This was honestly such a thorough and thoughtful breakdown, and I really appreciate the time and effort you put into writing all of this out. I’ll be real, I already knew a lot of what you covered, but seeing it explained so clearly step-by-step really helped solidify things in my head. The way you emphasized timing, release, and especially reading body language hit home for me, because that’s been one of the biggest learning curves working with mustangs.

I’m 20 and didn’t grow up in the horse world, so everything I’ve learned has been through a lot of trial, error, and figuring things out the hard way. It’s been stressful at times trying to prove myself and do right by these horses, but working with mustangs is what’s gotten me this far, and I’ve managed to build something I’m really proud of. Reading responses like yours helps me feel like I’m on the right track and reminds me that the fundamentals really do matter.

Seriously, thank you again for taking the time to share all of this. Even when it’s stuff I’ve heard before, having it reinforced in such a detailed and thoughtful way means a lot.

I really resonate with this, I often find myself getting attached to one horse and only wanting to work with them. So I'm constantly reminding myself that I've got to work with more than just one, so I can keep growing my experience.

I'm a firm advocate that people should accept change. Yes its uncomfortable, yes sometimes its scary, but its nature.

I didn’t grow up around horses, and I definitely wasn’t handed an easy way into that world. What I found instead were mustangs, the ones nobody wants, the ones people call “too much.” There’s nothing glamorous about working with them. You don’t control them, you don’t dominate them, you stand there and earn every inch of trust. It’s slow, emotional, and humbling. They don’t care who you are or what you have. If they choose to trust you, it’s because you learned to listen.

I get the criticism, I really do. There are parts of horse culture that feel elitist and disconnected. But for me, loving a horse means constantly questioning myself and trying to do right by them. Riding isn’t about forcing them, it’s about building them up physically and mentally so it’s not painful or unfair. It’s not perfect, and I’m still learning every day, but this isn’t about status or aesthetics for me. It’s about showing up, doing the hard work, and building something honest with an animal that owes me nothing.

If you have to ask for advice on what to choose, definitely don't have a kid. The child has no say in being born, your roof is their floor. You should have your mind set on giving that kid the best life you can and the life they deserve. I personally have a mother that likes to remind me that she gave up her life, goals, dreams, and her body for her kids (me and my siblings). That feeling that I somehow ruined her life with her choice to have me is draining. No kid should have to feel like its their fault that you decided to have them. So if you are unsure if you want to have a kid or buy a horse, you should buy a horse. Because deep down you could start resenting your child because you decided to have them instead of getting your horse. I understand that you are going about this logically, but I still believe if you are questioning the two, the horse is the safer option, as you can sell a horse when you no longer wish to deal with it. A child, you don't really have that option or freedom.

Mustangs are my favorite breed. My reasons why are: They are sure footed and often have hard feet compared to most other horses, which makes them good trail horses. They have a different way of thinking and processing their emotions which allows them to slow down and think before freaking out most of the time haha. I also just have a sweet spot for them because my favorite movie as a kid and still now is Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron.