06/17/2026
This is the moment Jenna’s yearling found an adopter.
On day 3 Jenna was half way through her session with the yearling we were calling Ember. Our horse was reserved. She was very kind and had a big heart but she really was not comfortable with Jenna pressing into her threshold. Our method works very slow with horses and we don’t focus on touching wild horses. It can be perceived that we make less progress because we don’t put a halter on or touch the horses. What is really happening is that we are building trust and language with the horse, Leadership. That is a foundation that will be everlasting in a life with the horse. We spend more time building a language and steps consistently remain
1. Forward
2. Halt
3. Yield
4. Follow
5. Interaction
Jenna for her first time building a language with a wild horse executed all 5 steps in 3 days. I am beyond proud of her. In this moment a very reserved and guarded horse decided to be completely vulnerable and have a nice LONG roll. She then proceeded to take a cat nap. I allowed Jenna to choose how to engage in this moment and Jenna decided to stand back allow Ember to have a quiet moment.
I was incredibly pleased with her choice. We discussed later why that was a fantastic choice for a wild horse. I explained to her that when the horse is laying down they are vulnerable. In that moment you have to choices 1. Stand guard and allow the horse security while they rest or 2. Attempt an interaction.
I always choose stand guard with a new wild horse. I want them to trust me. Horses will stand watch for other horses while they rest. That allows the resting horse to be less concerned of the surroundings and helps them feel safe. Jenna could have tried to engage with Ember but it could be exploiting a peaceful moment and for this horse by not engaging and pressing into her space Jenna gained much more trust and respect then if she decided to try to touch her while she was vulnerable.
While this was going on a visitor watching Jenna’s session decided to adopt Ember. They had also watched our performance the evening prior. These efforts and choices aided in adopting this horse to a new home. Jenna was so happy. Over the last weekend my daughter performed a solo and a trio performance beautifully and she aided in getting her first horse adopted. At 12 years old she has already began to make a difference!That is the future of mustangs shining!
