Many live unaware that here in the United States, thousands of wild horses run free. About 80,000, to be precise. This has caused a bit of a problem with overpopulation, so to fix that, the Bureau of Land Management began collecting mustangs off the range every year since 1971. These mustangs are shipped to training centers around the US.

The nearest training facility is in Alhambra, Illinois, and two years ago, I stumbled out of “normal” horse training and into the Legendary Mustang Sanctuary.

Every few months, the Legendary Mustang Sanctuary gets a new shipment of horses–wild, snorting, untamed horses. Per the BLM’s rules, it’s our job as trainers to gentle them–to teach them to accept touch, a halter, a lead rope, basic commands, and vet checks–within 90 days.

Training a mustang is difficult, dangerous, and at times, frustrating–but one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. Stay tuned to follow the path of a mustang, from the moment it’s rounded up to its first day under saddle.