There's a new horse in my life, and people have questions. Who is Winslow? Where did he come from and what is he? I get it. I always want to know those details, too, so today's post is all about Winslow.
Winslow is a 2017 mustang gelding from the Paisley Desert (Oregon) HMA. He was part of an emergency gather in 2020 and lived in holding until 2022, when he was adopted and then shown in a one hundred day mustang makeover challenge. He remained with his first owner/trainer until last October, when Pam bought him and brought him to Colorado.
Winslow stands about 14.2 hands tall and weighs approximately one thousand fifty pounds. He's stout.
Although it's not visible in any of my photos, he does have a BLW freeze brand on the left side of his neck.
You can see it here in an older picture I found on Facebook.
If I squint really hard, I can kind of make it out. Kind of.
Like any good mustang owner, Pam had his DNA done. His top three breeds are, in order, Fell pony, Quarter Horse and Missouri Foxtrotter.
I can totally see the Quarter Horse and Missouri Foxtrotter, but Fell pony? That's a fun twist.
Personality-wise, this horse is a cuddlebug.
He loves people, and he wants to be next to someone all the time. He's not rude or pushy about it, but he gets the point across.
He's quiet to ride, but not particularly polished.
He's spent more time on the trail than inside an arena, and it shows. That's one of the things we'll be working on together.
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Wow! Fell pony! Now that’s out of left field. He’s so cute. I hope he gives you some great rides and I know you’ll give him some great grooming and new experiences.
ReplyDeleteHe's absolutely GORGEOUS. Congrats on your new friend!
ReplyDeleteHe’s a beautiful boy! But… Fell Pony?! That’s why I don’t put much stock in these DNA companies. No offense to you, Pam, or handsome Winslow.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, only a very few DNA testers I trust
DeleteTexas A&M did his DNA and they are one of the most trusted. If you saw him in person, it might make more sense to you. I thought that he was part small draft. I have known several Fell ponies and they do look like a small draft. (This is Pam Pierce)
DeleteBased on just his photos, a lot of people guessed he had some UK pony, just not the right UK pony. It's definitely reasonable to assume there's a good whack of pony in there. In general, horse DNA analysis is not as precise as dog DNA analysis, but I absolutely can see the UK pony, American stock horse and American gaited influences.
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DeleteHe’s just lovely and I’m SO GLAD he’s with you right now! I am very curious about the Fell Pony, because I thought they were an endangered breed and not very many of them are left. So how the heck did one/some wind up in the American West? So interesting!
DeleteHe seems like a solid citizen, testament of a good brain and solid start. Makes me even sadder thinking of all those horses in BLM holding that also could be nice horses for people or should still be free.
ReplyDeleteAww he's a cutie 🥰
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you two do together!
Looking forward to getting to know him. I love that he's part MFT, of course. And I love his secret brand too ;)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful horse. I hope you build a good solid trusting bond because yall will be partners for life. Definitely your💙🐴❤️horse 🥹
ReplyDeleteWe aren't going to be partners for life. He has a good mama. He's just here for a little while getting miles and helping me over the losing Olive hump.
DeleteHere's a question for you---if he is a mixture of all these breeds, then why is he considered a mustang?? Wouldn't he just be a mixed breed??
ReplyDeleteMustang is a term used to describe free ranging feral horses living on land administered by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). They are not a breed in the traditional sense, although some herds are very distinct genetically.
DeleteThis is so fun! I stumbled across this blog when I saw a link to the model horse painted in his likeness on FB! I was Winslow's original adopter he's always been such an amazing boy and has such a special place in my heart. He was the kindest mustang I ever gentled, he was riding at only 5 days out of holding. I'm so thrilled he's loved in his new home as much as he deserves.
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