Mustang Close-Up

"Jefferson Mustang" (AKA "Jeff")

Jefferson and Julie
(The Danada Asst. Manager)

Vicki Strykowski writes:

"Jefferson was the first horse to be adopted for the Wild Horse Project at the Danada Equestrian Center. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns Danada and there are over 120 volunteers who help the staff run the center. The public is welcome to visit the horses and walk through the barn 365 days of the year. All of the horses at Danada are donated, and there is usually a herd of around 22, including some draft horses that are used for hay rides. Danada does offer classes in horsemanship, beginner through advanced. People are taught how to halter, lead, groom and tack before being taught balanced seat riding.

"In starting the Wild Horse Project, Matt Trynoski, the Manager and motivating force behind Danada, wanted to offer the public first hand knowledge of the existence and history of the wild horses. It was also an opportunity for the volunteers to learn how to work with a wild horse, and assist in the training of a green horse. Jefferson was more than we could have hoped for in a horse to be used for this type of program. From the beginning, he was extremely friendly and we had a hard time convincing people that he was a 'wild' horse. In fact, at the adoption on June 26, 1998, as he was in the haltering chute, the wrangler bent down to put his halter on, looked back and said, 'This one's already broke!'

"Even though we were going slowly with his training, because not only was he our first wild horse experience, but we wanted the public to be able to view and understand the concept of gentling rather than breaking, Jeff was under saddle within 2 weeks. He was out on trail within 3 months. We take a winter break because we don't have an indoor arena, so Jeff had to wait for his first 'lesson' until April '99, which was 9 months after he arrived at Danada. In May of that same year (less than a year after he was adopted), Jeff was also used in our summer camp, where 10-14 year olds get to lead and groom the horses. We keep the majority of our horses in a herd, and I was worried about how Jeff would handle it, since he is definitely the smallest horse we have. We introduced him one at a time in a separate paddock until he had met everyone but the draft horses. His nickname is now "James Cagney," because his size in no way stops him from being the biggest guy around. He's treated like everyone's little brother, and he does his best to keep all of the mares with him. He shows respect for Bonanza, the herd boss, and has befriended Peaches, who until then was a complete loner. There's definitely something special about wild horses!

"Things went so well with Jefferson we adopted our second horse on April 4, 1999. Sundance is going through the same training process, but is a much different horse than Jeff. He is much more cautious and wary, but is becoming just as lovable."

Jefferson getting ready
for his rider
With Matt, learning how to overcome fear.
(Looks more to us like he's
enjoying the shade!)


Vital Statistics

Foaled: 1995 / Gelding
Herd: Owyhee HMA, nr. Winnemucca, NV
Present Owner: Danada Equestrian Center
(Donated by Vicki Strykowski
Present Location: Illinois
Email Vicki: vstrykowski@prodigy.net

Check out Jefferson's buddy Sundance


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