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[RC] [Guest] BLM adoptions at rides - Ridecamp ModeratorKaren Neuenschwander doubledal@xxxxxxxAs someone who typically "lurks" on ridecamp, I've had the urge to give my opinion on a number of topics, but have never been so compelled to speak up until this subject came up. I adopted a BLM mustang just about two months ago, and before then, was only remotely aware that the BLM adoption program even existed. That all changed when I attended a week-long wild horse workshop, which was consequently put on by Janet Tipton and her organization and was terrifically organized. The event brought participants together with about a dozen clinicians from all over the country and a group of wild horses who would go through the gentling processs throughout the week. Participants ranged in experience from people who had no horse experience to "old pro's", and it was a shining example that with the proper techniques, these horses can become wonderful companion animals. I came into the workshop expecting to see what many on ridecamp have described - scrawny, rough and unmanageable animals, but what I found were healthy, happy horses, willing to learn from those with the patience to try. I was shocked yet again when, on a workshop "field trip" to the BLM holding facility outside of Salt Lake City, I found hundreds of horses looking just the same way. As far as conformation goes, I saw straight legs, big tough feet and very balanced conformation all over the place. The BLM employees, who worked side by side with workshop organizers all week, were compassionate people who were working their butts off to make sure that all of these horses were treated as humanely as was possible. Although I'm sure that not all BLM mustangs or facilities are as terrific as what I saw, I do not want Ridecamp's readers to get the impression that the BLM and it's adoption program is the terrible evil that some of the previous posts make it out to be. And I certainly hope that no one will be dissuaded from adopting a BLM mustang due to these posts. Training these horses is very doable, and there is a lot of help out there for those willing to seek it. However, I do NOT think that holding adoptions at endurance rides is a good idea. I don't think that most rides could accomodate such a thing, and I don't feel like there is sufficient interest for it to work well. I do think that it would be a great idea to present some information about mustangs at the rides, perhaps showcase some successful mustangs or demonstrate training techniques for those considering adoption. I have so much more I could say on this topic, but this post is already long! Karen =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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