Save a Life
Save a Life Mustang Training Program was started in 2005 and is a division of the nonprofit organization Mustangs of America Foundation. We are an all volunteer training program which gentles/trains mustangs for adoption. “Save a Life” is collaborating with the Mustang Heritage Foundation, Bureau of Land Management, Department of Agriculture and other nonprofit organizations to increase the number of successful adoptions by:
- Providing information and education to the public about adoption, mustang care, rescue and training programs
- Assist in the availability of more gentled/trained mustangs
- Create events that encourage adoption attendance
- Provide mentoring assistance Partner with corporate sponsors
The first mustang in the “Save a Life” program was a little filly that had been to three adoptions in California and her only flaw, she was a bay horse. Many adopters look at color as main criteria when adopting a wild horse. Li’l Gal became a “Three Strikes” mustang governed by the Sales Authority Act at age two and had an uncertain future until she was brought into the program in 2005.
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Li’l Gal has developed into a beautiful bay horse with an exceptional mind that has made her very special to us. She is now the ambassador for the “Save a Life” program and not just a bay horse anymore. She is getting continued training and travels to horse events to educate the public about wild horses and promote adoption programs.
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Richard Winters gave Li’l Gal her first ride. Richard was riding her in the first hour of his demo because he is a expert horseman and the prior ground work she received gave her the foundation she needed.
The Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act passed in 1971 by Congress stated that wild horses be protected and managed in recognized and established Herd Management Areas (HMAs). The Bureau of Land Management remove wild horses from the HMAs when they exceed the caring capacity. They are brought to a BLM facility for health checks and shots before they are available to the public for adoption.
“Three Strikes” mustangs have been sent to three adoption events and not adopted. At that time they fall under the Sales Authority Act and can be sold to anyone for any purpose.
“Estray” horses are mustangs that are collected outside a HMA and not protected by the law. Therefore, their future is uncertain.
“Older” mustangs are considered more difficult to train to saddle and are less likely to be adopted. Save a Life will train “Older” mustangs as backyard or companion horses. The “Older” horses can make great pets for those that don’t or cannot ride anymore and just want a mustang to love and take care of.
“Rescue” mustangs and other BLM horses are also taken into the program.
“Three Strikes” mustangs have been sent to three adoption events and not adopted. At that time they fall under the Sales Authority Act and can be sold to anyone for any purpose.
“Estray” horses are mustangs that are collected outside a HMA and not protected by the law. Therefore, their future is uncertain.
“Older” mustangs are considered more difficult to train to saddle and are less likely to be adopted. Save a Life will train “Older” mustangs as backyard or companion horses. The “Older” horses can make great pets for those that don’t or cannot ride anymore and just want a mustang to love and take care of.
“Rescue” mustangs and other BLM horses are also taken into the program.
