KBR Horse Net
Mustang Close-Up

California Jackpot ("CJ")

Part 2
Recently we have seen a few bulletin board posts from persons warning that mustangs were flighty or unpredictable. Our experience has been the exact opposite. While many may exhibit natural survival instincts until they become confident and socialized in their new environment, we have found them to be very bright, quick learners, quick to adjust when placed in a proper domestic environment, quick to "come back" when startled, and when treated correctly (e.g., if the horse can trust the human), extremely loyal and trustworthy.
CJ taking his daily 11:00 nap

In the winter of 1987/88 Patty Thomas took over the care and training of CJ.

Patty demonstrating CJ's clearheadedness,
Navagating obstacles while waving a plastic bag on a crop
at the April, 1998 Vallejo, CA, wild horse adoption.

On May 1, 1998, CJ and Patty were in a group riding out in Contra Loma and the Black Diamond Mines regional parks when they got caught up in a mudslide. While everyone got themselves extricated, one of the horses got hurt. CJ not only made it through mud and a very marshy meadow in order to get out, but he set off alone to get the trailer to bring back to a rendesvous point to pick up the other horses.

Patty on CJ in Contra Loma Park
Willis on Havilynn
and Patty on CJ
in Contra Loma Park
CJ hanging with his buddy Prints

Vital Statistics

Foaled: 1987 / Gelding
Herd: Goldfield (Nye County, NV)
Present Owner: Debbie Gulley
Present Location: California

Continue to Part 3; "CJ at the Vallejo Adoption"

Return to Part 1

Other "CJ" closeups appear in the following links:

"CJ and Scooter"

"The Landslide Incident"

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