Mustang Mission provides veterans and first responders with a unique opportunity to participate in the gentling and development of formerly wild mustangs. The RIDE Foundation acquires wild mustangs through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These horses arrive with little to no human interaction and must gradually learn to trust people.  Once our Program Director has established a foundation of trust and communication with each horse, veterans and first responders are invited into the round pen to assist in the gentling process.

 

This is a critical stage in the mustang’s development. While a horse may initially learn to trust one individual, it must also learn to build confidence and establish trusting relationships with others. Through patient, consistent interactions, participants help these horses develop the confidence to accept new people as trustworthy leaders and willing partners.

This process plays a vital role in preparing our mustangs to become reliable partners in The RIDE Foundation’s other equine-assisted programs, where they will eventually work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.