Tuesday, May 31, 2011

May 31, 2011

This is a tri-fold brochure about Gabrielle and Faith as well as a brief overview of the Teens and Oregon Mustangs.





This is Gabrielle's sponsors flyer that she is sending out to businesses, companys, friends and family.  It will take a village to help Faith transform from a wild mustang into a forever companion.



This is the Press Release that has been sent out and explains the Teens and Oregon Mustangs program as well as introducing Gabrielle.


Teens and Oregon Mustangs

C/o FitzGerald Farms

8490 NW Moores Valley Road

Yamhill, OR 97148

May 11, 2011



Local youth selected to compete in Teens and Oregon Mustangs Youth and Yearling Event. Gabrielle Longmire of Touchet, Washingtion vies for a trophy saddle and championship belt buckle during the 2011 Teens and Oregon Mustangs Youth and Yearling event on August 27th. Trainers selected for this year’s event picked up their yearling Oregon mustang on May 21, 2011 and have 98 days to gentle, ground train, prepare for showmanship and expose their yearling horses to trail obstacles. The event will conclude with a show on Saturday August 27, 2011 at the Yamhill Co. Fairgrounds; 2070 NE Lafayette Ave, McMinnville, OR 97128, where they will compete for a trophy saddle and the rights to claim the third annual Teens and Oregon Mustangs winner.



The purpose of this competition is to showcase Oregon youth and the beauty, versatility and trainability of these rugged horses that roam freely on public lands throughout the West, where they are protected by the BLM under Federal law. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources. Thousands of removed animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption. Animals not being adopted by their trainer / trainer’s family, will be available for adoption at the Yamhill, OR Teens and Oregon Mustangs Event on August 27, 2011 at Yamhill Co. Fairgrounds.



This event is sponsored by the Mustang Heritage Foundation through their Youth and Yearling (YAY) program. They provide monetary, as well as, process and advertising support for this event. They YAY program was created to assist TIP (Trainer Incentive Program) trainers to sponsor youth events in their local communities and allow those under18 years old to experience Mustangs up close and personal.



These yearling mustangs were gathered from Oregon herd management areas by the BLM. The judging will be based upon conditioning of the horse, showmanship and completion of an inhand trail course. Many of the mustangs will be available for adoption through an oral bidding adoption following the Event on August 27th.



Gabrielle is the 14 year old daughter of Shane and Tracy Longmire and is currently an 8th grade student at Pioneer Middle School. She has been riding since she was 7 years old; is a member of Pony Club and is the current president of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H club. She enjoys basketball, soccer and anything to do with horses. She uses natural horsemanship methods and has attended clinics by Stacy Westfall, and Clinton Anderson. She has attended and ridden in clinics with Buck Brannaman. Last year she was one of 21 youth chosen from over 200 applicants to participate in the Youth and Yearling Training Event and placed in the top 10. She adopted her mustang from last year that she named Jet. This year’s mustang will be up for adoption and you may follow her progress with it on www.teenmustangchallenge.blogspot.com as well as seeing Jet’s transformation from last year. She is looking forward to this new challenge with a new horse and is excited to be returning to the competition on August 27th at the Yamhill Co. Fairgrounds.



Adoption fees will be set by competitive bid with initial fees being determined by the BLM. To qualify to adopt, one must be at least 18 years old, with no record of animal abuse. In addition, adopters must have suitable facilities and can adopt no more than four animals (maximum is four untitled BLM animals at one time in one person’s “care”). Adoption applications may be obtained and approved on the spot. Forms and additional information may also be found at the link shown for the BLM.







About Teens and Oregon Mustangs



The mission of Teens and Oregon Mustangs is to make Oregon BLM mustangs more adoptable. In keeping with this mission Teens and Oregon Mustangs has been created to place Oregon Mustang yearlings in adoptive homes through a yearling training event. The goals of this event are to promote adoption through showcasing Mustangs’ value and trainability, help Oregon teens improve their horsemanship skills and build life training skills for Oregon youth through competition. Teen and Oregon Mustangs, Inc. is a 501-c3 non-profit and donations are tax deductible. If you have any questions, please contact: Erica FitzGerald 503-702-5359, EricafitzGerald77@yahoo.com or visit the FAQ at www.teensandoregonmustangs.org.







About the Mustang Heritage Foundation:



The mission of the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the goal of the event is to increase the adoption of mustangs across the country. The Mustang Heritage Foundation supports this and other events of their own creation to showcase the recognized value of mustangs through a training competition and has placed over 1000 mustangs for adoption since September 2007.

Go to : http://www.mustangheritagefoundation.org/foundation.php for more information.







