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The American mustang, with just the word, mustang sends our
thoughts into a whirlwind of imagination. We think of The
noble steeds of Barb and Andulusian blood arriving in this
new world on the first Spanish galleons to explore this
unknown hemisphere, setting foot on this untamed land that
we call home: America. It is easy to picture the Native
American with unmatched skill riding across the vast plains
at speeds even the bravest of riders could rarely match
while sitting the finest saddle. The noble American
Mustang, full of majestic power and beauty, is one of the
foremost cornerstones in our history - a vivid reminder of
our past (though somewhat darkened) and indeed a hope for
our future. |
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Mike Branch at a wild horse and burro adoption in
Archdale NC July of 2008, the entire process of
gentling this wild mustang took Mike 1 hour and 50
min. |
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Yes, this
proud animal, called Equus by Rome, watched as our country
was formed and developed until “progress” proclaimed that we
have no need for this now feral animal. These horsess that
helped us “win” the west were actually rounded up and
murdered, because they were then (and even sometimes now)
considered a nuisance.
This horse
whose numbers once ranged in the millions is now reduced to
the thousands. Congress has now passed a law to protect this
magnificent creature. As new developments occur and the
human population expands, these wild herds are pushed
farther and farther away, leaving them less room for
habitat. In time this will mean even fewer wild horses.
We can help
make a difference in saving the lives of these proud
animals. Mike Branch and the Flying B Natural Horsemanship
program is actively involved with the Department of the
Interior/Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro
Adoption Program. As a part of this program Mike wears many
different hats. He has been a foster parent to wild horses
needing homes, and has helped relocate mustangs to new
homes. Mike has taken training as a compliance officer and
has done compliance checks. He has volunteered at several
mustang adoptions, giving lectures on what to look for when
adopting a new horse of your own, as well as taking hundreds
of phone calls from people needing information about wild
horses and burros. Mike Branch travels as much as he can
to mustang adoption sites where he demonstrates the gentling
process of the wild horses and burros, oftentimes
encouraging the horse to receive its first saddle in about
an hour. Please look on the side bars of this site to see
what Mike’s schedule is and come see him with the mustangs.
Perhaps you too will join in the effort to save these
magnificent creatures.
For further
information on adopting a wild horse or burro of your own
you may visit the DOI/BLM web site by clicking on the logo
located on the side bar.
Click these links to watch "photo shows" of Mike with
other mustangs:
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/EX9Yg7AG
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Kf8NH3En
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