You don’t know Jack? Well, some of you do, and others may be meeting him for the first time. Either way, there’s a lot more to this handsome mustang than meets the eye. Jack has been with AAE for quite some time, and his journey has been one of patience, persistence, and learning to trust. Whether you’ve known Jack or you are just getting acquainted, his story is worth knowing.
JACK
This handsome guy, Jack, came to AAE in February 2021 with his buddy, Nash. A big, handsome 2008-ish tribal mustang, Jack had spent roughly half his life at a sanctuary before arriving at AAE following a law enforcement intervention. He had lived in a herd of about a dozen horses and two donkeys, but as far as we know, he had never been touched or haltered.
When Jack arrived, he was calm, cool, and easy-going, but he had a very firm bubble. You could approach him, but crossing that invisible line was another story. In smaller spaces, he lost confidence and became reactive.
Jack has had amazing opportunities to learn and grow, including participating in a five-day workshop with Patrick Sullivan of Modern Day Horsemanship and spending several months at the Monty Roberts International Learning Center, where he was a project horse for the wild horse gentling and handling course and interns. He made progress. He became touchable across his body, and once haltered, much easier to handle. That first touch and haltering remains most difficult for him.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 5
Facility and Special Projects Volunteer Day at AAE
Today, he’s halterable in a small space and his confidence with humans is growing. His progress is slow, but it’s progress. His bubble is much smaller, and with patience and kindness, you can move through. He’s learning, little by little, that people can be trusted. At AAE, he’s getting intermittent handling to continue progress, though he’ll benefit from more frequent and consistent handling.
Jack isn’t a horse who needs someone focused on how quickly he can be ridden. He needs someone willing to build a relationship first. He needs patience and consistency. Slow, steady, daily work will do wonders. A pasture environment with a small paddock and/or round pen for continued groundwork is ideal.
Jack is a long-term project, and he’ll take a special-skilled person to become a trustworthy riding horse. Underneath all that uncertainty is a gentle soul who is trying to overcome his fears. For Jack, earning trust isn’t about one big breakthrough, it’s about all those little moments that slowly build that special connection.
Jack is still waiting for the person who is willing to take that journey with him. He or she has no motives beyond Jack becoming the best he can be. We know you’re out there!
If you sound like a good match for Jack, we’d love to hear from you! You can fill out our Adoption Inquiry form to get started.
Even if you can’t adopt, you can still help! Please share Jack’s story with someone who might be willing and able to open their heart and home to him!
