My Story
If you are interested in adopting this horse, please submit an Adoption Inquiry via AAE's website; No texts please: https://www.allaboutequine.org/how-to-adopt.html. Adoption fee subject to change based on training; see website for all current information.
Jack came to AAE in February 2021 with his buddy, Nash. Jack is a big, handsome 2008-ish tribal mustang. Jack and Nash were picked up from a distressed sanctuary situation after local law enforcement intervention and imminent eviction. Though Jack had been at this sanctuary for half his life, as best we know, he had never been touched or haltered. He lived in a herd environment with about 12 other horses (mares and geldings) and two donks in a few acre area. We were told he was middle of the herd and relatively uncomplicated as a herdmate. We were also told he was from a tribal reservation where he'd been owned by the Chief. We don’t much more about this guy's past.
When he arrived, Jack was a relatively calm, easy-going guy. He was easy to be around, but he had a firm bubble. You could approach him/his bubble quite easily, but you could not break through. In a small space, Jack lost confidence and became quite reactive.
After Jack finished quarantine, he had minimal interaction leading into a five-day workshop with Patrick Sullivan from Modern Day Horsemanship. Though he did extremely well and was touched without too much stress, he remained unhaltered. Then Jack spent at least a couple months at the Monty Roberts International Learning Center (MRILC) where he participated as a project horse during MRILC courses for gentling/handling. Jack remained difficult to halter (first touch more than putting halter on), though once haltered, he was touchable over/across his body.
Once he returned to AAE, he got much needed hoof and dental care, vaccines, and deworming, as well as a microchip and DNA. Jack has since had intermittent handling. He's halterable in a small space, and he really tries to be "strong". He lacks confidence and trust with humans, and "tolerates'' touching, but doesn't want it. His bubble is very slowly reducing, but he's so resistant to humans, he's likely going to be a very long term project that may or may not become a trustworthy riding horse.
Jack is available to someone with substantial mustang experience. He should have at least one other horse; one that is calm, confident, and social. Considering he's a once free-roaming mustang, housing at home in a pasture environment with a small paddock/round pen for continuing groundwork is ideal. He's not a good candidate for a boarding facility. His person should not have a riding agenda, rather, interest in developing a bond with this guy and helping Jack build confidence and trust in humans. Jack is current with hoof and dental care, vaccines, deworming, and he has a microchip.
In general, there is a lot of activity around AAE including foot traffic in and out of paddock/pasture areas, mucking with wheelbarrows, grooming and care activities, and weekly farrier visits. There are various resident animals, as well as various wildlife in and around paddock/pasture areas. AAE is on a busy road with high speed vehicles, trucks, and sirens. Tractors and trucks are used in and around pasture/paddock areas. Therefore, horses at AAE are accustomed to a more active environment as opposed to a quiet/sterile environment.
Characteristics
Health
House-trained
Good in a home with
