Mustang News, Updates & Events

Mustang Kodak Moments

2010-11-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

These are photos of 16-year old Victoria on mustang "Kahuna" during our training ride on this gorgeous afternoon. Victoria, a 16 year-old expert rider, has been helping with the mustangs' education since August.

She has been riding Kahuna bareback on training rides on trails for the past month and that is a huge testament to both the horse and rider.

The bay Thoroughbred is the official escort for young mustangs on the trails.

New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association mustangs all wear a variety of hats, coats and sometimes even costumes as part of their Transition Training(R). And they are used to people doing the same. So Kahuna is at ease in varied surroundings and is a calming influence on other horses.

Read what Victoria has to say about mustangs and today's youth --

“For the past four months, I have helped train these mustangs to help them gain experience as saddle horses. They have impressed me even more with each training session. We took our time so that they would not feel rushed, and continued to gain their confidence through basic work before we progressed to riding. The mustangs’ level of intelligence was more and more obvious to me. But what was more, their patience and their level of understanding was greater than I had seen in any other horse. The mustangs impressed me with their stable and calm personality.

Today’s youth have lost a connection to the earth and the animals which inhabit it, because they are too caught up in the next generation of computers, i-pods or video games. I am so lucky to be able to work with mustangs and I hope to continue to do so. However, it saddens me to think of other children who do not have access to these truly wonderful horses.

Just a few weeks ago, my father and I pulled our horse trailer into the Valles Caldera National Preserve. When we stopped, we opened up the windows of the trailer and let the horses hang their heads out. Within a few minutes, a father with his three young children came over to see the horses. I happily let the children pet the horses and answered questions about them. The lack of knowledge that these children had, not only about the horses, but also animals in general, astounded and frightened me. They had no idea what the horses were eating or why the horses were eating hay with their mouths or why it was “messy”!

These children were, in my opinion, underprivileged. I do not mean by today’s modern standards, but rather, because they did not know what to make of animals. To be raised without knowledge of nature or animals, to me, is heresy -- pure heresy. How can we expect future generations to protect our environment if the have no knowledge of it? The less one knows about something the more one fears it. If one fears something, one cannot respect it and if this vicious cycle continues, the human race’s disrespect for animals and the environment will continue and go unnoticed.”

DONATE TO New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association TODAY!

2010-10-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

HELP US CONTINUE OUR IMPORTANT WORK AND LEADERSHIP

ON BEHALF OF WILD HORSES AND YOUTH.
NMMBA has had NATIONAL IMPACT in improving conditions for wild equines!

changing BLM policies on wild horse management

correcting misinformation about wild horses

promoting compassionate and safe training methods

modeling wild horse education programs

demonstrating how wild horses can help our youth . . . and more.

. . . With your help, we can show America how to bring those horses back into our lives, revitalize schools and and our economy, and help our youth.

Please donate now!

New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association

is the New Mexico chapter of the

American Mustang & Burro Association,

a 501 c-3 organization.

Our non profit tax ID is: FEIN 74-2382575

Your donation is fully tax deductible.
Send your check to New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association today!

New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association
7 Ave. Vista Grande & B 259
Santa Fe, NM 87508

NMMBA Initiatives and Accomplishments 2009-2010

2010-10-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Over the past several months, our update page has often notbeen unattended with few posts and updates. I hope you will forgive us. We have been quietly working on projects to positively impact the mustang management policies in the United States. Over the past year, we have been working feverishly to bring about a new model for wild horse management - a sanctuary with a pre-adoption training center where friendly mustangs can engage with potential human parthers and where horses that are best remaining wild can live out their lives in peace and safety. And we have succeeded!

Our Transition Training(R) program was the basis for a sanctuary proposal that went to Governor Richardson in January of 2010, and renewed the state's interest in sanctuary development. With the September 2010 announcement of a Wild Horse Sanctuary in NM, we enter a new phase. We are delighted to see this monumental and precedent setting sanctuary move forward and we are working to enact other programs that will help wild horses and our communities.

Here is an overview of what we have been doing over the eighteen months.
Please consider joining, volunteering, donating so that we can continue our important work.

