Mustangs Help Urban Kids Grow Up Well.

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"Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire.

it is a grand passion" author unknown

Throughout recorded and pre-historic history the horse and human being have had what may be the most significant mammal to mammal relationship. Humans harnessed the magnificent power and strength of the horse to accomplish it's need for something bigger and stronger than itself. Horses of all breeds shaped our lives as we manipulated there's. Today, while an estimated thirty thousand wild horses are rounded up from their lawful free roaming range lands, some find homes through adoption.

Westernaires, founded in 1949 provides training in horse care, western riding and precision drills for children between the ages of 9 and 19 who reside in the metropolitan area of Jefferson County , on the outskirts of Denver Colorado. It is a non-profit, operated entirely by volunteers and run by donations. It provides a model for others to replicate who want to help both America's Mustangs and urban children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn from and work with horses. Sixty of there current one hundred and seven saddle horses are mustangs.

Westernaire's director, Glen Keller, works full time without pay in dedicated service to a program he knows for certain makes a positive contribution to the lives of the children who commit to the program. Commitment is key to being involved and one of the many lessons learned in the process.

Adhering to strict rules, values and discipline are part of the commitment students make to stay involved. "Responsibility is what helps children grow up to be good adults." Keller states.

The mustangs as saddle horses blend into the mix of drafts and ponies being ridden in the indoor and outdoor arenas. School season weekends and daily throughout the summer, the small acreage, smack in the middle of a metro sprawl is an energetic blend of adult trainers, kids of all ages, social status, creed and color. In this case 60 once wild horses are given a chance to fill a human need, consequently be saved from indeterminate years of confinement.

"Our country has a problem with accepting mustangs," Keller says. "This is one situation that helps get some of them out of trouble."

A wild horse, although genetically the same as most domestic breeds, brings with them a deep seeded wisdom gained from learning how to survive harmoniously with nature. As an animal of prey, a mustang's intuition and senses are keenly honed.

Westernaire's has a military feel to it. Kids and trainers all in uniforms, orders yelled from adult trainers for kids to control their horse as they line up for precision riding drills. These animals weigh around one thousand pounds and if out of control could cause serious hurt so...... control is part of the exercise. Willingness between rider and horse is also apparent.

I observed an inquisitive and grateful attitude in the air of excitement, an among the young girl riders an understanding of the importance of gentleness that comes from needing one another. The wild horses, after they've been rounded up, make a choice to collaborate with humans. I imagine -- it's innate wisdom, that leads them to partner with us for their own survival, and maybe in some cases because they carry an innate understanding that, their ancestors throughout eons served humans, so why not now?

Regardless of all the misguided excuses used for the violent and excessive round ups of wild horses from their lawful free roaming public lands and there consequential confinement in long term, crowded holding facilities, they need our help on every level. I hope we step up for their welfare any way we can. Westernaire's has been helping urban kids grow up to be good adults through working with horses for over sixty years. We need more programs like this one---an investment in our heritage and future: children and America's wild horses.

Get involved politically, help organizations like Westernaire's by donating, consider adopting a mustang or starting a sanctuary, rescue organization, therapeutic riding center, donating to various NGO's already helping the plight of America's mustangs. If you're a horse trainer, sign up to help train them for riding. Search the web to find which niche to help wild horses fits your sensibilities, get informed, be proactive, and help find solutions.