I have been approved by the Mustang Heritage Foundation for some time as a T.I.P. trainer. As part of this program I select wild horses from the BLM holding facility to gentle. Once they meet a minimum training requirement I can then offer them to the public for the low adoption fee of $125. This adoption fee is exactly the same whether you get your new mustang from a T.I.P Trainer or from the BLM directly.
Training
Minimum Training Requirements
The TIP program requires that every horse have a minimum level of training prior to being adopted into its new home. The trainer must be able to demonstrate that at a minimum he/she can:
- Halter the horse
- Lead the horse
- Groom the horse
- Pick up all four feet
- Load and unload into a trailer
Actual Training
TIP horses will generally exceed the minimum training requirements set above. I especially like groundwork, desensitization and obstacle training. While each TIP horse in my care will be available as soon as it meets the minimum training requirements, training is an on-going process and the horses will continue to advance in their training while they are here.
In the vast majority of cases the horse will not be started to saddle. If you are not experienced with starting horses I highly recommend you have a trainer put a minimum of 30 days and preferably 90 days of saddle training on your new horse. Again this depends on the horse and your own confidence level and riding ability.
Private Training
I do not accept clients or outside horses for training. The TIP program is awesome for be because it allows me to advance my horsemanship skills on my own timeline. I keep a full time job, come home, eat dinner, and train mustangs. I enjoy gentling these guys but I simply do not have the time to commit to training for others. If you need a trainer for your mustang I am happy to provide you with a list of other TIP trainers in your area that may be willing to continue your horses training.
Adoption Requirements
The BLM has a complete list of adoption requirements on their website. For TIP horses, keep in mind that you may keep the horse in any standard, safe stabling arrangement including box stalls and standard pipe stalls. Gentled mustangs do not require 400 sq foot pens with 6′ high fences. Most of my mustangs will find a 12 x 24′ 5′ high corral adequate. I will advise if something larger is necessary for an individual horse.
Adoption Process
Potential adopters should contact me directly via phone or e-mail with any questions you may have about the horse. I HIGHLY recommend you come see the horse, watch me interact with it, etc. This allows you and I to get to know one another and allows you to see the horse in action. Feel free to bring along your trainer or friend. Adopting a mustang can be fun and rewarding but can also have its challenges.
Horses are adopted on a first come, first serve basis. I don’t “hold” horses, TIP horses included. Once you have decided on the right mustang for you I will help you take the next steps to get the adoption process started with the BLM. An adoption application will have to be filled out and mailed with the $125 adoption fee to the BLM office. Once they approve you, they will send you a Private Maintenance and Care Agreement for the horse. After I receive approval, I will release the horse to you.
Transportation Arrangements
Transportation is the responsibility of the adopter. All of my gentled mustangs can be transported commercially if necessary. They will load and unload quietly as part of their training. You can also pick up your mustang, however, I will not load any horse into a two horse straight load with a manger. 2 horse trailers with no manger (straight or slant load) are perfectly acceptable. I can also transport your new mustang for a fee to most southern California locations.