Puzzle: returned to the wild!

I’m a 2003 mare from the Spring Creek Basin Herd Management Area of Colorado. I endured a helicopter roundup, then was adopted at a BLM mustang adoption. And THEN, I ended up unwanted. After six years, an unbelievable miracle occurred: a brand new mustang sanctuary in my homeland, Spring Creek Basin accepted me and my sister, Star. September 1, 2012, we arrived there.

In the round pen, I was as unyielding as a block of granite to you silly humans. I’d give an ear, but not drop my head, or lick and chew. I might turn toward you, or I might trot in circles forever without breaking a sweat, until you fainted in the sun. Heh, heh! I would accept treats and worship at arm’s length, and all anyone could do was pet my nose… sometimes.

Then, in fall of 2011 I went to live with a remarkable young woman!  This woman worked with me often, and became the center of my life for several months.  For her, only her, I would stand to be haltered, petted, groomed, and sacked out.  We would lead and longe and play together, and for a little while I even would come when she called.  But after being turned out into a large enclosure, my wild nature got the best of me…I turned away from her offerings, and chose to let this opportunity go.

I might have been an exciting challenge for a mustang trainer. But everyone involved agrees that my proud, beautiful spirit would be better served by being adopted to run forever free with a companion on unspoiled natural acreage, as I do here at Fresh Start.

Running with the Fresh Start herd

With my best friend, Star

In the snow globe

Jumping! a log, Sept. 2011

Reaching for Kelli, August 2011

Puzzle with Star, Sept. 2011 (note: we don't leave halters on in turnout, she was getting transported that day - if you must leave on a halter, please be sure it's a breakaway)

Star (left) and Puzzle are too curious to get far enough away for pictures.