Horse Adoption Program

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. I will train them and 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. Click on Available For Adoption button in the menu  above to find out more about horses we have available or continue reading below to learn more about the adoption program!

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
  • Pick up all four feet
  • Load and unload into a trailer

You CAN choose to take your horse home at ANY time, at any stage of training. Your horse CAN stay, at no charge to you, until we have taught him the four behaviors shown above.

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.

These horses are not trained to ride. 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 don’t accept private clients. Once your adoption is complete and your horse meets the minimum training requirements it is ready to go home with you or go to another trainer for additional 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.

adoption_application

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. Dividers should be removed. If having your horse hauled commercially please let your hauler know you will need a box stall. I can also transport your new mustang for a fee to most southern California locations.