At 20:49:27 on 03.02.11, Cowboy wrote:
Hey everybody, I'm sixteen, and this summer i am going to adopt a mustang, and train it for my senior project. I have ideas, and my grandpa used to train the wild horses from the rodeo so he said he can help me, and my mom has been doing horses since she was born. I'm just looking for any extra advice, or tips maybe? I'm open to anything. But pretty much for just the gentling part, becuase he'll just be a trail pony, as that's all we do. thanks ahead to everyone!

At 01:00:48 on 12.02.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
Well from what i have experienced (not with wild horses but with stubborn or ill treated horses) is that when i do join up it takes a lot longer i have been in the pen for an hour before trying to get a mare that was really people aggressive after being ill treat to join up. Eventually though she was willing to follow me and let me stroke her so i would say join up is a great thing to do when you get the horse and when you are going to introduce something new to strengthen the bond. I would love a mustang/wild horse to work with but i don't live in the states (damn) so good luck and let us know how you get on :)

At 20:17:33 on 12.02.11, emms wrote:
Hi we have had alot of wild ponies and we never rush them but what we find always helps is when we give the a very people friendly companion,they learn from them that it is ok to trust you, if you supply there needs and allow them to come to you for those needs that can be good too, also try not to look at the desired results, just enjoy the journey, good luck :)

At 20:29:11 on 14.02.11, Cowboy wrote:
Thanks guys!! I'm not sure what joining up is, but patience was definitely on the agenda.

At 20:48:51 on 14.02.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
Here is a vid of join up, basically your in a round pen with the horse and naturally being wild it will run away so you chase it around the pen as if to say "fine you don't want to be near me? go away then" then once the horse starts to show signs of submission (lowering the head, slowing down, ears flicking towards you and licking lips and chewing) you can stop chasing and turn your back with your head and shoulders lowered inviting the horse in, if the horse joins you walk away, if the horse follows you have joined up and you should be able to stroke the horse, if the horse moves away chase again its like saying "if you want to be my friend and you trust me thats fine if not you can go away"... The only thing is in this vid she uses a whip i would use only body language to comunicate, square shoulders and harsh eyes will be enough to send the horse away and a slight shift in your position will make the horse turn, they are great at readind signs :)

At 09:25:36 on 19.02.11, Em28 wrote:
That sounds like the best project ever!!! You shall have to keep us all posted with your progress, good luck with it! I would say patience, trust and time. I'm sure you will probably learn as much from the Mustang as they will from you and it will be a great experience.

At 09:27:09 on 19.02.11, Em28 wrote:
Oh also do what you feel is right, sounds like you have a wealth of experience behind you, but it's your project so believe in yourself!

At 15:58:10 on 22.02.11, Cowboy wrote:
Thanks guys!! I have dial up so I probably won't be on much but I'll try to keep you posted. Thanks for the confidence!!

At 09:55:12 on 13.05.11, Part Arab wrote:
Have you got your mustang yet????

At 21:28:08 on 16.05.11, Cowboy wrote:
One month exactly!!!!! I'll post when I get it!!