OAT
has 3 horses which are leased to us by Mike and Shirley Newman of Dalhart, TX. All 3 horses have one significant thing
in common. Their mother is an adopted wild Mustang. The Bureau of
Land Management Wild Horse and Burro adoption program is a program that helps find a home for wild horses. “Sugar”
came with a freeze brand on her neck and an ear tag in her ear. The Newman’s picked her up in November 1980 at an adoption
in Green River Wyoming. They picked up 4 horses at that time. Sugar was only about 6
months old. She was a pretty gray mare and she became a very important part of the Newman family.
Sugar passed away about 4 years ago at the age of 22.
“Pumpkin”
is a 10 year old (1999), gray mare out of Skip Wond Bar, owned by Jess Robertson, and the mustang mare “Sugar”.
Pumpkin was started by Mike and finished in the feedlot (XIT Feedlot) by Mike’s nephew Trent Newman.
“Bluebird” is an 18 year old (1991), speckled gray mare out of Docs
King George, a Strawberry Appaloosa owned by Jess Robertson, and the mustang mare “Sugar”. Bluebird
was started by Mike and finished in the feedlot (XIT Feedlot) by Mike’s brother Terry Newman.
“Chester” is a 14 year old (1995), sorrel gelding out of Docs King George, a Strawberry Appaloosa owned
by Jess Robertson, and the mustang mare “Sugar”. He is a full brother to “Bluebird”.
Chester was started by Mike and then finished at the feedlot by Heath Smith. Chester can be a bit
finicky about who rides him and he does not like to be “made” to do anything but if you make him think it is his
idea he works just fine. While he might be a bit picky about his “cowboy riders” he is so patient
and kind with the kids. He wants to be used and he is very happy to carry the kids. He
does not like to be left behind.
All 3 horses and their owners are a blessing to OAT
and we are so grateful for the Newman family and their willingness to share these wonderful horses with our program.
To learn more about adopting a wild horse or
burro check out this link https://www.blm.gov/adoptahorse/
