ISPMB Sheds Light on The Process of Gentling Wild Horses Like Mustangs
Mustangs are wonderful, intelligent, and social animals. After becoming habituated to human presence and being orderly trained, they can be perfect for trail riding. Mustangs are hardy, surefooted, and tough, which makes them excellent trail horses. However, before getting this far, people need to first adopt mustangs from dependable organizations like ISPMB or International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros. This is the oldest wild horse and burro organization in the United States, and has carried out multiple programs and initiatives associated with the protection of wild horses over the years.
Subsequent to adopting a mustang from an organization like ISPMB, one needs to proactively work towards gentling it. While the process of gentling usually is unique to each horse and individual, on the whole, it is imperative to maintain a careful and compassionate approach in the situation. Before anything, one must try to gain the trust of their mustang. The horse needs to understand that the person is not going to cause them any harm. As mustangs are not used to human presence, they can be apprehensive about the human touch in the beginning. They can be pretty protective of their personal space. It is wise that people are calm and gentle while touching their mustang, and appear as non-threatening as possible.
Wild horses tend to have a much stronger sense of self-preservation in comparison to domestic horses, and this is one factor one must always keep in mind while gentling and training a mustang. Going at the pace of the horse and creating a solid foundation of trust is extremely important before trying to train them in any advanced activity. Once they have learned to trust people, mustangs are capable of great loyalty.
To build a partnership with the mustang, one needs to try and gently move their hands over the body of the horse, while leaving them the opportunity to move their feet. The mustang should not feel trapped under any circumstances. As the horse becomes accustomed to the touch of their trainer or owner, they can start the process of working on halter, grooming, desensitization to sounds and movement, and so on. A horse that has spent time in the wild, alongside other horses, tends to be naturally smart and has better sense of self, than domesticated horses growing up in a stall. Wild horses understand leadership, and will follow their trainer or /and owner efficiently after they have been trained. Mustangs display uncanny wisdom in comparison to any other horse breed, which comes in handy while training. These horses are extremely versatile and hardworking. Their muscular bodies and hard hooves particularly make mustangs suitable for scouting and trail riding.
More details on gentling wild horses can be sought out through organizations like ISPMB. They have a unique approach towards problem-solving among similar organizations, and are always focused on ensuring a better life for the wild horses and burros.
