Adopt a Mustang
"Rooster" and I at the 2016 Idaho Extreme Mustang Makeover.
Adopting, gentling and training a wild horse may be one of the most rewarding equine experiences you will ever have. I highly encourage interested parties to contact me with questions or concerns you might have about the process. I'm always happy to help. I've outlined some of the basics below to get you started.
FACILITY: You must have a small pen at least 20' x 20' in size with 6' tall solid fencing (no wire) and a shelter. Wild horses under 2 years old (and burros) only require 5' tall fencing. Shelter requirements vary by state, but generally something with 3 sides and a roof is needed. You will be asked to describe and draw your facility on your application.
APPLICATION: Complete and return your application to the facility where you will be adopting your horse. The application asks questions about your facility, your horse trailer, your veterinarian's information, what you'll be feeding, etc. You can download it here. A list of adoption facilities and contact information can be found here.
PICK UP: Once approved, make an appointment with the corral facility to select your horse. The staff are often very helpful if you're looking for something in particular - age, color, size, temperament, etc. - so don't hesitate to ask. Once you've made your selection, the staff will sort your horse and prepare for loading. Your trailer should be free of any objects and slant/horse dividers removed or tied back. Ramps are not permitted. You may choose to have your horse haltered, with or without a lead line, before loading (bring your own), but it is not required (I do recommend a halter and lead line for beginner adopters). After paying the adoption fee ($25 - $125) and some final paperwork, you'll be ready to roll.
"Twix," a 6yo gelding from Oregon, during his first day of gentling.
"Dolly" from Nevada prepares for adoption in Missoula, Mont.
Adoption Fees & Pricing
Adoptions:
Wild mustangs direct from BLM corrals: $25 - $125
Wild mustangs via Internet Adoption: Competitive bid; price varies.
Adoption Packages:
Packages include transport from the corrals (after your adoption is finalized with the BLM), feed and board, routine farrier visits, first veterinarian visit, any testing and paperwork fees associated with travel home, regular hauling experience, preparation for electric-fenced pastures and more.
Pick up & gentle, approx. 60 - 90 days training: $4,000
Pick up, gentle & saddle-start, approx. 90 - 120 days training: $5,000
Please contact me for a sample of the training contract.
Why does transport cost so much?
Round-Trip Miles to Wild Horse Corrals:
Burns/Hines, Oregon: 1,780 Miles
Boise, Idaho: 1,365 Miles
Rock Springs, Wyoming: 1,295 Miles
Every trip to the corrals takes me 12-14 hours to get there and 12-14 hours to get home. This does not include time spent at the corrals selecting a horse, completing paperwork, sorting and loading. Most trips take 3 days, 2 nights at a hotel, meals, etc. You can expect to pay commercial haulers anywhere between $1.00 - $2.00 per loaded mile. I don't charge this way because I'm not a commercial hauler and I truly enjoy doing what I can to help these horses get into loving homes. Instead, I try to absorb the transportation cost into training packages or encourage adopters to pool together and split the cost of the trip.
Training FAQs
Q: I’m ready to purchase a training package from you. Where do I start?
A: Please contact me for availability and scheduling. Once you and I have finalized our training contract and set dates, you will need to complete the adoption process with the staff at the BLM Wild Horse Adoption Facility and let them know that your trainer (me, Laura Horgus) will be picking up the horse for you. Once I receive your first payment, I will pick up your horse and begin training!
Q: Which trainers and/or training methods do you follow and use?
A: I don't claim to follow any one or two particular trainers. Instead, I embrace learning what I can from anyone. You don't have to be a "famous" trainer to posses great horsemanship ideas, tools and tips. With that being said, some of the more well-known trainers I enjoy watching and learning from are Chris Cox, Craig Cameron, David Lee Archer and Warwick Schiller. My training philosophy is slow and steady, setting horses up for success in the long-term no matter what direction they will go. I start horses with patience, understanding and leadership. Each one is different, much like students at school, and all will develop and progress at their own pace.
Q: How do you determine when training is complete and the horse is ready to go home?
A: Because every horse is different, it’s hard to predict when exactly a horse has “completed” training, which is why I like using a 60-120 day time frame for training packages. I want the horse to be confident with people, easily approachable and catchable, respectful of the halter/lead rope and clearly understand how to lead and tie. The horse must have no fears or worries about picking up all for feet for the farrier or for loading, unloading and traveling in a horse trailer. Essentially I want the horse to be as close as possible to a “domestic” horse that has not yet been started under saddle. If continuing on with saddle training, the horse will meet all of those criteria, plus be confident under saddle at the walk, trot and lope with an experienced horseperson. We will have ridden in various arenas and ridden out on the trail. The horse will still be very green and riding two-handed in a snaffle bit. It will be the responsibility of the adopter/owner to continue training, unless additional arrangements are made.
Q: What is the feeding program for horses in your care?
A: Our horses receive grass and/or alfalfa hay that we raise right here on the farm. The volume they are fed is determined by their current body condition and is monitored/adjusted regularly to meet each horse's specific needs. I also feed a ration balancer supplement called Equis Daily 35% at a rate of 1-2lbs. per horse. Additional supplements may be added at my discretion if I determine the need arises. All horses have free-choice access to fresh water and plain white salt.
Q: When is payment due?
A: The initial payment is due at the time of booking, before I pick up your horse. I will then send you a statement showing your future payment schedule including amounts and due dates, through the duration of the training period.
More questions? Ready to book? Contact me!
Laura Horgus
(509) 998-8559