GEORGETOWN, TEXAS –Since 2007, the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) has placed more than 11,200 wild horses and burros into private care, and has now received recognition by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The recognition took place during a wild horse and burro event Nov. 2-3 at Meadowood Recreation Area in Lorton, Virginia.
“The Mustang Heritage Foundation’s commitment and contribution is a testament to the positive impact a committed, successful partner can provide the program,” said BLM Deputy Director Brian Steed. “We’re grateful for all the group’s help and support in finding good homes for the animals.”
Since 2001, the MHF’s mission has been to create and promote programs and activities that elevate the image, trainability, and placement of wild horses and burros, while educating the public about the program.
“The Board of Trustees, myself and the staff of the Mustang Heritage Foundation are honored to receive this recognition from the Bureau of Land Management,” said Kali Sublett, Executive Director of the Mustang Heritage Foundation. “Over the past 12 years, we have worked together tirelessly to ensure the success of the partnership and the programs it represents. All of which would not be possible without the hard work, passion, and dedication of the trainers who work with us every day. We hope 2019 is bigger and better than ever and look forward to working with anyone who wants to help us make that happen!”
One of the programs created and managed by the MHF is the Trainer Incentive Program (TIP) which was created to bridge the gap between potential adopters and American mustangs housed at BLM off-range corrals. The horse trainers in this program gentle and train wild mustangs and burros to make them more suitable for adoption or purchase. TIP trainers located all across the United States pick up animals from the BLM Wild Horse & Burro program and are paid a fee once the animals are adopted. For more information about the TIP program and how you can become a trainer of adopter visit https://mustangheritagefoundation.org/tip/.
The MHF also offers different competitive events such as the Extreme Mustang Makeover and Mustang Magic. Trainers in these competitions have approximately 100 days to work with a wild mustang before they arrive to compete for cash and prizes. During the event, the trainers showcase the beauty, versatility, and trainability of the American mustangs. Over 4,000 Mustangs have been adopted through the Extreme Mustang Makeover events since 2007. To learn more about the various events and to apply to compete, visit https://mustangheritagefoundation.org
The Veterans and Mustangs program is a life-changing experience for both Veterans and their wild horses. Military veterans choose a BLM mustang, untouched by humans, and transform the horse in approximately six weeks into a gentled, adoptable equine companion. During the 6-week session, the veteran will experience the transformation from “wild to mild” by working directly with their chosen wild mustang, in addition to learning marketable equine vocational skills and general equine knowledge. At the end of the session, the previously wild horses that participate in the program are available for adoption by the veteran participant or placed into private care. This program is completely reliant on donations. To learn more about Veterans and Mustangs visit https://mustangheritagefoundation.org/veterans/.
Another program of the MHF is America’s Mustang educational campaign. The primary goal of this campaign is to educate the public about wild horses, where they reside, the conditions in which they live in, and the different ways the public can get involved. A 40 ft. interactive America’s Mustang Experience trailer, and soon, a mobile booth that travels across the United States to horse fairs, conventions, expos, and events educating Americans about their wild horses. One of the exciting aspects of this trailer is the virtual reality headsets, where you can stand with wild mustangs on the range. For more information about America’s Mustang visit www.americasmustang.com.
Some of the ways to get involved with the MHF are through volunteering at events, becoming a member, donating to any of our programs, or becoming a sponsor. If you are interested in getting involved please visit https://mustangheritagefoundation.org/get-involved/.
About the Mustang Heritage Foundation
The mission of the Mustang Heritage Foundation is to create and promote programs and activities that provide information and education about wild horses, elevate their image and desirability, provide opportunities to become involved in the wild horse experience and secure adequate numbers of caring homes for excess horses. Working in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, the Mustang Heritage Foundation is passionate about the successful placement of mustangs into private care so future generations can enjoy this distinctive feature of our American heritage. The Mustang Heritage Foundation has placed over 11,200 mustangs into private care since 2007.
About the Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) removed wild horses and burros from public lands to ensure a healthy balance of land and animals. Since 1972, the BLM has placed more than 235,000 wild horses and burros into good homes nationwide. Partnerships. Like the Mustang Heritage Foundation, provide the BLM with additional opportunities to place animals into good homes. Interested applications can attend BLM offsite adoption/sales events, visit a BLM Off-Range Corral, or participate in an Internet adoption/sales event to apply to take a wild horse or burro home! To learn more about the Wild Horse and Burro Program, please call 866-468-7826 or visit BLM.GOV/whb.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield.
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