"I was so wrong about this whole program of kids and mustangs." Saturday a lady with years of horse show experience had this to say as she watched us working horses and boys as Boys Home. She had been there two months ago when we unloaded the group of untrained young mustang and mustang cross colts that were to be the core of the equine program at Boys Home. After two days of work all of the colts old enough to be ridden were under saddle. She watched with great pleasure as the horses and the kids gained confidence from each other. She had become a believer. She was very excited to have been mistaken at the program's outset. Some kids received their first introduction to natural horsemanship over the weekend. Others, like Jimmy, refreshed and strengthened their knowledge of real horsemanship.
Bonnie Wheatley has exactly the right idea for these boys and their program. She could have gotten together a group of ancient, "bomb proof" horses and the boys could have had simply another riding program. Instead she sought out untrained young horses so that the boys would receive as much benefit from the experience of applying natural horsemanship as the horses do in receiving the instruction.
Bonnie is putting together something very important for these kids. She understands that this is not simply another form of recreation, but instead is one of the most effective means of strengthening weaknesses and healing pain that participants will ever have. She deserves a great deal of credit for having the vision and dedication to take this step.
(Abbie and Emily went with me and worked horses and taught kids from Thursday after dinner to Saturday morning. Here is a shot of Abbie on Ice, a great young trail horse that we have for sale.)
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