About the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Wild Horse and Burro program



The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing 258 million acres of public lands, located mostly in the West. Wild horses and burros roaming public rangelands are managed in a manner consistent with BLM’s overall multiple-use mission, as set forth in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Since 1973, the BLM has placed more than 219,000 horses and burros into private care through adoption. For more information, visit: http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/whb/index.php or call 866-4MUSTANGS.





Sincerely,

Robin Burns and Erica FitzGerald

Erica’s cell (503) 702-5359

EricaFitzgerald77@yahoo.com





These are the brocure, sponsor flier and press release that Gabrielle has been busy sending out this week.  She is actively seeking supporters and sponsors to help cover the costs of gentling and taming a wild mustang and traveling to compete in the competition in less than 98 days.  Please remember if you are thinking about donating to help Faith find a home and Gabrielle to fullfill a dream that all donations of supplies or funds are tax deductible as Teens and Oregon Mustangs is a non-profit 501(c)(3).

Monday, May 30, 2011

May 29, 2011

Visitors



Very good family friends came to visit and they were excited to see Faith.  They have ridden our other horses and were thrilled to have a chance to see Faith up close.  Imagine their surprise when this horse that was living with a wild herd only one week ago allowed them to lead her around. 




Our friend M kept looking back enjoying her experience with Faith.




10 year old E lead Faith over a few obstacles.  This was great for Faith because E totally expected her to follow, and so she did. 




Here Faith helps out Patch, the dog, who watched another dog get kicked by a horse and is now very cautious around horses.  Patch also helped Faith know that not all dogs are going to nip at her.  It was a great experience for both.  Faith is so forgiving and trusting.  I am in love with her. 




After meeting all her new friends Faith took a minute to nibble at the grass.  In the meantime, G picks up her feet and holds them for a few seconds.  G had picked up her front feet before but this was the first time she asked Faith to let her keep her foot.  No Problem even with Patch and friends standing nearby watching.

May 28, 2011

Mustang Challenge Promotion and Shopping

Today was a full day of traveling.  First we went to Ranch and Home to ask for them to sponsor G and Faith and to let them know about the Yearling Training program.  Hopefully that went well.  They meet the second Tuesday of each month to look over requests and decide if they can help and how they can help. 

Then we traveled to D&B to get some items for the ranch and G again spoke to a gentleman there and filled out a sponsorship form.  They meet around the first of the month to decide. 

Our last stop was to Hamley's to see if they would be willing to donate a prize item for a fundraiser Poker Ride that the Teens and Oregon Mustangs are doing. 

At each place we were able to give them a brochure, press release and donation letter that Staples graciously donated the printing.  That seemed to impress the people that were takin the forms.

Friday, May 27, 2011

May 27, 2011

Trail obstacles


After only a few times leading Faith takes a walk with G like a pro.  She followed G anywhere asked.



G kept checking back on her to make sure she was ok.  The wind was really blowing and there were horses running all around in the field to the right of them.  Faith only tried once to run off to join the frolicing herd.  Otherwise she was a perfect, well mannered lady. 



She followed G up and over several obstacles.



I kept waiting for Faith to do the typical hop over obstacles that so many young horses seem to do.  But Faith is not typical in any way.  She stepped over each bale, and pole one foot at a time.



When G came to get me to show me what they were working on, I could hardly believe that Faith was striding over the straw bales and not trying to jump them.  (G spends much of her time stacking these bales in many shapes and sizes and jumps them with her other horses.)







After a few rounds with the obstacles G took time to rub Faith all over and continue dissensitizing her.  She still has a few baby fuzz mats on her stomach that she is not ready for G to remove.  Maybe in another day or two. 



This is my FAVORITE picture so far of Faith.  She is just such a pretty girl.


Thursday, May 26, 2011

May 26, 2011

Fundraising

Today G began fundraising to help cover the cost of training Faith.  She will require hay, whole oats, black oiled sunflower seeds and supplements to help with her body condition, coat and allow her to grow to her full potential.  She will also need farrier care, dewormings, grooming supplies (a beauty queen needs shampoo, conditioner etc) and fly protection (mask and fly spray).  This is all in addition to the travel expenses of getting her and returning for the competition. 

Therefore, G went out today and got her first sponsor; Staples in Walla Walla.  They have graciously agreed to print her brochures and sponsor flyers to help her out.  Thank you Staples!!!

If you would be interested in sponsoring G and Faith and would like a flyer please email us and we will be happy to send you that information. teenmustangchallenge@live.com is our email. 

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

May 25, 2011

Trail training begins

Faith continues to amaze us with her willingness and trust.  Today G led her out of the stall and run and out into an open space.  In this space are a few jumps and straw bales.  G led Faith to the straw bales and asked her to go over them.  While a little hesistant at first, Faith stepped over the straw bale.  The second time over she did not even hesistate.  She is one wonderful girl.  The horse is too.  :-)

May 24, 2011

Each day is amazing.