New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association Initiatives and Accomplishments 2009-2010

April 2009
Initial visit to BLM corrals and commitment to three wild horses: two adopted and one purchased

May 2009
Three wild horses made their home in Santa Fe and became the core of the Transition T raining program Development and Shaking Wind Ranch was named for “Breeze” a former herd sire that now resides at SWR.

June – October 2009
Alicia Nation developed the facility design and training model that is effective for helping wild equines adjust to domestication.

June- November 2009
Photographer Anne Martinez completes a photo portfolio for promoting mustangs as partners for women and children

Jay Fishback photo documents the training process for the horses at Shaking wind Ranch. Calypso becomes the organization’s poster horse and is a naturally talented photographic model.

BLM Inspector evaluates our facility and approves!
"You have done a good job taking care of them and I was happy to see someone so dedicated to their animals. She has a great facility...based on the facility inspection and care she provides, especially to the older horses,
she is an ideal adopter.

July 2009
www.shakingwindranch.com and www.nmmba.org websites are launched

July 2009
Mustang Calypso works under saddle.

August 2009
NMMBA is officially established as a chapter of the American Mustang & Burro Association

September 2009
Executive Director Alicia Nation’s article, Horses as Teachers and Spiritual Healers was featured in Santa Fe Sun Monthly Magazine

October 2009
NMMBA attends the Northern Rio Grande Heritage Foundation meeting and begins networking with local and government agencies for development of a wild horse sanctuary in New Mexico.

October 2009
NMMBA and Shaking Wind Ranch host the first Hug – A- Mustang Day
Kahuna and Calypso welcome youth from Northern Stars 4-H group and prove themselves to be ready and prepared for their roles as Mustang Ambassadors.

November 2009
NMMBA’s president was featured in the Santa Fe Reporter’s article on Issues facing Horses in New Mexico.

November 2009
Photographer Jay Fishback and Alicia Nation visit the Colorado BLM Facility on a photo journalistic visit to complete Jay’s documentary of NMMBA’s Transition Training program.

December 2009
Alicia Nation, in collaboration with NMMBA’s board of directors and advisors began development of a Wild Horse Sanctuary Proposal for New Mexico

2010

January 2010

NMMBA’s Wild Horse Sanctuary Proposal was received by Governor Richardson
NMMBA presents at the Northern New Mexico Horseman’s Association

January 2010- July 2010

NMBMA worked extensively with state and local governments on development of further programs for the Sanctuary and wild horse initiatives.

April 2010

Governor Bill Richardson announces development plans for a wild equine preserve in New Mexico.

May 2010

NMMBA meeting with Governor Richardson
NMMBA president Alicia Nation, secretary Sharon Zagers, and advisors Dr. Mike Callahan and Lindsay Robinson meet with Governor Richardson in h is office to discuss wild horse sanctuary development, NMMBA presents Governor Richardson with a gift photograph from Jay Fishback’s documentary series.

May 2010

Jay Fishback’s photo documentary opens at the CSF gallery
Jay’s exhibit, The Unforgotten Love, is a featured exhibit at the CSF
fine arts gallery from May to August 2010.

May 2010

NMMBA featured in Santa Fe Reporter Article
Santa Fe Reporter covers the initiatives of NMMBA and other equine advocacy groups on behalf of wild equine program development.

MAY 2010

Wild Equine Enhanced Education
NMMBA meets with area schools to explore Wild Equine Enhanced Curriculum an in school equine assisted life skills learning
June 2010

NMMBA’s Mustang Ambassadors Attend Horse Expo
Kahuna and Calypso spend the weekend in Edgewood, greeting
families and children at the Hammers and Hooves Horse Expo. they are perfect
Mustang Ambassadors.

June – August 2010
NMMBA meets with local schools
NMMBA meets with local teachers and schools to develop equine enhanced curriculum and learning for special needs and elementary students.

June/July 2010

Kahuna goes to the School of Higher Learning
Kahuna attends a Linda Tellington Jones T TEAM weeklong seminar and held his own, staying calm and settling an 18-hand warmbood when he became fearful and began to spook at group training. Kahuna made lots of friends in the group and Linda had positive comments for the Transition Training® process. Linda Tellington-Jones told us:
“I honor you for the respect you show for with these wonderful horses. I was very impressed with the foundation you have given in preparation for mounting. . . . your careful stewarding and training of mustangs. . . that I feel makes for a safe, confident horse under saddle.”

