11/26/2024
We Need Your Help - Introducing Fern
We were contacted by someone who has an at risk mustang in need. 🥺
Her name is Fern.
Here is her story as told by her original adopters:
Fern's journey from the untamed wilds of White River, Nevada to becoming a beloved companion and successful competitor is a testament to the power of patience, training, and compassionate care.
Born in the rugged terrain of Nevada in June 2020, Fern was just a wild-born foal when she was rounded up in January 2021. Fortunately, she was then adopted by a youth trainer who worked diligently with her on groundwork for several months, laying the foundation for her future success.
In May 2021, Fern's hard work paid off as she competed in a youth TIP Challenge, where she showcased her excellent liberty skills and remarkable patience, ultimately earning a well-deserved second-place finish. Even after the competition, Fern continued to thrive, accompanying her owners to an outdoor church on weekends and delighting the children who ran around and underneath her gentle frame. Her affinity for the water was also evident as she loved swimming in the lake during her outings. Fern's gentle nature and trainability made her a joy to work with, and she was soon adopted into a new home in July 2021, where she was showered with love and attention.
However, when Fern's owners faced health challenges, her training and socialization began to wane, leading to the development of undesirable habits that the owners did not fully recognize. Realizing the need for specialized help, Fern's original trainers stepped in, determined to guide her through these behavioral struggles. Recognizing the complexity of the situation, they ultimately reached out to the renowned Isidro Espinoza Horsemanship for assistance in rehabilitating and retraining this remarkable mustang, ensuring that Fern's journey would continue to be one of growth, triumph, and the unbreakable bond between horse and human.
Fern has learned to kick and bite. Upon reviewing video footage of the second owners working with her it was evident Fern is confused, frustrated and very unhappy. Given her amazing start in training and domestication we feel Fern is an excellent candidate for rehabilitation and retraining with the ultimate goal of placing her into an appropriate and educated home after she is safe, happy and thriving.
We need your help in order to do this. Isidro and I are happy to do the work and provide the facility for the rehabilitation. With our already heavy load of other horses we care for, train and help we cannot continue to solely fund the sanctuary’s mission. This is why we are seeking the assistance of those who love our American Legends and feel moved to help their plight. We can take Fern into our program as soon as we have raised the money to pay for care. She will need time to decompress, start treatment for ulcers and the slow process of retraining.
The hard truth 😔is that it take 2-3 times longer to retrain and rehab a mustang who has received poor experiences, trauma and/or bad behavior reinforced. It’s a tedious process that requires time and skill.
🙏Please consider helping us to help Fern. If we are able to get her we will post regular updates on her progress here. https://isidroespinozahorsemanship.thrivecart.com/help-mustang-fern/
