In the heart of Washington County, a remarkable program is forging unlikely bonds and transforming futures, one wild mustang and one teenager at a time. Teens and Oregon Mustangs, an initiative founded in 2008 by Erica FitzGerald in North Plains, has emerged as a beacon of hope for both the majestic, untamed horses of the West and the young people dedicated to their care.
A Unique Partnership Forged in Washington County
The premise of Teens and Oregon Mustangs is as straightforward as it is profound: it pairs wild horses, often those rescued from overpopulated herds roaming public lands, with teenagers eager to learn. For a concentrated period of 100 days, these young trainers embark on an intensive journey. Their mission is to build trust, provide essential training, and ultimately prepare these mustangs for competition and, crucially, for adoption into loving forever homes. It’s a delicate balance of patience, discipline, and understanding, fostering a connection that often transcends the arena.
This focused timeframe is designed to maximize the learning for both horse and human. The wild nature of the mustangs demands a nuanced approach, teaching the teenagers advanced horsemanship skills that go beyond typical riding lessons. They learn to communicate without words, to interpret subtle cues, and to guide these powerful animals through trust and respect, laying the groundwork for a secure future for the mustangs.
Showcasing Progress at the Annual Competition
The culmination of this intensive 100-day training period is an annual competition, a highly anticipated event held during Labor Day weekend at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany. This gathering serves as a grand showcase for the incredible progress made by both the mustangs and their teenage trainers. Throughout various challenges, the horses demonstrate their newfound skills and responsiveness, highlighting the dedication and effort poured into their training.
The event is more than just a competition; it’s an expo and an auction, drawing in spectators, potential adopters, and horse enthusiasts from across the region. It’s here that the public can witness firsthand the remarkable transformation of these formerly wild animals into well-adjusted, adoptable companions. The atmosphere is one of celebration, recognizing the immense achievement of both the human and equine participants.
Dual Benefits: Skills and Second Chances
The benefits derived from the Teens and Oregon Mustangs program extend far beyond the horses themselves. Participants gain not only advanced horsemanship skills but also invaluable life lessons in responsibility, perseverance, and empathy. The sense of accomplishment that comes from taming a wild animal and preparing it for a new life is immeasurable.
For some, the rewards are also significant financially. The thorough training and preparation received in the program elevate the value of these mustangs considerably. Some trained horses have been known to sell for up to $36,000 at the auction, providing a tangible return for the hard work and dedication invested by the teenagers. This initiative provides a meaningful alternative for teenagers, offering them a unique pathway to skill development and personal growth that combines passion with practical experience.
Addressing Oregon’s Mustang Overpopulation Crisis
Beyond the individual success stories, the program plays a critical role in addressing a pressing environmental issue in Oregon: the severe overpopulation of wild horses. The statistics are stark: approximately 8,000 wild horses currently reside in areas across Oregon that can sustainably support only around 200. This dramatic imbalance leads to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and often, hardship for the horses themselves.
By facilitating the adoption of these mustangs into private homes, Teens and Oregon Mustangs directly contributes to mitigating this crisis. Each horse placed through the program is one less straining the limited resources of public lands, offering a humane and effective solution to a complex ecological challenge. This vital work is an important piece of news for conservation efforts and animal welfare advocacy in the state. The program truly gives these magnificent creatures a second chance at a rich and full life.
In essence, Teens and Oregon Mustangs is a testament to the power of human-animal connection. It’s a program that not only reshapes the destinies of wild horses but also molds the character of young individuals, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout communities and for the future of wild equine populations in Oregon and beyond.
