Wild to Mild
Saturday’s travels led us further south in Michigan to Reality’s Chance Rescue Sanctuary, another Harvest Host experience. Rescuing mustangs is the centerpiece of this sanctuary which was founded in 2011 by Laura Hauenstein.
To contain the population of wild horses on Bureau of Land Management land in the west, wild horses are rounded up by helicopters and placed in “holding facilities.” The process is dangerous and traumatic for these beautiful creatures. The luckiest ones are transported to rescue ranches like the property we visited. Sanctuaries rehabilitate the horses, taking them from wild to mild so they can be re-homed.
Laura began with one horse, her beloved Real, whose formal name was Reality. What began as a hobby became her passion. As her property expanded, so too her capacity, enabling care for up to 25 horses. Multiple paddocks afford separation as wild horses learn to co-exist in confined spaces during their gentling process. Patience is a virtue, as rescued horses often need time to just be a horse—grazing in a pasture with no expectations or duties—before any training can begin. Over the course of the property’s ten year history, hundreds of horses have been cared for, gentled, and “adopted out” by Laura and her volunteer staff.
Earning a Paycheck
Sunday’s journey landed us in Fremont, Ohio at a Law Enforcement Canine Training facility. This morning we observed training exercises as the canine students performed building searches to identify hidden drugs. Their “paycheck” is a rubber toy to chew and lots of petting and affirmation. They loved pleasing their handlers!
Onward to Pennsylvania and New York to two vineyards and an orchard!
Really fun, Anne. Loved looking up their individual equines on their website, too. The dogs look really interesting, as well. You guys are having way too much fun! Thank you for sharing it with us. Safari njema (safe travels in Kiswahili).
I’m amazed at all the interesting places you’ve discovered! There are so many people dong such great things. Thank you for highlighting them!!!
Safe travels 🙂
Wow! It is hard to believe the population of wild mustangs needs to be managed in a time when so many species are endangered and have no more free roam space. Glad to see you indulging your love of horses, Anne! I love German Shepherds and am amazed by how smart and protective they are. Safe travels!