he was working on responding to the slightest requests from the reins.

Primo is still looking for his forever home!!

02/28/2025

Did I mention the Grulla in this video is also available??

In this video it was his first trail ride and boy did he enjoy himself! I dont ask horses to trot their first ride out but by the end of the ride I got tired of his protests from being held back and just let the kid go and boy does he love to trot!😂

He loves the trail and isn’t afraid to move and keep moving. He really was a blast to put a first trail ride on, I’ve never had one like this one where the horse just wanted to go is at he has been doing it for years.

His registered name is Espirito but we call him Chopo. He is registered with the Sorraia Mustang Studbook making him part of The Sorraia Project. Although part of this program he was unfortunately gelded before he came to us.

Just like Primo Chopo is out of our personal herd so you can be he’s got one of the best minds that have come through as those are the ones we like to keep around. The only reason for refining is the need to downsize a bit coupled with his willingness and eager personality we know he will make someone a very happy human. Feel free to reach out for more info!

Also please share these posts in an effort to help us find these boys find fresh pasture! Thanks everyone!

02/27/2025

We’ve had some horses finish their journeys with us and currently have a few open stalls.
•mustang gentling
•colt starting
•restarts
•problem horses
•under saddle refinement

Contact us to see how to get your horse into training with us!

Reserve Your Spot with Big Loop Horsemanship Today!

At Big Loop Horsemanship, we specialize in the traditional Californio training methods that build trust, respect, and partnership between horse and handler. If you’re looking to develop a deeper connection with your equine partner, now is the time to secure your training spot.

Our Training Programs Include:
• Wild Mustang Gentle Start: Starting from scratch with desensitization and groundwork.
• Californio Trail Training: Calm, controlled trail riding with a focus on responsiveness.
• Ranch Work Preparation: Preparing your horse for ranch work, cattle duties, and roping.

Why Choose Big Loop Horsemanship?
• Gentle, Low-Stress Methods: Built on trust, patience, and clear communication.
• Flexible Training: Tailored to meet your horse’s specific needs, whether for ranch work, trail riding, or advanced disciplines.

Training Location: Concho, AZ – a wide-open, mustang-friendly facility perfect for natural, comfortable learning.

Reserve Your Spot Before It’s Too Late!
Contact us today to book your training spot for February or March, space is limited.

Big Loop Horsemanship – Harnessing Spirit, Shaping Partnership.
Call or visit our website to reserve your place today!

02/27/2025

Desi went home today. This girl had so much personality! We will definitely miss working with her. Thanks for the opportunity Lisa Burt
Photo credit: Feline Klaus

02/25/2025

Primo is officially a trail horse! 🐎

Although we had a ton of interest in him the last time we posted him there wasn’t follow through with rehoming. A lot of tire kickers so to speak.

So we decided to continue his training and take him on some trail rides! Just as I thought this horse is a CHAMP out on the trail!! We haven’t experienced any major spooks or ornery behavior whatsoever. Just a curious horse that is interested in seeing the world around him. Here is a quick video to show him out on the trail leading the charge like he’s been doing it for years.

He is still looking for his forever home so feel free to reach out for more info!

02/24/2025

My wife and I feel compelled to share our story. We were the family staying at the training facility that has recently been accused of abuse and neglect. There is so much more to our story leading up to this point regarding how we were treated, but this is what we want to clarify. The more important topic for now is about the horses.

What happened to them was absolutely devastating for everyone involved—and it could have been easily prevented with proper communication.

We were leasing a portion of the property to run our new training business out of, and part of the agreement was we take care of the horses on site. The sanctuary pasture had no formal system for tracking horses—no check-ins, no documentation. There were 4 horses when we started our lease in the sanctuary pasture and every day we laid eyes on those 4 horses.

At some point two more horses were added to this very large pasture, this addition was not once communicated with us, we never saw horses get dropped off and never saw them in the pasture. There was a horse in this pasture known to be extremely aggressive, adding two horses to this pasture without consistent oversight was an incredibly careless move. We would have gladly helped with that transition and watched closer to prevent foul play. But again, their arrival was never communicated.

The facility was hosting an all day clinic with guests and clients on July 7th. On July 9th, we all left for a competition in Las Vegas, returning six days later. The help taking care of the property for those days while everyone was gone also never saw the horses. Upon return, the property owners left the very next morning.

This is what we assume happened by the location of the bodies.. the two additional horses were driven into the farthest corner of the pasture and at some point that same horse forced them out of his pasture, through the barbed wire fence. The remains were finally found on 9/22 on the outside of the fenced pasture. The property owners then attempted to manipulate the situation, insisting we should have seen them—implying that we would have knowingly ignored suffering horses. In the aftermath we endured verbal abuse from the owner’s daughter, claiming that we just let them die.

