I was so tired of being in the truck. 12 hours through the night to our destination, Ewing, Illinois, where the Wild Horse and Burro Holding Facility is located. I was exhausted, hungry, and ready for a long nap. We arrived a day before pick-up to check out the facility and get a good look at the wild mustangs. They were all so pretty, rugged, and wild-eyed. We tried to imagine which two we would be taking home. We couldn’t find out the assigned mustangs until the next day. If you’re wondering what’s going on, I can fill you in on the Wild Journey here.
We found a nice hotel in the next town and turned in early for the night. We knew we had a big, adventurous day ahead of us. 4:30AM came quick, y’all. Have I mentioned how much I love dry shampoo + concealer {#lifesaver}! We got to the facility and eagerly waited our turn. As we went into the office, a lady handed over their papers to sign. We all had butterflies and grins you would never be able to wipe off. Erik’s read, 4 year old sorrel gelding and Kirsten’s read, 4 year old black gelding. Surely didn’t narrow it down much, but we all rushed out to the pens to see if we could find the tag numbers. Erik spotted his wild mustang immediately. He was the smaller of the bunch, standing all alone, and had such a sweet eye. You could tell he was probably last in the pecking order. First priority was to fatten him up! Kirsten was still trying to spot hers in a pen full of black and dark bay geldings. We finally saw him at the back. He had the most beautiful mane and tail. He just had this majestic look about him. The kind gentlemen got them loaded onto the trailer and we started the 12 hour trek home.
We were surprised at how well they traveled. They ate hay and didn’t make a peep the entire way home. Erik and Kirsten could not wait to get to work!
Fast forward a week later…
Erik and his sorrel mustang are developing a bond. Erik removed his neck tag on Saturday and decided to call him Partner. The mustang will be his partner throughout this journey, so the name really fits. Plus, he looks like he belongs in a western movie. Well, howdy Partner! He’s terrified of most things, but Partner is such a quick learner. He gets over his fears fast. Erik has been working on different exercises with Partner. He’s gonna be a good one.
Kirsten is moving right along with her mustang, A.K.A. Smokin’ Tux. He is black with a white stripe down his face; resembles a tuxedo. The name suits this fancy boy perfectly. Tux learned quickly he loves a good rub from Kirsten. He’s progressing and overcoming fears each day. Kirsten even had her first ride on him this weekend. These two are going to make a great team! You can get daily updates on Tux at my sister’s horsemanship page, Just Believe Horsemanship.
It’s amazing to watch the wild mustangs slowly let a stranger into their “bubble,” as my dad calls it. I know Partner and Tux have to be thinking we are a bunch of crazy hooligans. One of my favorite milestones is removing the neck tag. To me, it’s really the beginning of the journey. It’s the first chapter of this incredible life change for them. Little do they know, this change will be for their good. Erik and Kirsten are learning something new everyday from this experience. This will be a wild journey, indeed.
Until the next update,
Fallon
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