August 2010
NMMBA feature article appears in Hoofprints Magazine
NMMBA’s feature article in the Journal of the American Mustang & Burro Association

August 2010
NMMBA holds its first official fund raiser,
With the help of coordinator Shelley Greene, and support of the Northern New Mexico Horseman’s Association, NMMBA presents an ACTHA trail ride at the Caja Del Rio

September 2010

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES WILD HORSE SANCTUARY!

Our year and a half of work paid off when Governor Richardson unveiled the first state park wild horse sanctuary in the United States, the Cerrillos Hills State Park Expansion and Wild Horse Sanctuary. At a mid September press conference, the Governor discussed features of the sanctuary and acknowleged NMMBA’s Executive Director, Alicia Nation, and two other New Mexico wild horse advocates for their efforts on behalf of mustangs.

October 2010

NMMBA welcomes Dr. Michael Callahan, DVM and wild equine specialist to our board of directors as veterinary advisor in sanctuary planning and development. As a service provider to NMMBA, Dr. Callahan will be a non voting member of the Board of Directors.

NMMBA welcomes Richard Beal, of Lamy, NM, to the Board of Directors. Richard has extensive experience in the non profit sector, is an avid horseman and along with is wife, Kathy, is a philanthropist supporting causes that make the world a better place. We are delighted to have Richard join us as we enter this exciting time.

NMMBA welcomes Kirsten Henry to the Board of Advisors. Kirsten is a Level 3 Tellington Touch practitioner, who has worked closely in the T Touch organization since 1989. Kirsten is an expert horsewoman, trainer and educator. We are delighted to have her offer her specialized expertise as we go forward to make the world a safer place for wild equines.

NMMBA met with Sarah Wood, manager of the Cerrillos Hills State Park in an informal discussion about park development and sanctuary planning. The Parks Department will be holding forums in the future to draw input from the public on the future plans for the Park. NMMBA will work collaboratively with the park and the local community to get public feedback and assist the parks department.

NMMBA executive director Alicia Nation presented in Edgewood for High Desert Riders to bring our south county friends up to date on the sanctuary and discuss other possibilities for bringing wild equines to New Mexico, and was an invited speaker at a regional community meeting to discuss county sustainable planning as it relates to rural development and the equestrian lifestyle/wild equine initiatives

MUSTANGS CAN TEACH LIFE LESSONS

2010-10-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

As the first state to create a park preserve for wild equines, New Mexico models responsible stewardship of a species that is fast going the way of the wolf and the bison, lost forever from our public lands. We can ill afford to loose another species and pay later to preserve the last few living specimens.

As a former teacher and therapeutic riding instructor who is hands on with mustangs, I see the park sanctuary as an opportunity to boost New Mexico’s educational system, economy, environment and set new standards for wild horse management. Mustangs have collaborated throughout history, pulling wagons and plows, carrying little girls in pretty dresses, and ensuring our survival. Drama photos of herds madly running and stallions fighting are a stereotypic misrepresentation.

We all stand to benefit by embracing a renewed collaboration with mustangs. Trained equines at the park can help at-risk youth replace violence with respectful communication, help special needs children improve physical strength and coordination, and provide support for combat veterans returning form Iraq and Afghanistan as they re-integrate into society.

Mustangs are similar to Chincoteague Ponies, a protected herd that lives on a sandy barrier island just off the Virginia/Maryland coast. Managed respectfully for over seventy years, Chincoteague ponies live as wild horses, but are calm and gentle around humans. Prized as mounts and companions for children, women and families, they attract over 100,00 tourists annually and support the local economy.

Buffalo graze on the plains in Custer State Park, South Dakota, attract tourists from all over the world. Like buffalo, wild horses roam and forage rather than stand in one area to graze, as do domestic livestock. With a climate similar to ours, the Custer grasslands benefit from constantly moving buffalo that nourish the plains. We can expect this tourism, ecosystem and land restoration benefit from wild horses at the Cerrillos Hills State Park.

As a model for environmental education, the park sanctuary will prepare the next generation as stewards for our world. Motivating students for whom textbooks, computers, and technology-based learning are ineffective will provide awareness, understanding and insight into the natural world. Science, reading, math and other subjects will become more relevant to our youth.

