Summary: ONE Wild Mustang, ONE Brazos Valley Trainer, ONE Hundred Days to get ready....for Extreme Mustang Makeover! Meet Careen Hammock and "Taz!"
Brazos Valley Reporter
Feature Story
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Wild Mustang in the Brazos
In our unending support of animals, we have a special story to share with you. Come with me and meet a Wild Mustang straight from the Nevada hills and his trainer in the Brazos Valley. From Wild to "Mild" in 100 days!
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SPECIAL LINKS: Slide show of Careen and Wild Mustang "Taz">
Related Links: Extreme Mustang Makeover Column by Careen Hammock>
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Brazos Valley Reporter
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Bryan Texas, August 14, 2008 – The last time I saw a Wild Mustang, I was on the Outer Banks of North Carolina where magnificent Spanish Mustangs roam freely. I was driving a new Corvette and gladly stopped in the road to give passage to an entire group of Mustangs. They stood towering above the Corvette, not the least bit intimidated by cars or humans. You could sense their free spirit. They were "Wild" Mustangs, but all that really meant was they were born and lived in the wild....roaming freely...living life. Be assured however, they were not broke or ready for close contact with people. While Mustangs are most often referred to as wild horses, the more correct term is feral horses. The feral Mustang population currently exceeds 33,000, with more than half of those found in Nevada.
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On a hot Texas afternoon in August I was on my way to a Brazos Valley farm to meet Careen Hammock and a Wild Mustang named "Taz." Careen had been chosen earlier this year to be one of only 200 trainers from across the nation to participate in the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover competition in Fort Worth, Texas and the only participant from the Brazos Valley. Those chosen are assigned a Wild Mustang to gentle and prepare for competition. They have 100 days to accomplish this and it's off to Fort Worth for the competition. As we have horses ourselves, I'm used to being around horses. However, I had no idea quite what to expect in meeting a Wild Mustang who was only partially through his 100 days. But then....I had not yet met Careen and I was in for quite a surprise. Within minutes of meeting Careen that evening I knew she was a very special person, with a great personality, that would have a very special way with animals. She was born to do this! For her, this opportunity was a dream come true and she fully intends to enjoy every minute of it and ensure that Taz receives the best of care and training. Taz will be up for adoption after the Extreme Mustang Makeover event in September as will the other 199 Mustangs. |
Careen Hammock with Taz |
While I was expecting quite an animated horse and prepared to keep a cautious distance of needed, what I found that evening was a wonderfully gentled horse who really enjoys being with people. Careen had worked her "magic" and Taz was well on his way to finishing. Although Taz was as gentle as any horse I've ever stood beside, Careen assured me it didn't start out that way and there had been many challenges along the way to arriving at his current level. Careen is up early each morning before most of us roll over good and on her way to her labor of love. After working Taz in the early mornings, it's off to her full time job many miles away in College Station. Then, each evening, she resumes with Taz. Her days are full, but she's doing what she loves!
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Taz going to sleep on us! Wild to MILD!
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By the time we had finished talking, Taz was almost asleep! Check those eyes....
Careen has done a magnificent job with Taz. She literally beams with excitement about what she's doing. Her compassion and love of animals along with her dedication to this effort will serve her well. We encourage you to write and support Careen's efforts as she enters the final countdown to the approaching Extreme Mustang Makeover. Careen has joined LifeintheBrazos.com as a columnist and will keep us up to date with her progress in the countdown. Please visit Careen's Extreme Mustang Makeover Column to hear her story directly and learn more about the 100 days and the competition. Check back often for updates.
Visit Careen's new Extreme Mustang Makeover column>
Visit our Slide show of Careen and Taz>
We will be adding more photos to this slide show as they become available.
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Don't miss the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Worth September 18-21 and give your support to Careen and Taz!
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- Brazos Valley Reporter -
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