We have video from July 28th, 14 days after our return, this video was sent to the sanctuary owners showing the four (not six) horses. At no point did the owners question the whereabouts of the two additional horses . They never checked in on them, and weren’t concerned that they weren’t in the check in video. Instead, when the truth came to light, they turned on us as we stood there in tears, telling them over and over that we had no idea those horses were even there. Had we known, we would have cared for them just as we did for the 20+ other horses on the 40-acre property like they were our own.

The weeks that followed were unbearable. The atmosphere was tense and hostile until, by some miracle, we were offered land of our own—a chance to escape. We focused on moving our horses and training facility as quickly and quietly as possible, avoiding confrontation. But as we were leaving, the owners insisted on having one last conversation. Once again, they tried to twist the narrative, but we had reached our limit. We made it clear: we would not take the blame for something that was not our fault. We told them exactly what went wrong and what should have been done differently.

We were manipulated into silence. The owner warned us that if we talked it would ruin us in the training world. As a young business just starting out, we were terrified of losing everything. We have three children and many animals to support. These people had far more connections in the horse industry than we do, and we feared they would be believed over us. But in the end, it became clear—they only ever cared about protecting their own reputation, not about the truth.

In hindsight, we wish we would have been brave enough to come forward and report this to proper authorities, but we were just scared. We have young children we needed to provide for in a brand new state that we had just relocated to from states away. From the other posts of working students and folks who have crossed them, you get the idea of how verbally abusive and aggressive they can be.

Those horses deserved better. All we can do now is trust that the truth will be revealed with the numerous narratives that have been brought to light.

To our friends and clients who have supported us—thank you. Your trust means everything.

This is the video that was sent.

02/19/2025

It’s that time of year to drop the winter coat here in Arizona. We are LOVING this BioMane Products grooming brush & I think Diosa🖤 agrees!😂

Oh also the smell of the detangler is absolutely delightful! I think lil mama is loving her mane getting detangled and braided thanks Feline Klaus!

02/13/2025

I finished Clouds new bosal yesterday and the hanger for it this morning. Immediately after we went for the inaugural ride in it and could not have asked for a better ride. This was the first flat bosal I’ve made and can’t wait to make another to add to the quiver.

Cloud leaves at the end of the month and we are extremely excited to see where he takes Karen Marcello in the coming years!

That also means we may have a possible opening in our training schedule if you’re looking to have your horse trained!😉

02/09/2025

And just like that Karen Marcello is riding Cloud outside!

So proud of both of them!

02/04/2025

Say hello to our new intern Feline Klaus!

Feli came all the way from Mallorca to learn our approach to horsemanship and how we apply it to mustangs. She’s been here for a few days and is making a huge impact around the ranch already and absolutely absorbing every bit of information we’ve thrown at her 🤯

We are absolutely honored she chose to come learn from us. We get the pleasure of hosting this young lady for the next few months and are excited for her journey in horsemanship!

01/30/2025

Just want to take a second to congratulate Karen Marcello and Scott on acquiring this handsome boy!

This is hands down one of the best mustangs in my herd and a perfect fit for these two. He will not only take care of them but he is already Clouds trail buddy and will be the confident buddy Cloud needs!

We are so excited to see what the future holds for these two horses and their owners!

01/28/2025

This girl came in with some strong opinions. Coming to the tail end of her 60 days and I would say she’s come around!

Here she is in being a willing partner in just a halter.

Ive heard whispers that the owner might sell her. She’s like a domestic Diosa, whoever gets her is in for a treat. If they just show her a little love she’ll give her all!

Owner is Lisa Burt if someone wants to reach out to her with inquiries

More videos in comments!

01/27/2025

We are constantly seeing people looking for good minded mustangs. Well this is about as good as they come! Easygoing and safe for the entire family to be around. Will be the easiest horse to finish as all he need is rides at this point!

Although we haven’t marketed him all that aggressively, I can’t believe we still have him!

He is progressing under saddle and now out on trail. This boy amazes us every time with the ease and willingness that he displays!

Someone definitely needs to scoop this guy up before it’s too late. It doesn’t get much better than this guy!

01/27/2025

If anyone is looking for a 5/8” bosal with a soft feel then this might be available, unless I end up throwing it on a horse. Rawhide twisted core, 11 1/2” nose button to heel knot. 8” noseband. Send message for more info before it’s too late!

01/25/2025

Have you ever seen what’s under the heel knot of your bosal?

Lots of fine details that many consumers don’t get to see so I figured I’d give you all a peek 👀 at the intricacy of the inside. We tie them off so the body can never unravel. Then apply whatever desired method to build up whether it be with leather, rawhide or both. As for me I like to build up with leather where needed then I’ll take a shoeing rasp and hone it to the shape that’s desired.