A wild horse sanctuary will enhance our economy, protect our environment, and help New Mexico step forward in social responsibility. America did nothing as millions of buffalo millions and wild horses were slaughtered in the last century. The buffalo are extinct in the wild. As wolves become extinct, we did nothing. Now we have postage stamps saying “Save a Lobo.” America did nothing when native people were culturally decimated and driven off their lands. We were afraid of wolves, of bison, and of people different from ourselves. We are similarly misinformed and frightened of wild equines.

Ignorance and fear are our worst enemies. At the Park Sanctuary, we will learn about the natural world and its inhabitants, participate in peaceful, solution-based management that is considerate of other species, and learn how we all benefit from responsible stewardship of our environment.

The park expansion is a brilliant plan for green industry to revitalize our economy, a resource to enhance education, an ecosystem management model for our youth and an innovative plan to protect our pristine landscape. Under Governor Richardson’s visionary leadership, the Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources has given New Mexico an unprecedented opportunity to renew our state and lead the world. We can and we must begin a new page in history based on sustainability, peace and a renewed commitment to compassionate stewardship of natural world and all its magnificent inhabitants.

Alicia Nation, volunteer executive director
New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association

Alicia Nation is a resident of Santa Fe. A former public school teacher, equine assisted therapy facilitator and therapeutic riding instructor, she is founder and volunteer executive director of the New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association (NMMBA). NMMBA, a non-profit organization, collaborates to create sustainable and compassionate solutions for wild equine management.

NMMBA'S MUSTANG AMBASSADORS: Calypso & Kahuna

2010-06-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Calypso and Kahuna made a weekend long appearance at the Hammers & Hooves Horse expo in Edgewood, NM, in mid June, to the delight of hundreds of visitors. Little children seemed particularly fascinated with visiting the mustangs, who were corralled along the main walkway. Both Calypso and Kahuna were perfect gentlemen with the many children who reached out to touch, photograph and visit during the weekend.

Both horses participated in a Transition Training demon on Sunday and we, at NMMBA, could not be more proud of our Mustang Ambassadors.

NMMBA Board of Directors 2012

2010-03-01T21:16:00.001-08:00

Alicia Nation, M.S. Ed., Executive Director
nmmustangs@gmail.com
505. 466. 3240
Founder, Executive Director

Gary Barone
President
nmmustangs@gmail.com
505. 466.3240
Gary brings 15 years experience in fiscal management of grants environmental management, a keen interest in wildlife and desire to create a better world for our coming generations.

Cathy Todd, DC
Vice President
505 660-3088
Cathy's experiwnce as a network chiropractor and her innovative work in wellness and animal chiropractic, provide NMMBA's mustangs and mustangs ambassadors with unique physical and emotional support.

Sharon MItcheletti
Treasurer
505. 466-3240
Certified Public Accountant, Sharon brings career experience in corporate and non profit book keeping.

Nick Miller
Secretary
505 466-3240
Nick is secretary for the organization, serves as volunteer coordinator and barn manager for day to day equine operations.

Pamela Ennis
Director At Large
505 466-3240

Veterinary Advisor to the Board of Directors

Dr. Michael Callahan, DVM,
Equine Veterinarian and wild horse specialist, Dr. Callahan has extensive experience working with mustangs. "Doc" Callahan will participate as a non voting member of our Board of Directors, to assure that strategic planning for herd management is supported medically and Doc will, as necessary, provide veterinary care for the sanctuary horses.

Board of Advisors

Dr. Stuart McCall, DVM
Equine Veterinarian

Kirsten Henry
Level 3 Tellington Touch Trainer, Kirsten is a specialist in equine behavior, training and management. Kirsten has been
trainer with the T-Touch organization since 1989.

Lindsay Robinson, BSEE
nmmustangs@gmail.com
505 466-3240
Lindsay's career and interests have taken from working on NASA space teams to working on the set of movies. As a corporate trainer and mediator, and specialist in learning systems, Lindsay brings a wide range of skills and resources to NMMBA.

Sgt. Andy Brandi, USMC
Sgt.Brandi is an internationally known specialist in combat trauma, author, and consultant to the US Government on PTSD remediation. Sgt. Brandi has been active in educating the public and establishing resources to help returning combat veterans re-integrate into society.

