Our next step was to pick up our first wild Mustang in Cross Plains,
Tennessee. My biggest concern was if our young horse would make the very
long trip across the United States in good physical health. On the pick
up day, February 18, 2000, we left Cross Plains, Tennessee with our new
wild horse. Three and a half hours later we arrived home and unloaded our
yearling colt into his new stall.
With two weeks of constant attention our colt accepted a halter and
was given the name Sombra. The next several weeks a great deal of time
was spent with Sombra in hand and in the round pen. The next six months
Sombra’s training advanced to lounging and groundriving. Spring of 2001
Sombra started his training under saddle. He accepted this next step in
training well. The next few months were spent working on giving to bit
pressure and leg aids, along with upward and downward transitions at the
walk, trot and canter. Occasional trail rides and tracking cattle were a
real treat for Sombra, as he shows a strong herding instinct.
In June 2001, Sombra was featured in an article in The New York Times
about the BLM internet adoption program. After the article, arrangements
were made to exhibit Sombra in the parade of breeds at the Kentucky Horse
Park in Lexington, Kentucky. To prepare for the exhibition plans were made
to acclimate Sombra to the atmosphere of the show arena and spectators so
he was taken to a few large horse shows.
On August 11th and 12th Sombra was exhibited in the parade of breeds at
the Kentucky Horse Park. All the preparation prepared him well for this
milestone in his life. Sombra attracted attention of large groups
inquiring information about the gentling process of wild horses,
Sombra’s training and the Kiger Mustangs.
Future plans for Sombra will be to promote the Kiger Mustang by
continuing his training for reining and all around work, and minimal
breeding. We are very pleased with Sombra’s progress and find his
willingness to please an admirable trait, from what we understand, is
commonly found in the Kiger Mustang.
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