KBR Mustang Close-Up: "Sombra"

KBR Horse Net
Mustang Close-Up

"Sombra"

Goodfield's Kiger Sombra was born in 1999 in the Riddle Herd Management Area, Oregon. Sombra was captured September 1999. He was one of three Kiger stallions offered for the competitive bid 1999 BLM internet adoption. The final bidding day approached and our nerves were on edge. We continually watched and placed bids on two Kigers while the clock counted down from hours to minutes, then seconds and when the bidding process had come to an end, we were the proud owners of a yearling Kiger stallion.

Our next step was to pick up our first wild Mustang in Cross Plains, Tennessee. My biggest concern was if our young horse would make the very long trip across the United States in good physical health. On the pick up day, February 18, 2000, we left Cross Plains, Tennessee with our new wild horse. Three and a half hours later we arrived home and unloaded our yearling colt into his new stall.
With two weeks of constant attention our colt accepted a halter and was given the name Sombra. The next several weeks a great deal of time was spent with Sombra in hand and in the round pen. The next six months Sombra’s training advanced to lounging and groundriving. Spring of 2001 Sombra started his training under saddle. He accepted this next step in training well. The next few months were spent working on giving to bit pressure and leg aids, along with upward and downward transitions at the walk, trot and canter. Occasional trail rides and tracking cattle were a real treat for Sombra, as he shows a strong herding instinct.
In June 2001, Sombra was featured in an article in The New York Times about the BLM internet adoption program. After the article, arrangements were made to exhibit Sombra in the parade of breeds at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. To prepare for the exhibition plans were made to acclimate Sombra to the atmosphere of the show arena and spectators so he was taken to a few large horse shows.
On August 11th and 12th Sombra was exhibited in the parade of breeds at the Kentucky Horse Park. All the preparation prepared him well for this milestone in his life. Sombra attracted attention of large groups inquiring information about the gentling process of wild horses, Sombra’s training and the Kiger Mustangs.
Future plans for Sombra will be to promote the Kiger Mustang by continuing his training for reining and all around work, and minimal breeding. We are very pleased with Sombra’s progress and find his willingness to please an admirable trait, from what we understand, is commonly found in the Kiger Mustang.