WILD HORSES ON THE RANGE by Willis Lamm Part Five After the adoption. Wild horses come in a variety of types and sizes. Their mature characteristics are a product of their specific genetic backgrounds as well as environmental conditions. Those traits that contribute to survival in a given area are passed on to future generations. Mother Nature is a harsh mistress and the weak are typically eliminated from the gene pool. Depending upon where they were gathered, wild horses are suitable for driving, ranch work, pleasure riding, endurance and other competitive trail activities, eventing and even dressage. The most significant factors in developing a former wild horse into a quality driving or saddle horse involve developing confidence and curiosity in the horse during gentling and early training, developing a social bond with the horse, and using training and conditioning techniques that recognize that most former wild horses have bright minds that are used to a constant variety of stimulus. Left: Black Velvet. 2005 in hand driving champion, Western States Wild Horse & Burro Expo. Right: Mustang Falcon. Over 850 AERC endurance miles, 3rd level dressage, No. 5 ranked California trail trials horse. The greatest disadvantage wild horses have is that by being offered as "cheap horses," their training and development are often not taken seriously. However as Seabiscuit and Funnycide showed thoroughbred racing, a "big" horse doesn't have to always command a "big" price. Most "mustangs," if treated right, will invest a lot of energy and effort to please their handlers and riders. Corrine Davis (DVM, PhD) and "Tonopah" at a NATRC ride at Henry Coe State Park (CA) Not only do adopters end up with better mounts when they invest in more advanced training for their animals, but their money invested usually stays "at home," benefitting the region's agricultural economy. Continue to Sale Authority Return to Part Four This is not a BLM operated or BLM sponsored site. It is run by private wild horse and burro enthusiasts. Return to Wild Horse & Burro News Return to KBR World of Wild Horses & Burros Go to other Wild Horse Links Go To KBR Horse Net