Kahuna Goes to the T-TEAM School of Higher Learning

2010-02-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

In early July, our little Munch King graduated to a new name, better fitting his greatness.
Kahuna, our classic Spanish Barb type mustang has compact, beautiful conformation, refined features and wonderful temperament. He now has a top quality education, after attending a week-long workshop with Linda Tellington Jones and a host of wonderful horsewomen and their mounts.

Linda Tellington had positive things to say about our work with Kahuna.
"I was very impressed with the foundation you have given Kahuna in preparation for mounting. . . .for me it is important to give mustangs the respect they deserve for what they have learned as wild horses. it is my experience that when mustangs are shown respect by recognizing their individuality (and of course this goes for all horses) and appreciation for their intelligence, they reciprocate with a depth of human/horse connection that can be indescribably rewarding. I honor you for the respect you show with these wonderful horses."

Kahuna and the other horses completed obstacle courses as part of ground work training and he was an excellent model of composure when, while we were ground driving him, an 18HH warmblood became excited about the new environment and prepared to bolt -- bolt big! Kahuna, a few feet away, paused, kept his confident composure and helped steady the big guy. We all went on with our lessons.

Following the workshop, Kahuna is now under saddle and with the assistance of Victoria Lustig, a local area teen and excellent young horsewoman, is happy to be out on trails. He is even tempered and confident. His progress is so promising that we plan to keep Kahuna for our equine assisted therapy programs and as a trail horse at the Sanctuary.

Swimming with Dolphins & Standing Among Wild Horses

2010-02-08T21:54:00.001-08:00

A transcendent feeling that is beyond words brings people to tropical waters to be in the presence of dolphins, and whales. They exude something intangible, wordless, and indelible.

This is the magical, mystical experience of being among a herd of wild horses. They are gracious, sweet, loving and eager to be friends.

Standing in a herd of untrained mustangs, discovering their kind and willing nature, and leaving behind false impressions and fears that wild horses should be avoided, is a life changing experience. By special arrangement with the BLM, New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association's photographer Jay Fishback, was permitted to bring cameras to the Canon City Facility as part of a photo documentary on the NMMBA Transitioning Training program. I snapped these photos of curious 2-5 year olds who captured Jay's attention while he was trying to photograph me!

At an one of several visits to a Canon City Colorado Facility, I could have easily selected 300 willing, gentle mustangs suitable for transition training and adoption, from weanlings to ten year olds. This is largely to the credit of the Canon City facility manager, who has a "way with horses" that helps the wild horses relax and relate to people.

If the idea of a wild horse intrigues you, but you would like to feel a bit more secure about adopting, there are halter trained horses available in the Wild Horse Inmate Program. The kindness, beauty, gentleness, curiosity and sheer numbers of wild equines awaiting adoption motivated the formation of NMMBA. Horses like the ones in these photographs are ready, willing and available to become your next equine partner. NMMBA provides support, education, training for horse and adopter, and information to help you select the right horse for your lifelong best friend. Join NMMBA on our visits to the BLM facilities. Before you go, take the time to fill out an adoption application. You can do this by fax and the application process is free.

That way, when fall in love and want to claim you match made in heaven,

you won't need to look for a Justice of the Peace to seal the deal!

Hug A Mustang Day: 4 H Youth meet NMMBA's Mustang Ambassadors

2010-02-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

The Northern Stars 4 H Group gathered at Shaking Wind Ranch in October 2009 -- just five months after our wild horses arrived from Colorado, to meet our official Mustang Ambassadors!

The young people had a first hand opportunity to meet and greet, groom and pick up feet, and discover how kind and gentle
mustangs can be.

4 H Group leader, and New Mexico Mustang & Burro Association board member, Anne Martinez, coordinated the youth and parents for the afternoon's event. Anne captured the horses and kids on camera at perfectly charmed moments.

Both mustangs shown here with the kids are aproximately 5 years old and were adopted from the same Colorado Facility, arriving here in Santa Fe in early May. Like may young people and adults, may of the children were under a false impression that wild horse are mean.

Not any more! Our wild horse ambassadors were perfect gentlemen!

Contact us to arrange a Hug A Mustang visit!