Today G wanted to "join up" with Faith so she took her out of her pen and took her into the round pen.  Faith was moving beautifully.  She naturally tucks her rear and moves.  G thought she looked a little gaited, but whether she is gaited or not; she was a flashy mover.

Faith was already turning in and reversing directions.  She never offered to go over or through G.  Mustangs are master body language readers and it makes working with them a joy and treasure. 

At one point a neighbor's dog came into the round pen and unfortunately began nipping at Faith's heals.  (Prior to this the dog was on the outside and Faith was quite curious about him.)  however hwen the dog began nipping Faith did not like this and sought to exit the round pen. Her concern was self preservation.  However even though G tried to stop her, Faith was careful not to harm G.  Faith did however manage to break a post and get out.  Where did she go now that she was free to go whereever she wanted you ask???  Straight into her stall and pen.  She could run for the hills, for anywhere but here; but did not.

I am warmed to think that she already views her pen and stall as a safe place to be. 

Once Faith was in her pen, I wanted to make sure she had not injured herself.  Keep in mind G is the only one that has touched her so far.  Even at that, G has only groomed her and not touched her belly or legs.  I came in and talked to her calmly and stroked her sides and began running my hands down her legs.  One by one she allowed me to touch and look for the most part.  Only when I went past her knee or hock did she offer to pick up her hooves.  I was so impressed and proud of her.  She was FANTASTIC.  Best of all she did not even have a scratch on her. 

Blessings come in many forms and today it came in a post that broke off underground allowing an escape.  I prefer that to a wound that would set Faith and G back. 

G was worried that the incident might cause them to take a few steps back but in a short time she and Faith continued bonding.  This time however they kept it to grooming and spending time together in the stall and run. 

The weekend to do list just got a little bigger and now includes repairing the round pen so we can use it. 

May 22, 2011

Less than 24 hours


Every horse is different just like each child is different and in less than 24 hours it is clear that Faith is different from Jet in more ways than just gender. 

Faith was laying down and G wanted to see if she could go into the pen with her while Faith was laying down.



Faith didn't move even when G entered the pen.  G kept talking to her and she still didn't move.  Getting braver G gingerly reached out to see if she could pet Faith.



Faith was no concerned by G's presence, touch or caressing.  G was able to rub her all over and began removing the loose hair that covered Faith's body. 



It was plain to see how exciting this was for G.


G was not able to do this with Jet until after we had brought him home from last year's competition.



Since Faith seemed to not be having any trouble with G's touch, G decided to take advantage and remove her mustang tag.  This was a huge turning point last year with Jet and did not happen until about 3 / 4 weeks after we brought him home.  Like I said in the beginning, it is clear that each horse is different.


G was able to take the time to untie the tag.  Last year she had to cut it off because Jet just wouldn't let her stay that close that long nor would her tolerate any pulling. 


Faith took it all in stride and has already won all of our hearts.  And NO we are not keeping her.  She will make a great horse for someone.  She already shows that she enjoys companionship and we already have more horses than there are people to ride them. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

May 21, 2011

Teen Mustang Challenge 2011

G applied again this year to participate in the Teen and Oregon Mustangs' Trainer Competition.  After last year's experience she was eager and excited to have another opportunity to work with a mustang yearling and help this one be adopted by a loving forever family. 

She received word on May 11th that she had been accepted into this year's competition and so we traveled to Yamhill on Friday May 20th in order to pick up her mustang on Saturday morning. 


G and the other teens were required to meet for an introduction and received their "marching orders" for the competition.  You could literally feel their excitement and desire to go see the horses that had been chosen for them.  One change for this year is that Teen and Oregon Mustangs is now an official non-profit as a 501-c3.  Therefore all donations to these ladies to assist in their training is tax deductible.  When we saw the girl who would be coming home with us, we were all breathless.  She is a sweetheart.


Please meet Faith.  She is a yearling filly from the Stinking Water herd and it is believed that there is some draft blood in the herd.  She spent her first months actually in the wild prior to being taking to the Burns facility for adoption.  These round-ups are necessary to keep the herd sizes at sustainable levels for the lands.  It is our hope that Faith will be adopted during the auction following the competition.  



After picking her up on Saturday, Faith traveled 5+ hours to her home for the next 98 days.  She rode very well and unloaded like a dream.  She walked into her run and began checking it out. 


In under 30 minutes Faith was accepting food from G by hand.  You can see that we still hadn't moved the trailer from where we parked to unload her. 



G fed Faith almost all of her first meal.  She then led Faith to her water and while you may not be able to make her drink, Faith already showed a willingness to follow her leader.  She drank. 



Even though eating from G's hand was a big deal the fact that Faith was curious and came to G and even touched her was also a highlight.



Before we left Faith to settle in the other horses came to check out the newest member of the herd.  Here is Jet saying hello.  Wow, what difference a year makes.