Has Your Mustang Ever Tried to Protect You?
Mustang protective behavior can take unexpected forms. On a rainy morning at the farm, Floki went from fearing my raincoat to trying to get it off me, and I believe he was trying to protect me.
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Do Horses Feel Empathy?
If you’ve ever asked, “Do horses feel empathy?” online, you’ve probably met this comment: “Stop anthropomorphizing.” And sure — I understand the caution. Humans can project motives where we don’t have proof, and horses don’t think in words the way we do. They aren’t building moral arguments in their heads. They aren’t writing explanations for…
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Why People Love Mustangs: The Wild Kind of Trust
Floki didn’t have to choose me. But he did—and that changed everything. Why people love mustangs: because when a wild horse chooses you—really chooses you—it feels like belonging. There’s a kind of closeness you can earn with most horses—through time, consistency, good hands, and the steady comfort of being a familiar part of their world….
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The Heart Horse I Almost Sent Back – Fading Hoofbeats
If you’re new here, Fading Hoofbeats is the long ride I’m planning with my two wild-born mustangs—Devil’s Garden Lagertha and McGavin Peak Floki. We’re still in the early “figuring each other out” chapter, and this is one of my favorite heart horse stories from that beginning. I didn’t pick my heart horse. In fact, the…
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Floki’s Trust: A Quiet Moment in the Pasture
A quiet pasture moment with Floki reveals the heart of Mustang training: trust over instinct, partnership over fear.
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Lagertha’s Surprise: A Mustang Mare’s Journey to Motherhood
When I decided to buy a pair of mustangs last fall, I wanted mares but not foals. My journey took an unexpected turn when Lagertha, my chosen mare, showed signs of pregnancy. From suspecting her condition to preparing for the foal, and the surprise arrival of baby Kjetil, this story explores the challenges and joys of mustang motherhood. Join me as I navigate this emotional and rewarding experience, reflecting on the bond formed with Lagertha and her foal, and the future plans for our little family.
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Gaining Lagertha’s Trust
In “Gaining Lagertha’s Trust,” the author shares the intimate process of building a connection with a wild mustang mare. Through patience, understanding, and a series of small, trust-building actions, a unique bond begins to form. This narrative offers insights into the nuances of equine behavior and the importance of gentle, respectful approaches in horse training.
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Our First Meeting
Today marked the first day of an incredible journey with Lagertha, my newly adopted Devil’s Garden mustang mare. From the initial, cautious approach to sharing moments of trust and connection, this experience is more than just about horse adoption; it’s about forming a bond that speaks beyond words. As we navigate this new beginning, each step brings us closer, highlighting the beauty of patience and the strength of a gentle approach.
