So where do I get a project?

[PaddockWood]

I spent the last 6 mos getting a Mustang and finally found him. My understanding is you want something “Titled” meaning has been out of holding over a year. Then you don’t need BLM approval- meaning 6 ft fence at least 24x24. If you DO go the route of BLM approval I am selling 24x24 heavy duty panels with a gate. For a deal.

I’m in central Ohio.

For inspiration, have you seen the Elisa Wallace ride at this year’s Celebrity Mustang competition in Fort Worth?

Mustang Magic Freestyle with Four Horses (Dangerous by Royale Deluxe)

My goal to get one all started watching Elisa gentle and start hers. I got to thinking…where do I find a horse that I know grew up out on full turnout, wasn’t started before it was physically mature…say age 5 or 6 and is well built. Yep, ding ding ding… find a mustang.

In my hunt I joined Facebook groups and do have some ideas for you. I’ll post those back in the little bit.

[blue_heron]

I’ve considered the mustang route. Since posting this I’ve joined some of the Mustang FB groups and some people do great things with them! I like a compact horse. But honestly, from the FB groups, I haven’t seen one that I wanted myself. Most of them are built with lower-set necks and some are very long through the croup and loin. Neither are ideal for a dressage prospect. This horse would be expected to go to at least third. I also hear they enjoy conserving energy as much as possible and I like a hotter, thinking ride.

I’m pretty much willing to wait as long as it takes to find the ideal project.

[PaddockWood]

What part of the country are you located?

[eightpondfarm]

When i was selecting my mustangs i specifically looked for a better conformation with an eye toward dressage as my riding goal. Three of mine have a longer loins than the others , though not what i’d call long. Just average. the other six are pretty short backed, a couple are actually square. Not one of them has a saddlebred length neck, but i would categorize all as average, maybe not everyone would? Here’s one of them (name is Warlock)

Here’s their (BLM’s) promo video of one of the mares, (name is Whisper) I got her not so much because i liked her body but rather how she used her body.

4845Trim

[blue_heron]

I’m in New England.

[Christa_P]

Try googling "horse auctions in “your state” ", there are cheaper auctions all over. I know there is a horse and livestock auctions in Sherman, NY regularly. (That’s in southwestern NY).

[PaddockWood]

Rising Action Mustangs is in VT:

Rising Action Mustang Society - RAMS

Another idea is Britta. She’s in New England.
https://www.projectequestrian.com/about

Since you are trying to stay at no more than $1k and need a horse out of holding for more than a year, that the Mustang route doesn’t work. The time and money spent by someone gentling and feeding would have them in the hole financially.

[PaddockWood]

Nice! Love that push from behind and that’s what I see in my guy. I’ll see if I can figure out how to post video of him.

[eightpondfarm]

The blue? She’s a mare! She’s one of the three longer ones…there are three that i’d categorize as longer back, but for a mare i guess it’s normal to be longer. Two mares and one gelding are longer backed than the others and there was something else about each of them that overrode that (for me). One of them, Rizada, i’m just getting ready to start…she’s kinda ‘unique’ lol. God i love mustangs!!
Here’s Rizada, another one of the long-backed ones, when she was 2, 2 1/2 ish. She’s now about 4 and though still has some growing to do, i can get her started a little bit. At least wearing tack. I think she might go western with that long back and bald face, and she’s growing quite the butt. She has white sclera too. And is a curly. Mane and tail quite frizzy. Summer coat almost normal looking. After incentive rebate she cost: $5.00. yes, five dollars…!

[PaddockWood]

I love it. Yes, the blue.