Musings of a Senior Scribe
A Pretty Baby!!!
By Mona Lease 

Hi, all!! For those of you who know me - you know I am drawn to the unusual - things or people you don't encounter everyday. I'm particularly drawn to those who think "outside the box."  

With a yawn, I listened to the DJ on the radio drone on and on about mundane stuff  -  buzzes and clicks to me. Then I heard "Springfield, Ohio and Wild Mustang & Burro for sale." I'd heard and had an application for this in 1979 - adoption, housing requirements, minimal adoption fee (now $125), etc. Last Saturday found me in Springfield, Ohio. 

Mustang horses are defined as free roaming in North America - Nevada, Arizona, Colorado - that general area. They were first descended from horses brought to America by the Spanish. Wild horses and burros (small donkeys) are known for their sure-footedness, strength, endurance, and intelligence. 

The US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, started the National Wild Horse and Burro Program. These animals are gathered off of public range grounds and halter broke so you can lead them. Males are gelded for your protection. It's possible to get a pregnant female. The adoption program helps ensure good grazing ground for the wild population. Since 1971, over 230,000 horses and burros have been adopted into private care. 

When you adopt an animal they are up to date on their vaccinations, dewormed, and Coggins-tested - Equine Infectious Anemia. The Government "freezemarks" them. This is done by shaving an area in the left side of the neck. After a branding iron is dipped into liquid nitrogen (-346 degrees F) , it is applied to the shaved area. This is said to be painless.  

The branding symbols follow the Alpha Angle Symbol System. There is a chart to tell you which symbols to use to brand the horses' birthdate, date you branded, etc. Some symbols are: = ll < L V. 

I spoke with a woman who has previously adopted a Mustang. The buyer has to saddle break the animal and maintain it's health - shots, food, shelter, water, exercise, etc. - normal pet care expenses with a larger dollar figure applied. After a year, you submit paperwork to the Government and they send a "Certificate of Title" and the animal is yours!! 

If you are past the "Arabian, Tennessee Walker, Quarter Horse" - name brand ideal - these are some beautiful animals. All of them I saw were born in the spring of 2011 - March or April. All were used to being around people and came up to the fence to see me. I had been trying to get a picture of the one above. He side-stepped and turned his head from me. I walked away from him. When I came back to his corral, he came out from the others and "posed." I was too slow - he posed for maybe 10 seconds and shifted. I guess when you're looking at a pretty baby with a camera - you better be faster - or not leave their presence! 

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Be good to the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. ever Toodles!! MONA