GEORGETOWN, TEXAS – With the help of the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s (MHF) Veterans & Mustangs program, military veterans choose a BLM mustang, untouched by humans, and transform the horse into a gentled, adoptable equine companion. The program is hands-on for the veteran and often challenging. Working with the mustang is an experience that connects the veterans with an animal need, but has also proven life changing for the veteran.
The 2018 fall session of the program starts on October 8. During the 6-week session, veterans 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.
“You cannot force a mustang to do anything. You have to open yourself up to new ideas and new behaviors that are not comfortable for you,” said Darrell Urey, a Spring 2018 program participant. “I’ve learned as much working with a mustang as I’ve learned about myself going through every Veterans Affairs anger management, PTSD course over a 10-year period. I learned more in those weeks about myself, my reactions, my reasoning, and it’s all because of the mustang.”
The MHF Veterans & Mustangs program has successfully helped veterans lead more productive lives both on the job and at home. Applications are currently open for veterans interested in participating in the 2018 fall session. Applications are due September 1 and can be found online at https://mustangheritagefoundation.org/veterans/.
The Veterans & Mustangs Program is completely reliant on donations. You can be a part of a mustang or veteran’s life and give them the chance for change by donating. Each $1,600 donation will sponsor one veteran and mustang pair through the 6-week program.
To make your gift of any amount, call (512) 869-3225 or visit https://mustangheritagefoundation.causevox.com
Important dates:
September 1, 2018
Fall 2018 Session Application Deadline: Applications can be found online at https://mustangheritagefoundation.org/veterans/
October 10, 2018
Mustang Pick Up: Pauls Valley Off-Range Corral – Located approximately 45 miles south of Oklahoma City.
Mustang Arrival at Mustang Heritage Foundation – 870 Co Rd 156, Granger, TX 76530, Phone: 512-869-3225
For more information about the MHF Veterans & Mustangs program please contact:
Gayle Graham, Program Coordinator
512-869-3225
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 9,400 mustangs into private care since 2007.